Be Careful...

The book of Deuteronomy contains the words that Moses spoke to the children of Israel as they prepared to enter "the promised land." As Moses looks back at their 40 years wandering in the wilderness because of their sin, he reminds them (and us) that God promises blessings for obedience to his commands and cursings for willful disregard to His commands. Knowing their history, Moses says ten times alone in chapters 11&12 "be careful to obey..."

Why the repitition? Because we (you and I as well as the Israelites) have a tendency to slip back into our old ways, don't we? Although we know what we should be doing, we often slip back into old patterns and destructive habits that thrust us back into a place where God's discipline is imminent.

So Moses (and our Pastors and Sunday schools teachers) attempt to remind us (over and over again) to be careful to obey all that God has commanded us; be careful to NOT slide backwards in our journey toward obedience but instead consistently move in the direction of our promised land.

So, instead of needing the constant reminders, why not make the decision today to "be careful to obey?" It may take some real work on your part but the promised land it'll bring you to will be well worth the effort.

"...prone to wander Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love... [but] here's my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above."