Don’t mess this up.

From time to time, my kids recall a lesson they all learned when they were in elementary. I’d made plans to surprise them with dinner and afterwards I’d planned to take them to this place they loved, this place has the very best, shaved ice ever! My kids and I loved this place, when we lived in Kansas. Anyway, when my kids were small; they weren’t allowed to have chewing gum, because the gum would end up in their hair, in their covers, on their clothes, carpet, and just about everywhere, so I told them, no gum! However… I found out that they’d been eating gum behind my back, because I caught my youngest daughter chewing gum, and she had a whole pack. So, you know what, I taught them the lesson that there’s consequences for your actions. I told them how I was going to surprise them with dinner and afterwards we were all going to get shaved ice. Then, I told them, because of their disobedience, we weren’t going. They were sad, but guess what, I cooked dinner and they went to bed, fed, just like they did every night. My kids learned early, that obedience brings rewards and disobedience yields consequences.  

I said, all of this to say, “Don’t mess this up.” Don’t allow your desires, feelings or your will, to keep you from all the good things God has in store for you. In Deuteronomy 1, it talks about how everybody except Joshua and Caleb, missed out on the promised land, because they chose to disobey God. Don’t be like the children of Israel and allow your disobedience to keep you from the promise. 1 Samuel 15:22 (BSB), says, “But Samuel declared: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.’” God wants our hearts to be set on Him, so that we can enjoy all the good things He has in store for us. He will take care of us, regardless, but when you obey, that’s an act of faith, and your obedience is what causes God to show up in your life and do what people deem impossible! Obedience gets prayers answered, obedience causes miracles to happen, obedience will cause God to do put favor on your life, unlike you’ve ever dreamed! God will go over and beyond for you. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Anybody can claim to love God, but you know what Jesus said, in John 14:15-16, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you.” This shows us that there’s not only a great reward, but there’s power in your obedience. Our obedience doesn’t benefit God, it benefits us! Don’t mess this up! Just like I cooked and my kids ate, as they always have before their act of disobedience. God will always, take care of you, just as He has in the past, but your obedience will cause Him to bless you in ways, you can’t imagine! Unexpected blessings will follow you! Revelation 3:8 says, “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” You want that special prayer answered? You need a miracle? You want to clearly hear the voice of God? Then, practice obedience. I implore you, people; to get out of your feelings, renounce your will, and to obey the Word of God. For your own sake, please, don’t mess this up. 

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