Key Verse: Deuteronomy 28:2
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God…

In verse one of today’s reading, Moses makes it clear that he does not refer to all the previous rules and regulations he has given the people, but only that which he states “today.” In chapters 26 and 27, he repeats the word “today” four times. These chapters were all one message. In our readings to come, we’ll see why Israel brought blessings and curses upon themselves. There are 68 verses in Deuteronomy 28; only the first 14 have to do with blessings, 54 are about curses. What does that emphasis say to us? Obedience to God brings blessings, and disobedience brings curses. This is the principle of “sowing and reaping.” The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Let us remember always that every action has a consequence. Blessings “overtake” us, and so do curses. This is one of Moses’ final messages to all Israel. We may want to pay close attention.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Overtake me, Lord God, with Your blessings. Please give me the grace of obedience to these final commands given by Moses. Help me to know the difference between right and wrong and to always do what is right. Lord Jesus, You gave a prayer which made a sinful man right in God’s sight. I pray that prayer now… “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Amen! (check out Luke 18:9-14).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember when Rev. Don Osbourne told our staff chapel that while battling a serious illness he had dreamed of a highway with two cars travelling on it. The first car had written on its side the word “understanding.” The second car was marked “peace.” The “peace” car was seen to “overtake” and pass the first. Don realized that God was confirming to him that the peace which comes from God overtakes and surpasses our understanding (see Philippians 4:6-7). God gave peace to Don in the midst of illness and proceeded to heal him shortly thereafter. I have been so very blessed by people God has sent to work with me through the years. I have truly been overtaken by blessings!!!!!

Yours for God’s blessings,

David