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This Sunday, Pastor Tyrone taught on, “Going After the Blessed Life,” his third message in the “Going After the One” series. As we focus on going after the lost, we must remember that for the lost to prosper and be blessed, they must choose the life God has offered by obeying His commands. He reminded us that a blessed life is not about the things we have but it comes from being obedient to God and following His commands. He preached from Deuteronomy 30: 11-20. In these verses, Moses gives a “pep talk” to the 2nd generation of Israelites at the plains of Moab. This second generation was born in the wilderness and heard their parents accounts of how Yahweh had delivered them from Egypt. In these verses, Moses recounts Israel history, reminds them that God’s commands is within grasp, and that He has called them to make a choice that will determine the course of their future. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 11 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. 12 It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ 13 It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it. Point 1: Avoid making excuses! In the above scriptures, Moses is telling the people they have no excuse to disobey what he is going to share and ask them to do. He tells them that it is not beyond their ability to accomplish. Sometimes God calls us to do things and we make excuses as to why we cannot do it, but God is reminding us just like He reminded the children of Israel through Moses that what He is calling us to do is not too hard. If he calls us to it, His grace will make it possible for us to accomplish it. We must be willing to get rid of the excuses and complaints that it is too hard. Embrace the grace that God has given to do His will. Reflection Question: What has God called you to do? Are you constantly making excuses as to why you can’t do it? Do you believe that God’s grace makes it possible for us to accomplish what He is asking us to do? Deuteronomy 30:15-16 15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. Point 2: Choose to go after the commandments of God. The children of Israel were given a choice between life and death, prosperity and disaster. It was not automatic, they had to choose. The blessings of the Lord were contingent on the children of Israel choosing to obey His commands. When we love the Lord, we are more inclined to obey his commands and God does reward obedience. Expecting God’s blessing without obeying God’s commands is as foolish today as it was in the days of Moses. Reflection Questions: Our choice between life and death is demonstrated through our actions and not just our speech. Take inventory on how you are living your life? Are you obeying the commands of the Lord? Have you been declaring that you love God but have been disobeying His commands? What does John 14:15 say? Deuteronomy 30:17-18 17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. Point 3: Disobedience leads to destruction In Deuteronomy chapter 29, Moses reminds the people that they were surrounded by idolatrous and detestable nations. He warns them not to take part in their practices and turn their hearts away from God.