Friday, October 23

Look up: Does it really matter?

Intro:
Does what I do impact God's blessing toward me? If I fear the Lord will I see blessings in my life?

Yes.

Not the name it and claim it variety. Not the I will never get sick variety. As a general rule God will bless those who fear Him. God will bless those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Read:
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

5-6 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Think:
From the "blessings and cursings" of Deuteronomy the Israelites always knew that God was looking for those that would fear Him. He said that wealth and life were in His power. He said that a person cannot make money if the Lord is against him.

Here is Psalm 128 we have similar themes. Blessed is the man or woman that fears the Lord. They will:
1. Get a return for their labor and enjoy it! See verse two. There are many in Hollywood, the music industry and professional sports that have money but cannot enjoy it.
2. Have many children (verse 3)! This might not be seen as a blessing anymore. For a man in a work world this was like having employees. They would share the load and produce for the family. As my kids are entering the teens years that sounds like a blessing indeed!
3. Live a long life (verse 6).

Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

Does what I do impact God's blessing toward me? If I fear the Lord will I see blessings in my life? Yes. Not the name it and claim it variety. Not the I will never get sick variety. As a general rule God will bless those who fear Him. God will bless those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Do:
Do you fear the Lord? What would that look like?

If you fear the Lord you will choose His way over your own. You will obey Him. You will walk away from sin. You will worship Him with all your heart. You will love Him above all else. You will listen for His guidance. You will live for His glory.

If you fear the Lord you will experience His special presence and be used by Him mightily. You might also experience material blessing and enjoy it. You might have many employees (kids). You will live eternally.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

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