The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "THE JOY OF OBEDIENCE" for Monday, 24 October 2016 with Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1-6

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "THE JOY OF OBEDIENCE" for Monday, 24 October 2016 with Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1 “If you listen closely to what Adonai your God says, observing and obeying all his mitzvot which I am giving you today, Adonai your God will raise you high above all the nations on earth; 2 and all the following blessings will be yours in abundance — if you will do what Adonai your God says:
3 “A blessing on you in the city, and a blessing on you in the countryside.
4 “A blessing on the fruit of your body, the fruit of your land and the fruit of your livestock — the young of your cattle and flocks.
5 “A blessing on your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.
6 “A blessing on you when you go out, and a blessing on you when you come in.

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All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.[Deuteronomy 28:2 (NIV)]
Recently, I saw a student rocking his chair in class. I reminded him that another student had fallen while rocking his chair and had needed to go to the hospital for stitches. I told the student not to rock the chair, and I continued helping another student with his mathematics. A few minutes later, when the student who was rocking his chair fell, I was reminded of how often characters in the Bible struggled to obey God.
In scripture, God calls us to obey because obedience will lead to blessings. Moses challenged Israel in today’s reading to “carefully follow all [the LORD’S] commands.” Moses reminded Israel that in keeping them, “all these blessings will come on you and accompany you.” Their cities would be blessed. Their families and farms would be blessed. They would experience abundance. Moses concluded, “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

A life of obedience to God requires much and is difficult at times, but the path leads to joy and blessings.
Read more from the author, here.

"More from Mary Ng Shwu Ling"

As a teacher, I feel strongly that obedience is something I want my students to learn because they will be blessed. I've observed that students who are obedient have more time to play, complete their work faster and have lesser corrections. They also have better results and are happier.

Likewise, being obedient to God's word will cause an overflow of blessings within our lives. We will fulfill the will of God and the purpose for our lives.

Prayer: Father God, you made it clear that if we walk in obedience according to your word, we will live an abundant life. Help us to obey you and be blessed by you abundantly![Mary Ng Shwu Ling]

The Author: Mary Ng Shwu Ling (Singapore)
Thought for the Day: How can I be obedient to God today?
Prayer: Father God, help us to obey your commands, especially when we find it difficult. Thank you for the joys and blessings you give us. Amen.
Prayer focus: STUDENTS

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