His Servants' Ministry

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Last Days Prophecy

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.lastdaysprophecy.org

Welcome to our website

Blessings or Curses
Blessings: IF you obey God
Curses: IF you disobey God

Written and compiled by:
His Servant, Connie Kramer

Contents
Introduction
The Wicked vs the Righteous                     Chapter 1
Obedience vs Disobedience                         Chapter 2
      Poem: Why Can’t They See? #1257
Blessings and Curses,
      On the Mountains                                 Chapter 3
Blessings? Curses?                                     Chapter 4
Free Will of Man                                        Chapter 5
Blessings Promised by God
       To the Righteous                                 Chapter 6
?Do You Want to be Saved?

You can be blessed by God, now and in eternity. All that He wants of you is your love and obedience. Please consider the awesome power of the One and Only TRUE Creator God of this Universe. And please consider that YOU are in control of YOUR destiny! HEAVEN? Or HELL? Where will He send you?

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Red, bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

SALVATION, Being Saved

Salvation is being rescued from the penalty of sin and from God’s horrible wrath. YES! God has two sides. He is a loving God, without a doubt! But He is also a God of wrath. I cannot teach God’s love and an eternity in Heaven without teaching God’s wrath (holy anger) and the “everlasting destruction” of Hell. If I were to do this, I would be a false teacher! I must be very careful what I teach, for I will be held accountable by Almighty God!
Salvation is as easy as ABC!
A --- ALL people must ADMIT they are a sinner. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. [KJV] ALL people need salvation! They must admit they are wrong and God is right! SIN is refusing to believe and admit just who God really is; and refusing to admit He is in control; that He does have authority, over us and all things! Sin will lead to spiritual death, which is Hell.
B --- BELIEVE God! He plainly tells us the only way to Heaven is through His Son. God tells us there is only ONE WAY to Heaven, and that is Jesus, His only begotten Son. NO OTHER PERSON, living or dead can save you. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [KJV] NO Godly parents, NO pastor or chaplain, NO pope, NOT ANYONE, except Jesus! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.[KJV] Jesus’ Words! If you want to spend eternity with God the Father (in Heaven), you must go through His Son, Jesus! BELIEVE God! John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)
Do you believe this? Do you believe God?
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV)
If you believe God, and accept His Son as your Saviour and Lord, you are “born again” spiritually, into God’s family! God’s wrath is completely removed from you! Only Jesus can make you God’s child!
C --- COME to Jesus! Open your heart’s door to Him! He will never force His way in! You must COME willingly to Him, then COMMIT your life to Him!
A --- Admit you’re a sinner, repent!
B --- Believe God!
C --- Come to Jesus!
Once you have trusted and accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, He places your name in the Book of Life. Your name in this Book assures you that you will NEVER go to Hell! Your name in this Book assures you that you have a “mansion” that is “reserved” in your name, waiting for you in Heaven! (John 14:2; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 20:15).

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Introduction

Blessing, English meaning: A special favor granted by God; the act of, or expression of good wishes; praise; thankfulness; prosper; happiness; fortunate; well off; worship of God.

Cures, English meaning: To bring down God’s wrath upon; a scourge; to appeal to an evil or supernatural power for evil to befall someone or something; any profane oath; doomed, condemnation.

In the Old Testament, blessing, or a form of it is used 399 times, and curse, or some form of it is used 248 times. In the New Testament bless is found 109 times, and curse is found 26 times. Blessing is spoken of far more times than cursing. Maybe that is why we are more aware of blessings than curses.

Free Will of Man
WE decide our own destiny.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. 17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (KJV) . . . There are present and future things in verse 19: life and death, blessing and cursing. WHY were these set before Israel? And WHY are they set before us today?

#1. So they/we might choose life, and the path of believing, and loving obedience that led to it.
#2. So they/we and their/our offspring, by choosing life and refusing evil, might be God’s peoplefor all eternity.

God has given ALL humans a free will. We can choose God’s way, OR we can choose the devil’s way. We can choose life, by obeying God and refusing evil, and be BLESSED by God here on earth, and spend eternity in blissful Heaven . . . OR we can choose death which is accepting evil and be CURSED by God here on Earth, and spend eternity in an agonizing Hell. It all lies in OUR hands! It is OUR decision, the same as it was Israel’s decision . . . then and NOW! Disobedience to God is a horrible thing, be it Jew or Gentile!

Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! (KJV) . . . This is the kind of heart that God desires, and is required by Him. God CAN give such a heart, and has promised to give it (Jer.32:40; Eze.36:27), IF we choose to take it. So, in reality, man is accountable for his actions, because they are his by choice!

Deuteronomy 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (KJV) . . . Without love, there is NO obedience, nor can there ever be! And without obedience, love is fruitless and dead! Without love, we cannot cleave to Him. Only he who endures to the end, shall be saved (Mat.10;22). My friend, how do things stand between God and your eternal soul? Are you making right choices?

When the people of Israel stood on the threshold of their inheritance, the Promised Land, the long-awaited day of glory had come. For us, it is high time to remember their story, their failures and most important, the way that they dealt with God. As we look back to the Old Testament, we can learn many extremely important lessons from the choices Israel made. It is all there, in black and white, as plain as day!
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV) . . . We are wise only IF we learn from it. Israel was under the Law, NOT just the Ten Commandments, but a total of 613 Laws in all. IF they broke ONE Commandment, they broke them all (Deut. 27:26; Gal.3:10; Jam.2:10). The Law was/is like a chain. If you break one law (one link), the entire chain was broken. We as Christians today are NOT under the Law, we are under grace! It is a much better system, thanks be to our Saviour and Lord Jesus!

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (KJV) . . . Israel’s dealing with Almighty God is a covenant of potential blessings . . . and curses! The preceding chapters (Deut.27 &28), are quite clear and specific about these blessings and curses. Moses; final words to the Israelites was to remember their past and to be faithful to the covenant. Jesus tells us to obey Him!
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (KJV)
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. (KJV)

Our commands from Jesus are: Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . Do you see what Jesus says in verse 40? LOVE covers ALL of the Old Testament. SO . . . IF we want to be blessed by God, we must love Him, obey Him and do NO harm to anyone (Mat.7:12).

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.1 The Wicked Contrasted with the Righteous

?Blessings or Curses?

Job 36:6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. (KJV) . . . God will NOT give eternal life in Heaven to the wicked. The all forfeit life in Heaven by their stubborn and unrepentant sins. But the righteous who have been justified by the Blood of Jesus, are given the right, the privilege, to spend eternity with the Lord Jesus in His Home. (Acts 13:39; Rom.3:22,28; 4:5,11; 5:1,9,18; 8:30,33; 9:30; 10:4; 1 Cor.4:4; 6>11; 2 Cor.5:21; Gal.2:16,21. 3:6,11,24; 5:5; Phil.3:9; Tit.3:7; Heb.11:7; Jam.2:23).

Psalm 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (KJV) . . . A person is a fool IF they try to fight against the Almighty Creator . . . but this is exactly what every wicked person does. God hates all those who sin in disobedience to Him. (1 Jn.5:10-13; Tit.1:2).

Psalm 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. (KJV) . . . God does NOT abandon the righteous, BUT He does try us! He does this to see IF we are faithful to Him. He allows affliction to make us better people. On the other hand. God truly hates the violent and wicked person, and there are SO many of these in today’s world.

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. (KJV) . . . Every wicked person is miserable. It seems that God has married sin and misery together, just as strongly as He has joined togather holiness and happiness. And friend, what God has joined together; no one can put asunder. All who trust in the Lord are loved and happy!

Psalm 34:14-16 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. (KJV) . . . The Bible often connects the fear of the Lord (love, respect, reverence) for Him, with obedience to Him. Ecc. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (KJV)
If anyone really loves Jesus, they WILL obey Him (Jn.14:23). If anyone is a TRUE Christian, they will fear the Lord, they will NOT lie, they will turn away from evil, and they will do good, and do what they can to promote peace. And my friend, reverence is so much more than sitting quietly in church! Reverence absolutely includes obeying God in the way that we think, speak and act! (Mat.7:12). Some think that peace should come to us with no effort on our part, but David states that we are to seek peace, and pursue it. Paul agrees with this (Rom.12:18). A person who really wants peace cannot be quarrelsome and contentious. Peaceful relationships result from our efforts!

Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. (KJV) . . . Whatever a righteous man has, has God’s blessing on it; but what a wicked man has is cursed by God.

