Choosing Daily Obedience: The Path to Blessings

Devotional

Day 1: The Consequences of Disobedience

Disobedience to God brings about real and tangible consequences, not because God desires to curse us, but because our choices lead us away from His blessings and protection. When we choose not to obey the voice of the Lord and neglect to follow His commandments, we open ourselves up to confusion, frustration, and a reversal of the very blessings we once enjoyed. It is not about being perfect, but about being careful and intentional in our walk with God, understanding that every decision has an outcome. The Lord wants us to choose wisely, to recognize that the blessings and the curses are both conditional, and that we have the power to decide which path we will walk. [01:14:15]

Deuteronomy 28:15-19 (ESV)
“But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you know you’ve been ignoring God’s direction? What step can you take today to turn back toward obedience in that area?

Day 2: The Reversal of Blessings

One of the most sobering consequences of disobedience is the reversal of blessings—what was once a source of joy and increase can become a source of loss and frustration. God’s Word makes it clear that the blessings He pours out are precious and not to be taken for granted; they can be reversed if we persist in disobedience. The same hands that received abundance can find themselves empty, and the places where we once flourished can become barren. This is a call to remain steadfast in obedience, to value the blessings God has given, and to guard them by walking in His will, no matter how difficult the journey may be. [01:22:56]

Deuteronomy 28:15-19 (ESV)
“But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.”

Reflection: Think about a blessing in your life that you may have started to take for granted—how can you show God your gratitude and protect that blessing through obedience today?

Day 3: The Curse of Disease, Drought, and Frustration

Disobedience not only affects our spiritual standing but can also bring about confusion, frustration, and even physical and material hardship. When we step outside of God’s will, we may find that nothing seems to work, that our efforts are met with resistance, and that we are plagued by problems that seem to have no solution. God’s desire is not to punish, but to draw us back to Himself, to remind us that true prosperity and peace are found only in obedience to His voice. Even in seasons of drought and difficulty, God calls us to trust Him and return to the place of blessing by aligning our lives with His commands. [01:26:23]

Deuteronomy 28:20-24 (ESV)
“The Lord will send on you curses, confusion, and frustration in all that you undertake to do, until you are destroyed and perish quickly on account of the evil of your deeds, because you have forsaken me. The Lord will make the pestilence stick to you until he has consumed you off the land that you are entering to take possession of it. The Lord will strike you with wasting disease and with fever, inflammation and fiery heat, and with drought and with blight and with mildew. They shall pursue you until you perish. And the heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel stuck or frustrated? Ask God to show you if there is an area of disobedience that needs to be surrendered so you can experience His peace and restoration.

Day 4: The Importance of Obedience in Small Things

God desires our obedience not just in the big, obvious decisions, but in the small, everyday moments as well. Sometimes, it’s the little things—what we wear, where we go, how we respond to a nudge from the Holy Spirit—that reveal whether we truly trust God and are willing to follow Him completely. If we can be faithful in the small things, God can trust us with greater blessings. Obedience in the seemingly insignificant details of life is a sign of a heart that is fully surrendered, and it opens the door for God to do even more in and through us. [01:48:42]

Luke 16:10 (ESV)
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

Reflection: What is one small, specific way you can practice obedience to God today—even if it seems insignificant or inconvenient?

Day 5: Trusting God Through the Struggle

Obedience is not always easy, especially when life is hard and the way forward is unclear. Yet, God calls us to trust Him even when we don’t understand, to keep walking in obedience even when storms rage and blessings seem far away. The struggle is not for nothing—God has a plan and a purpose, and He promises to be with us through every trial. When we choose to trust Him and remain obedient, even in the toughest seasons, we position ourselves to receive His comfort, His guidance, and ultimately, His blessing. [01:57:20]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Reflection: When you face a difficult situation this week, how can you remind yourself to trust God and remain obedient, believing that He is working all things together for your good?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the profound importance of obedience to God, especially in this season where He is calling us to a higher standard. Obedience is not about perfection, but about a daily commitment to listen for God’s voice and to follow His will, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense. We are reminded that God’s blessings are conditional—He desires our obedience above all else, and when we walk in His ways, blessings will overtake us. However, just as there are blessings for obedience, there are also consequences for disobedience, and these are not to be taken lightly.

