Read Deuteronomy 11:22-28
"A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day" (v. 27).
Some children think the only reason to behave well for the teacher is that there might be some candy to be had at the end of the day. This can make it easier for the teacher to keep them in line. "Now remember, you must sit quietly during the lesson or you cannot have any candy when it is time to go home." The candy seems to be either a blessing or a curse depending entirely on the actions and attitudes of the children.
The promise of blessings and curses that come through our obedience or defiance is more than just a bribe to get us to behave as God would have us to behave. God has ordered this world. Just as rebelling against the laws of physics brings harm from a crash, defying God's commands will cause pain. God knows how He designed this world to work, and even though the sin of mankind has altered life from its perfect way, there is still room for happiness and contentment in our world. The only way to find these joys is by following God's commands. (Michelle D Avery)
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay.
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross
But is blest if we trust and obey
- John H Sammis
Victory is only available God's way.
This devotional was taken from Monday, September 9, 2013, of the Opening the Word, September, October, November 2013. Order your copy!