Psalm 37:27-28 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (KJV) . . . IF we want eternal life in Heaven, we must depart from evil, do good (obey God)! The grace of God gives the righteous ones this two-fold power to all who receive it: strength to overcome evil and strength to do that which is right (Phil.4:13). Dwell for evermore means to be a citizen of Heaven and an inhabitant of God’s House. God will NEVER forsake His saints! BUT the seed of the wichked shall be cut of. God’s judgments shall come upon ALL who disobey Him!

Psalm 68:2-3 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. (KJV) . . . Just as smoke is blown away, so the Lord drives off the wicked. Just as wax melts in front of a fire, so too do the wicked perish in God’s Presence! But the righteous are glad and rejoice in His awesome Presence.

Psalm 75:10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. (KJV) . . . All the power and influence of the wicked, God shall cut off; but He will exalt and extend the power of the righteous. All this was fulfilled: the wicked (the Babylonians), were cut off; the righteous (the Jews), were delivered and exalted. It shall be so today, and in the future!

Proverbs 3:31-35 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. (KJV) . . . How many people envy power and wealth! It truly is a bewitching power! God’s people are NOT to envy anyone with power, fame and/or wealth! Many times their success is in their wicked designs, and the wealth that they have comes from unrighteous and ungodly, wicked practices. These are doomed to condemnation on Judgment day (Mat.25:41,46; Rev20:15). We as God’s children must NOT choose any of the ways of the wicked. WHY? Because what we envy in others, we would like to have for ourselves. We do NOT need God’s curses! We need God’s blessings! BEWARE!!!

Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (KJV) . . . The common course of the righteous is staying on the narrow path (Mat.7:13-14), in the light of Jesus (Jn1:4,9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). Our thoughts, words and deeds must be pure and spotless, as light is. But, the way of the wicked is full of gross ungodliness, error, uncertainty and confusion. Because they walk in darkness (with Satan), they stumble at the smallest obstacle. Although they are always in danger, for they know not when they will die, they think that they are secure. The simply CANNOT see the upcoming danger. Some will never see it until they wake up in Hell. And then it will be too late! After you die, it is too late to change paths (Heb.9:27).

Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. (KJV) . . . The ungodly make wicked speeches about God and men. The righteous, by their wise, holy and inoffensive speaking, have pe3ace with God and man. Anyone who deals in lies and false oaths will sooner or later be found out to his own ruin. A liar says one thing, then another, and often contradicts himself. Consider too the following proverb: A liar must have a good memory; because the truth is not in him.

Proverbs 14:8-9 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. 9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. (KJV) . . . Wisdom consists not in vain speculations, nor in prying into other people’s business, nor in deceiving others. Instead it is a diligent study of our duty to God and man, for this is the one and only way to true happiness. The folly of fools is deceit; ungodly men who think they are wise, are instead fools in God’s eyes! Their wisdom (that of the world) is really their folly and downfall. They want only to find ways of deceiving others, and the one they deceive most is themselves.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. (KJV) . . . A righteous man shall abound with blessings, but he who hurries to be rich, at any price, shallNOT go unpunished. A thief may get away with robbery here on eart, but God IS watching and one day He sill lower the boom, if not here, then on Judgment Day. BEWARE!!!

Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. (KJV) . . . When the wicked are in leadership. Sin prevails. Just look at our government and the CEO’s in organiztions. The longer the crooks are in power, the worse it gets. And what’s worse, the people become like their leaders. What I see in this, those who stand firmly in God, shall one day see the fall of these ungodly monsters. May it be soon, Lord!

Isaiah 3:10-11 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. (KJV) . . . God gives hope to all who stand by Him! Eventually the righteous will receive God’s reward and the wicked shall receive their punishment. It is really discouraging and sometimes depressing to see the wicked prosper while we struggle to obey God and follow Him. Yet we must keep holding on to God’s Truth because He shall keep ALL His Promises to us. God will bring justice in the end, and He will reward those who have been faithful to Him, and He will punish the wicked who were not!

Isaiah 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. (KJV) . . . The servants of God will sing for joy in eternity, but the wicked will cry out in torment in the Lake of Fire for eternity! Your choice!

Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (KJV) . . . God has a book of rememberance (verse 16). He will make sure that His children will NOT perish with those that refuse to believe Him (the wicked). The righteous are God’s people, and are dear to Him. He will preserve them as His jewels, when this present Earth is burned up (Isa.34:4; 66:22; 2 Pet.3:10). For those who now claim God as theirs, He will claim as His. It is our duty to serve God in a loving and willing manner. All people are either righteous OR wicked! There is NO in between! We either serve Him OR we do NOT serve Him! We will either go to Heaven OR Hell! We may deceive people around us, BUT we will NEVER deceive the Judge on Judgment Day! On that day, every person’s character will be known. In the end, ALL the world will confess Him as Lord (Rom.14:11; Phil. 2:10), but onlt those who loved and served the Lord and trusted Him for salvation will be happy.

