Respond

Heed. Hearken. Obey. All these are words used in different versions of Deuteronomy 28:2. Most versions of the verse read something like the following, “All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God,” (NIV). The overall idea is that you will be blessed when you pay attention to what God says to you and then do what He says. The Message version says, “All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of GOD, your God,”. That sounds so simple. “Because you responded to your God”. That makes it personal for each person. The Bible contains the instructions for our lives. Some people tend to think there are parts that are not meant for them or that God does not understand their lives, and they have a free pass to live however they want. This version of the Deuteronomy 28:2 reminds us that God is our God-a personal God to each one of us and does not group us in with others when giving instructions. Sure, there are general guidelines that all Christians follow, but how many have actually made it personal? This verse states that when you not only listen but respond to the voice of the God who knows you well, He will send blessings upon you. Take some time today to respond to the voice of God, so you can thrive-not just survive!