God has always wanted to bless His people. He loves to see His people happy and enjoying their relationship with Him.

The world will never understand what a blessing it is to have your sins forgiven, your name written down in the Book of Life, and be sure that Heaven will be your Home when you die. You can also enjoy fellowship with Him and have your prayers answered. While on earth, there will be some trouble, but God can help deliver you out of them.

The Lord never makes anyone a robot. He leaves every believer with the power to choose. If you walk according to His Word and by His Spirit, you can have the blessing He wants to give you.

On the other hand, if you choose to stay in your sin (check up on your salvation: God makes true believers “new creatures” who enjoy doing the will of God – not perfect, but growing), and know that God will not bless you. Your blessings will dry up, and God will work against you (the curse).

Someone may say: That is the Old Testament and God does not work that way anymore. The truth is He does not change. Yes, we are under grace and forgiveness can be quickly obtained. Still, there is such a thing as chastisement (see Hebrews 12 – New Testament).

In conclusion, like the verse says: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day.”

Which way will you choose – to obey carefully or not?

As you read the Scriptures, you will occasionally come across verses and statements such as the one above. Although it is not often taught, it still is a valid New Testament principle for today.

The Apostle Paul beseeches (asks) the readers of this letter, because of the mercy that God has shown to you through Christ, to willingly yield yourself to Him to accomplish the will of God through you. Believers are to offer their bodies to His service and not do what they want with their lives.

To present your body to God means that you must tell God that you are ready to do what He wants every day from now on. You must be willing to live for His glory and not your own. Because of our sinful nature which we will continue to have until we die, this dedication to His service needs to be done daily.

The words “living sacrifice” means that there is no going back on your word. An animal to be offered as a sacrifice in Bible times had no future plans or goals – others made those decisions for it.

Although God will never force you to obey Him, you will find your life more pleasant and blessed if you keep on following Him and His Word. To be faithful, you will need to spend considerable time in the Word every day and in prayer. It is how you learn His will and get power for service. Attendance and service in a local church is also expected.

Are you a “living sacrifice” for the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, will you yield to His will today?