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Beware strong, talented, disciplined and gifted one!
Rod ShimabukuroHe will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you. Deuteronomy 7:13
Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:17-18
Who the “blank” do you think you are...going against the Lord’s commands? Disobeying His instructions? Allowing idolatry in your life, your families lives, your communities lives? Why would you/we as God followers not listen to and obey specific instructions - that would prove fruit bearing and pleasing to God Himself?
The children of Israel probably desired to walk in and under God’s blessings, receiving His love and the fruit of His favor! Who wouldn’t want an increase of provision, wealth and promises of God’s bright future?
But beware!
Beware unless you or I think we are acquiring gain by our own strength, talent, gifting’s or knowledge.
Beware that we lack follow through, boldness, courage to obey - by destroying enemies - not going with the worlds flow and systems. What if our enemy is the subtle and sly ways of a culture that lures us in through accolades, power, money, fame?
I heard a pastor say that the Lord won’t bless us if we weren’t reading our Bible, practicing spiritual disciplines and if there is sin in our lives. Yet - when is there not sin in our lives? When is the body of Christ ever solid and consistent in daily practice and disciplines of spiritual growth? It’s not to say that we cannot strive towards growing - but on one hand - we don’t have what it takes to win the favor of God through our own practices, strength, deeds - even obedience.
Oh yes - there are consequences for our disobedience, even rebellion. But Praise Be To God - for His marvelous covenant love! That no matter my failures - He will be and is faithful to see me through. I might hurt, be disciplined and corrected... but I believe God is more than a score keeper. He is a faithful, loving, merciful God. HE means business, but thank God for His covenant heart to work and will in me to live and do His good pleasure!
God help me in the areas of my lack of disciplines. Please correct me, with grace and mercy in mind. And Thank You for Your never ending love and grace - to pick me up when I fail You... 10... 100 times a day! You never stop being faithful. Help to have a great respect and fear of You, while being confident in Your love and heart for me. WOW - I’m Your child!