Matthew 25:32-33 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (KJV) . . . Jesus used sheep and goats to picture division between believers and unbelievers, the righteous and the wicked. Sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated when it came time to shear the sheep. Ezekiel 34:17-24 also refers to the separation of sheep and goats. On Judgment Day, sheep (believers) and goats (unbelievers) shall be separated! NOT one sheep will go to Hell! And NOT one goat will go to Heaven! God does NOT make mistakes!

John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (KJV) . . . ALL those who have rebelled against Christ and His Work on the cross, will be resurrected too . . . BUT they will hear God’s condemnation against them, to be sentenced to Hell for eternity, separated from His goodness and His love and mercy (2 Thes,1:8-9). Many today live well on Earth, who completely ignore God, and think death is a final rest. That is NOT so! Jesus does NOT teach that unbelievers will see death as the end of it all. There IS a judgment to face, and everyone will stand before that Judge!

Romans 2:7-11 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. (KJV) . . . If we patiently and persistently do God’s will, we shall have eternal life in Heaven. Paul does not contradict his previous statement that salvation comes by faith alone (rom.1:16-17). We are NOT saved by good deeds, but when we commit our lives completely to God. We want to please Him in every way and do His will. So, our good deeds are a grateful response to what God has done for us, they are NOT something required to earn His grace.

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (KJV) . . . God is our Protector. He is our Guardian who never sleeps (Ps.121:3-4). He continually watches over the righteous, and He hears our prayers. BUT. His face is turned away from the wicked. He disapproves of them and shall punish them. His Face is NOT peaceful and friendly towards the wicked, as it is toward the righteous. It is full of wrath. God hates sin.

Revelation 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV) . . . This states just who would be admitted into that blessed world, and who would not! Only those who overcome (I Jn.5:1-5) can ever hope to enter Heaven! The fearful are those who were not bold enough to stand by their professed faith, or who were afraid to declare themselves as friends of God in a wicked world. The unbelieving are those who have no faith in God. They do not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The abominable are all whose lifestyle is offensive to God. They live in open sin; they practice detestable vices of immorality and homosexuality, utterly disgusting to God. Sorcerers are those who practice any kind of witchcraft. Idolaters are those who refuse to worship God, but go after other gods (money, pleasure, self), etc. All liars means just that! God hates a liar!

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (KJV) . . . In NO way will anything evil enter into New Jerusalem. Any thing that defileth: NO unholy life, NO profane or obscene person, NO hypocrites, NO idolaters. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and redeemed with the precious Blood of Christ (1 pet.1:18-25). Many in today’s modern churches and cults do NOT go along with this Passage! But my friend, what else can it mean? The book of life is mentioned in Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27, and also in Isa.4:3; Dan.12:1; Lk.10:20; Phil.4:3 and Heb.12:23.
God has an infallible knowledge of who are His and who are not His, and He has had this knowledge from eternity! (Eph.1:4-6). It is called the Lamb’s book, so we know that redemption by Christ Jesus is the ONLY way to get written in this book.

Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (KJV) . . . We are blessed IF we obey (Rev.1:3; 22:7). We shall have the right to the tree of life. It is a special privilege to the righteous. We do NOT earn this right, it is given free of charge when we believe God (1 Jn.5:10-13), and accept His only begotten Son as our Saviour and Lord (Jn.3:16). We shall have access into New Jerusalem, and permitted to live here for ever! Outside are dogs (evil people, Ps.22:16; Isa.56:10-11; Mat.7:6; Phil.3:2; Rev.22:15). Dogs also refers to Gentiles in the Bible (Mat.15:26-27; Mk.7:27-28).
Wicked, depraved and vile are the characteristics of dogs, unclean animals to the Jews (Deut.23:18. Phil.3:2). They will NOT be admitted into the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem (Rev.21:8,27). ALL wicked people shall be REFUSED access to Heaven, the same way that they REFUSED to believe God and accept His Son to save them. Will you go to Heaven?

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.2 Obedience OR Disobedience

IF You Choose to Obey God . . .