Deuteronomy 28 lays out both the blessings and the curses, and it is sobering to realize that while there are 14 verses of blessings, there are 53 verses detailing the consequences of disobedience. These consequences include a reversal of blessings, disease and drought, defeat and deportation, a reversal of status, siege, and even the jeopardizing of God’s covenant promises. The text makes it clear: we have free will, and we get to choose whether we walk in blessing or in curse. It’s not God arbitrarily cursing us, but rather the natural result of stepping outside His will.

We must be careful, not perfect, but intentional in our obedience. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of obedience—like listening to God in the little things—that prepare us for greater blessings. God wants to trust us with more, but He starts with the small things. Even when obedience is hard, and storms seem to outnumber the sunshine, we are called to trust God, knowing that He is working all things for our good. The struggle is not in vain; God has a plan and a purpose, and He is with us through every trial.

Today, the invitation is clear: choose obedience, not just for the blessings, but because God has been too good to us to turn back now. Whether you need to give your life to Christ, rededicate yourself, or simply need prayer to endure a tough season, God is calling you to trust Him and walk in obedience. No turning back.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience Is a Daily Choice, Not a One-Time Act God calls us to a lifestyle of obedience, not just isolated acts. Each day presents new opportunities to listen for His voice and respond, even in the small things. Our consistency in obedience shapes our character and keeps us aligned with God’s will, regardless of how challenging the circumstances may be. [70:15]
2. The Consequences of Disobedience Are Real and Far-Reaching Scripture warns that disobedience leads to a reversal of blessings, confusion, frustration, and even the loss of God’s promises. These are not arbitrary punishments, but the natural outcomes of stepping outside God’s protective boundaries. Understanding the weight of these consequences should sober us and motivate us to remain faithful. [82:56]
3. God’s Blessings and Curses Are Conditional on Our Choices We are not passive recipients of fate; God has given us free will to choose blessing or curse. The blessings of obedience are rich and abundant, but they require intentionality and care in following God’s commands. Likewise, the curses are not God’s desire for us, but the result of our own decisions. [71:49]
4. Small Acts of Obedience Prepare Us for Greater Blessings God often tests our willingness to obey in the little things before entrusting us with more. If we cannot be faithful in the mundane or seemingly insignificant, how can we expect God to trust us with greater responsibilities or blessings? Obedience in the small things is a sign of a heart fully surrendered to God. [108:42]
5. Trusting God Through the Storms Is Part of Obedience Obedience does not guarantee a life free from hardship, but it does ensure God’s presence and ultimate victory. Even when life feels overwhelming and the storms seem unending, holding fast to God’s word and trusting His plan is the path to breakthrough. The struggle is not wasted; God is using it to shape us and bring about His promises. [116:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:52] - Worship and Pressing Through
[66:20] - Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28
[69:14] - Prayer for God’s Presence
[70:15] - The Call to Obedience
[71:49] - Blessings Are Conditional
[74:15] - Consequences of Disobedience
[80:16] - The Weight of the Curses
[82:56] - Reversal of Blessings
[86:23] - Disease and Drought
[89:40] - Defeat and Deportation
[95:27] - Reversal of Status
[98:50] - The Siege and Serving Enemies
[101:23] - The Covenant in Jeopardy
[107:27] - Obedience in the Small Things
[111:18] - Invitation to Salvation and Rededication
[113:24] - Altar Call and Prayer
[116:39] - Trusting God in the Storm
[122:56] - Benediction and Fellowship
[131:19] - Giving and Obedience
[135:22] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 28:1-24, 38-46, 47-68 (ESV) — Note: The sermon focused on Deuteronomy 28, especially verses 15-68, which detail the blessings for obedience and the consequences for disobedience. Please read at least verses 1-24 and 38-46 before the group meets. If possible, skim the rest of the chapter for context.

