March 7, 2012 (Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Oh that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear Me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.” Deuteronomy 5:29 NLT
Observation: God wanted the people to incline their heart to fear Him, He wanted them to want to respect and obey Him. The people were afraid for God to speak directly to them again, they wanted Moses to talk to God and tell them what He said. They agreed that if Moses would do this for them, they would listen and obey whatever God said. At this moment the heart of the people was right with God. He was well pleased with them and told of the blessings they would receive if their hearts were to stay in this condition.
Application: Here God reveals to us the secret of a prosperous life. Success and prosperity can come on a limited basis by the means of hard work and dedication only. But to have a heart that fears God and an attitude that refuses to do anything other than obey Him, leads a person and their descendants to prosperity forever! The secret to success and prosperity is obedience to God and His commands, decrees and regulations. Though this may sound legalistic to the human hear, those with spiritual ears can hear and understand the message God is speaking. All men desire God’s favor, but few are willing to pay the price of obedience.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for this day You’ve made, bless it and keep it for Your glory! Thank You for a heart that fears You and respects Your power. Help me be obedient to Your commands, decrees and regulations and walk daily in a reverent fear seeking nothing other than to be pleasing to You. Bless me according to Your will so that I may have to give to others. Teach me and my descendants to obey so that we can experience the prosperity forever You spoke of in Deuteronomy 5:29, in Jesus name, Amen!