Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses.

I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.

Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!

Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him

and commit yourself to him, for he is your life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

All the natural laws God instituted, in every part of the universe He created, preach the same sermon and reinforce the same truth—there are inevitable consequences for the personal choices we make. Death inevitably derives from disobedience. Curses accompany carnality. Blessings result from belief. Life cascades from love.

            Moral decisions affect emotional, physical, and spiritual health. They impact our future and the welfare of our family. They are critical, not inconsequential. Time and eternity will be colored by what we choose day by day.

If we are obedient, we will choose the Way—walking with Christ in humility and habits. We are challenged to live a life of unselfish love—following Jesus’ example of sacrificial living, not trying to impress but meekly considering others better than us.

            If we are wise, we will choose the Truth—walking with Christ in honesty and holiness. We are challenged to live with moral integrity, avoiding evil no matter how it is packaged.

If we are trusting, we will choose the Life—walking with Christ in hope and heaven. We are challenged to celebrate buoyant and eternal life in relationship to God’s Son—purposefully motivated, optimistically anticipating paradise restored, enthusiastically serving, singing the song of hope through long nights, and relying on supernatural strength to see us through every difficulty. Living this way, we do not just exist—we exult!

            Is our mind genuinely open and receptive to the Holy Spirit? Are we willing to let the Lord cleanse our soul and teach us to love Him with all our personality and intellect? Can we clearly hear the message of ultimate truth echoing in our heart?

If we turn away from God, there is only bitterness and death. If we obey Him, life in all its fullness is ours.

God never twists our arm; but if we take His hand and hold on for dear life, He will teach us how to live life in all its fullness day after day, year after year—the choice is ours.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

This devotional based on day 105 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity