8 December Deuteronomy 28

How Do You See Yourself?

Deuteronomy 28:11-13 (MSG) "God will lavish you with good things: children from your womb, offspring from your animals, and crops from your land, the land that God promised your ancestors that He would give you. God will throw open the doors of His sky vaults and pour rain on your land on schedule, blessing the work you take in hand. You will lend to many nations but won’t need to borrow. God will make you the head, not the tail; you’ll always be the top dog, never the underdog, as you obediently listen to and keep His commands."

Do Dogs Love Bones? Dogs don’t love bones; they love steak but settle for bones. Are you settling for "bones," or pursuing the "steak"? God’s promise is clear: we are called to thrive and not merely survive. We will be the top dog, never the underdog. Let’s think much, much more and step boldly into the abundance God has prepared for us.

How Do I Enter Much, Much More?

*1. Vision: Believing in the Promise*

God’s vision for us begins with His promises. Deuteronomy 28:11-13 assures us of His abundant provision and blessing. We must see beyond our current circumstances and embrace the future He has planned. Job 8:7 (CEB) “Although your former state was ordinary, your future will be extraordinary.” King Solomon breathes hope in Proverbs 23:18 (ESV) “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off”.

*2. Goals: Aligning with God’s Rain*

"Pour rain on your land on schedule" refers to every area of our lives: our church, family, finances, health, and relationships. Clear, specific goals allow us to work in alignment with God’s timing and purpose.

*3. Action: Taking Bold Steps*

God blesses the work of our hands. James 2:26 (NLT): "Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works”. Faith without action is dead, so we must act decisively and consistently to bring our vision to life.

*4. Relationships: Building Partnerships*

Deuteronomy 28:12 (MSG) "You will lend to many nations but you yourself won’t have to take out a loan”. God’s blessings overflow into our relationships and partnerships. Strong connections bring financial and relational breakthroughs.

*5. Faith: Embracing the Shift*

Deuteronomy 28:13 (MSG) "God will make you the head, not the tail; you’ll always be the top dog, never the underdog, as you obediently listen to and keep His commands”. Trust that a great shift is coming. God’s promise is not dependent on circumstances but on obedience and belief.

*6. Obedience: Staying Focused*

The key to abundance lies in obedience. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NKJV) "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God". Pray, listen, and act as God directs, ensuring that every decision aligns with His will.

*The Role of Vision*

Habakkuk 2:1-3 (AMP): "I will stand at my guard post And station myself on the tower; And I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, And what answer I will give [as His spokesman] when I am reproved. Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision And engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets So that the one who reads it will run. For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfilment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay”.

*Steps to Embrace God’s Vision:*

*Hear God’s Voice:* Position yourself to hear Him clearly by drawing near to Him and immersing yourself in His Word.

*Write the Vision:* Document the vision God gives you. This is your roadmap.

*Read the Vision:* Remind yourself daily of what God has planned for you.

*Run with the Vision:* Actively pursue the vision with purpose and determination.

*Wait Patiently:* Trust God’s timing. Though it may tarry, it will come to pass.

*Speak the Vision:* Declare God’s promises over your life. Speak life into dry situations and keep hope alive.

*Goal Setting: Planning for Success*

Proverbs 21:5 (ERV) "Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty”.

Steps to Effective Goal Setting:

1. Set specific and challenging goals.

2. Write them down and commit to them.

3. Take action consistently.

4. Track your progress regularly.

5. Eliminate excuses and distractions.

6. Start where you are; don’t wait for perfect conditions. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB): "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done”.

John C. Maxwell reminds us: “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.”

*Taking Action: Moving Forward*

James 2:26 (NLT) "Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works."

*How to Take Action:*

1. Start small and be consistent.

2. Eliminate excuses such as lack of time or fear of failure.

3. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; seize opportunities as they come.

4. Break goals into smaller steps and focus on execution.

“Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.” — Japanese Proverb

*The Impact of Relationships*

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (The Voice) "So support one another. Keep building each other up as you have been doing”. Studies show that accountability dramatically increases the likelihood of success. Sharing your vision and progress with trusted partners enhances commitment and focus.

*More Than Conquerors*

Romans 8:37 (NKJV): "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Being “more than a conqueror” means not just surviving but thriving, claiming victory, expanding territory, and enjoying the spoils of war. God’s love ensures that nothing can separate us from His blessings. Confirmed by Paul in Romans 8:38-39 (MSG) "I’m absolutely convinced that nothing, nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable, absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us”.

*Staying Focused: Obedience to God*

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NKJV): "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God”.

*Involving God in Decision-Making:*

• Ask God for guidance. Psalm 32:8 (LB) "I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress”.

• Share your plans with Him. Proverbs 16:3 (CEV) "Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed”.

• Trust His timing and direction. Isaiah 58:11 (LB) "And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring”.

*Conclusion: Entering Much, Much More*

Deuteronomy 28:11-13 (MSG): "God will lavish you with good things: children from your womb, offspring from your animals, and crops from your land—the land that God promised your ancestors that He would give you. God will throw open the doors of His sky vaults and pour rain on your land on schedule, blessing the work you take in hand. You will lend to many nations but won’t need to borrow. God will make you the head, not the tail; you’ll always be the top dog, never the underdog, as you obediently listen to and keep His commands”.

God’s promises are extravagant and limitless. Through vision, goals, action, and obedience, we can step into the "much, much more" He has prepared for us. Let’s stay focused, walk in faith, and claim the extraordinary life God intends for His children.