Here Moses is telling the children of Israel what will happen to them when they forsake Him and how God will respond if they will turn BACK to Him!
All is still true today!
When we go our own way, not seeking God we soon find we are not prospering! When we realize we are perishing, we turn to God!
God actually sends storms to turn us back to Him!
Let's face it - when people win the lottery they don't say, "I think I'll turn to God!"
But when we are floundering, we cry out to Him - we turn to God!
"When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them."
The important part is the "turn to the LORD and obey"!
That does not mean just asking God for help and maybe going to church!
No, it means repentance and a change of direction! Instead of doing what you want to do, you do what He wants you to do! Following His Commandments; following His direction!
Wanting relief from the situation you have found yourself in, is not the reason to follow God! Though, that is often how we start! However, when we find out WHO He is and that He is SO worthy of our love and devotion; we find that His ways are not cumbersome, and it is a delight to do His will!
Now, especially during this season that puts so much pressure on people who are already bending under the weight of daily stress, examine your heart!
Lay down the yoke of the world, and yoke up with Him!
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”" (Matthew 11:30 NKJV)
It's light because He carries the weight, IF we stop trying to pull against Him!
So how do change your direction?
How do you get off the merry-go-round?
- By humbling yourself (laying down your pride)!
- And repenting of your sin!
- Confessing one to another the sins you have stuffed down in your heart and repenting of all of the unforgiveness, pride, judgements, bitterness, anger, fear, and worry you have held onto (forever) and ask for forgiveness for all of your rebellion!
- Repent of having and cast down your idols!
It seems like a great deal of effort and it is! And painful too!
Anything worth having takes effort! You get what you put into any relationship! You put in nothing - you get nothing!
This is actually THE most important act of your life!
Fully turning, to follow The LORD is beyond huge!
Not to be taken lightly!
This is something no one can do for you!
Not your mom or dad!
Not your girlfriend or spouse!
Not your teacher!
You and you alone have to make this decision!
This is life changing!
By turning your life over to Him, you are giving up your rights! You are giving up control! You will no longer be free to do your thing! You are in essence accepting servitude, over independence!
THAT is what it means to be a Christian - a follower of Christ!
THAT is what it means "you were bought with a price!" (1Cor 6:20)
If you have not done that - then you are just a church goer!
You are not the church!
Examine your heart!
Repent!
Seek Him with your whole heart and soul!!!!
Make HIM the only thing you desire this year!!!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 12/3/14, 1/18/17
“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Luke 5:11 KJV
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33 KJV
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