Observation Questions

According to Deuteronomy 28, what are some specific blessings promised to those who obey God’s commands?
What are some of the consequences listed for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:15-24?
The pastor mentioned that there are 14 verses of blessings and 53 verses of curses in this chapter. Why do you think the text spends so much more time on the consequences? [[01:20:16]]
In the sermon, what examples did the pastor give of “small acts of obedience” that God might use to test our hearts? [[01:48:42]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon emphasized that obedience is not about perfection, but about being careful and intentional. How does this understanding change the way we approach God’s commands? [[01:14:15]]
The pastor said that the curses are not God arbitrarily punishing us, but the natural result of stepping outside His will. What does this suggest about the nature of God’s boundaries and His desire for us? [[01:11:49]]
Why might God test us with small things before entrusting us with greater blessings? How does this principle show up in your own life or in the stories of others? [[01:48:42]]
The sermon described the consequences of disobedience as including a “reversal of status” and even the jeopardizing of God’s covenant promises. What does it mean for someone’s status or blessings to be reversed, and how might this look today? [[01:35:27]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Obedience is a daily choice, not a one-time act.” What is one area in your life where you need to make a fresh, daily commitment to listen for God’s voice? What would that look like this week? [[01:10:15]]
Are there any “small things” God has been prompting you to do (or not do) that you’ve been ignoring? How might being faithful in these small acts prepare you for greater blessings? [[01:48:42]]
The sermon warned that disobedience can lead to confusion, frustration, and a sense of being stuck. Have you ever experienced this? Looking back, was there an area of disobedience or ignoring God’s direction that contributed? [[01:26:23]]
The pastor shared that sometimes obedience is hard, especially when storms seem to outnumber the sunshine. Is there a difficult area where God is calling you to trust Him and obey, even though it doesn’t make sense? What support or prayer do you need from the group? [[01:56:39]]
The message said, “God’s blessings and curses are conditional on our choices.” How does knowing you have free will to choose blessing or curse affect your motivation to obey? [[01:11:49]]
The pastor invited people to rededicate themselves or seek prayer for endurance. Is there a step of obedience, rededication, or surrender you feel led to take today? How can the group encourage you? [[01:51:18]]
Think about a time when you saw God’s faithfulness as a result of obedience, even in a small way. How can remembering that encourage you to keep choosing obedience now? [[01:48:42]]

Sermon Clips

I want to encourage you today, before we look at these verses, just like the blessings were conditional. These curses are conditional. You get to choose whether you want to be blessed or cursed. It's not your neighbor, it's not the person sitting behind you, not your mama, not your daddy, not your spouse, not anybody else. You get to choose whether you want to be blessed or you want to be cursed. [01:13:35] (34 seconds) #BlessOrCurseChoice

You got to understand that if you want to be blessed, there are some things that you have to do. And before I get into this, I want you to know it's not God cursing you. It's you being cursed because you didn't do what God called you to do. That God, don't blame it on God is cursing me. No, you didn't do what you're supposed to do. [01:14:25] (20 seconds) #OwnYourObedience

When we are disobedient to God we are on our own and we will not see many doors open for us or ways being made for us like we would when we are obedient to God because I came to tell somebody today that no matter if you don't have a dime in your pocket when you are obedient to God he'll open doors that no matter I don't care if you don't have nothing God will make a way out of no way at all when you are obedient to God it's only when you put your hand in it that it gets messed up jacked up and toe up but when you are just saying to yourself yes God yes yes Lord yes to your will yes to your way yes God my answer is still yes God makes a way so that all of these blessings will come upon you. [01:17:53] (51 seconds) #ObedienceOpensDoors

I've come through too much to have God reverse those blessings on me. Is there anybody else in here that can say, Pastor, you are not by yourself. I've come through too much hell and high water to let God reverse that thing on me. Now, I've got to stay obedient to God because all of these blessings that I have in my life are too precious to me to have God reverse them on me. [01:23:45] (24 seconds) #TooPreciousToLose

So no matter what happens in my life, I'm going to serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness. No matter if I'm up or if I'm down, I'm going to serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness. If I'm sick or if I'm well, I'm going to serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness. If I'm in a hospital bed or my own bed, I'm going to serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness because God has been too good to me. And this joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away from me. [01:40:08] (37 seconds) #NoTurningBack

You are more close to daylight than you know. You're more close to your blessing than you can even realize. This struggle has not been for no reason. The struggle has not been for no reason. The struggle has not been for no reason at all. God said, I got a plan and I got a purpose for you. Let me shake you free from some things. In some people. Walk in the obedience of God. No matter how rough it gets. No matter how difficult it becomes. God, I still trust you. [01:57:09] (57 seconds)

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