Deuteronomy 11-13 – March 15, Monday

 Google GPS maps tells me that if I want to drive to Tulsa from our church, I should go east on 23^rd to Kickapoo Turnpike to I-44. It also says that I can choose to go North on Choctaw Rd., dogleg on Wilshire, to Hogback Rd., to Triple X, east on 66, then to I-44.

There are 2 routes, and the maps tells me that the first one will save me over an hour and be better road conditions. If I choose to drive the second route and encounter rough roads and it takes longer, I cannot blame the Google maps, it was my choice. It clearly stated both routes and the result of each.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 does the same thing.

26 “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.

 You may have heard the question, “How can a good and loving God send people to hell?” Easy. He doesn’t. It is not even His choice. That is a decision that you make. He gave you the authority and the right to make that choice for yourself.

 Genesis 2:16-17 The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

 Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 Wages – opsonion (Greek) – stipend, pay - This is what is owed to you because of work, effort, or service provided by you.

 Gift – charisma (Greek) – gratuity, free gift - This one is given without deservingness.  

 Choose wisely, my friend, it’s all on you!