Life’s Choices
Blessings and Curses

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 30:19

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

In our scripture passage for today, Moses was finishing up his duty as leader of the Israelites. The next chapter goes into detail about how Joshua would succeed Moses as leader of God’s people. Before taking the final journey into eternity, Moses spoke to Israel about choices! He had laid out the “blessings” of following God, as well as the “curses” should they go their own way! As we read this, it seems like a “no brainer” to follow God and, thus, receive God’s blessings. But this is not so easy. Simple, yes, but not easy. Moses had reminded them earlier in Deuteronomy 30:11:

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” Anyone can follow God, if they want to, but it is a choice that must be made. The worldly options, at times, seem very appealing and enticing to our “flesh!”

In this life, God does indeed ask, “Deal or No Deal?” You are not given the option for both or sitting on the “fence” line. You must choose! God has blessings, but they won’t always be immediate. Some won’t come in this life. The world offers immediate strokes to our flesh, but soon leaves us with emptiness of soul. So, here is the deal God offers: look at what Jesus did in His short life; look at the cross He died on for you; ask for forgiveness and invite Jesus to live within you. Our part, from that point on, is to always choose good, not evil, and righteous living, not sinful behavior. It’s a great deal. Will you take it?

Father, I choose this day to take the deal you’ve offered. I receive Jesus into my life. Please forgive my sins and I commit to following you and your will! In Jesus’ Name, amen.