The bible is full-to-the-brim of God’s promises to us, his people. In a nutshell, God promises to prosper us, give us hope and a future. Sadly, too many Christians seem not to fully grasp this. When they ought to celebrate the full life God has destined for them, they continue living without any hint of joy – defeated and empty.
In contrast, once we come to a place of complete understanding of how grand a design God has for our lives, there wouldn’t be a single moment, even in the midst of difficulties, that we won’t be filled with joy, hope, security (peace) and fulfillment.
So why are many people, especially Christians, not living victoriously? The key is obedience.
John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Side comment: Yes, that’s the title of our blog.
God’s Commands
The word “command” connotes a burden. Something not to be taken lightly for there are consequences. But coming from our heavenly Father, who’s love is perfect, the purpose of God’s commands is not to burden us (like a slave-driver) but to direct us to the “full life” he has in stored for us. That’s his will (desire) for us and anything less of that is NOT his will for you and me.
There are several of God’s commands written in the bible, I know, but if there’s somehow a piece(s) of scripture that could summarize them. It could be these.
Matthew 22: 37-40
Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
And the most pressing mandate is to teach people to do the same:
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. …
Blessings for Obedience
As I’ve said above, God’s commands are not burdensome. I’ve compiled some “Blessings for Obedience” to serve as a reminder that his commands lead us towards his good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives.
Deuteronomy 28:1-13
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today. The Lord your God will
- Set you high above all the nations of earth.
- All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:
- You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
- The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock-the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
- Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.
- You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
- The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
- The Lord will send a blessing on your barns (storehouses) and on everyting you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
- The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him.
- Then all the people of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you.
- The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity – in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground – in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.
- The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.
- You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
- The Lord will make you the head, not the tail … always be at the top, never at the bottom.
The Grace to Obey
The best part of all these is that God gives us the grace to set our hearts towards obedience when we decide to surrender, not just the major part, but every bit of our lives under his Lordship.