Deuteronomy 28:1-6 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. (KJV) . . . In this chapter, the blessings and curses are VERY specific! On Israels’ first entrance into the Promised Land, their destiny was laid out before them: it would result from their obedience OR their disobedience. There are 21 blessings for Israel’s obedience on Mount Gerizim (Lev.26:4-13; 28:1-68). The blessings are placed before the curses. God is slow to anger, but quick to show mercy and compassion. He wants to bless people. It is much better for us to be drawn to what is good by a child-like hope of God’s kindness and blessings, than to be frightened by a horrible fear of God’s wrath and curses. Blessings are promised, BUT there is a condition; Israel must faithfully listen to and obey the Voice of God. My friend, it is the same with us! IF we obey God, we shall be blessed by Him! But, IF we disobey Him, His curses shall fall on us because of His Holy wrath and hatred of sin.

IF You Choose to Disobey God . . .

Deuteronomy 28:15-20 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: 16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.
18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. (KJV) . . . 15 curses upon children and material prosperity (deut.28:15-20). 30 curses of sickness, crop failure, captivity, sickness, persecution and insanity (Deut.28:30-44). The reason for curses restored (Deut.28:45-47). 21 curses of slavery, death, cannibalism, extreme poverty and death (Deut.28:48-57). God again demands obedience; and predicts 20 more curses (Deut.28:58-68).

God means what he says! WHY can’t people believe this? God CANNOT lie (Tit.1:2).

As I sit writing this, I consider the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 24.

#1. Wars and rumors of wars. It’s happening right this minute!
#2. Nation shall rise against nation. It’s happening right now!
#3. Kingdom against kingdom. It’s happening!
#4. Famines. Just watch the news! See those pathetic kids. Send money or food, the fat-cat rulers get it, NOT the kids!
#5. Pestilences. Diseases of which there are NO cures, like AIDS!
#6. Earthquakes. Again, the news is full of it, all over the world! They are getting more frequent and more severe all the time. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes erupting worldwide. Millions being killed by God’s wrath! Yet people will NOT admit it! And all these are just the beginning of sorrows (Mat.24:8). People just do NOT connect this to God cursing the sinful world.
#7. False teachers. The churches and cults are plagued with them, and it will not get better, but instead worse!

It is NOT going to get better! It is going to get WORSE! There shall be MANY more earthquakes, with much more devastating results. As I consider recent past winters, it can only be God’s WRATH on sin, and His fulfilling some of the curses He pronounced in the Bible. Unless there is a world-wide turning to God, and an end of catastrophic sin, God will keep on with the curses upon this present ungrateful and evil generation (Num.32:13; Deut.1:35; 32:7,20; Mat.12:34,39; Lk.11:29).

Our Lord also SO rightly, predicted many false prophets and false teachers (Gal.1:7; 1 Jn.2:12,18; 4:1; 2 Pet.2:1; 1 Tim.4:1). Iniquity shall abound, lust for immorality worsens day by day! Only those who endure to the end, will be saved! The Gospel of Jesus Christ has reaches the darkest corners of the world: TV, internet, rapid travel world-wide, ets., has made this possible. My friend, Jesus could come at any moment!
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (KJV) . . . The Bible and the Gospel of Truth in it, have reached into the farthest corner of the Earth!

Why Can’t They See??

No matter where on Earth, we would reside,
There is NO where, from Your wrath we could hide.
From Your storehouse in Heaven, to Earth below,
Immense devastation, You can bestrow.

Of all the Universe, You are in control,
Your Holy wrath on sin, can take its toll.
You cause severe drought, in one part of the land,
While floods in another, come by Your Hand.

Dangerous tornadoes, bring devastation,
Destroying property, and habitation.
Their wide swath create, an unsightly path,
Yet people won’t believe, they come from Your wrath.

Such deadly earthquakes, all over the world,
As the wrath of Almighty God, is unfurl’d.
Volcanoes erupting, with ash miles high,
Yet haters of God, disobey and deny.

Tsunamis in the seas, many lives claim,
Yet sinners will not repent, just complain.
Why can’t they see, ‘tis God’s holy, righteous wrath,
Still they continue, on the devil’s path.

Adultery and homosexuality,
Incest, rape, lust, drunkenness, idolatry.
Prostitution, common on city streets,
Obscene clothing, and depravity complete.

Judgment on sin was brought, by God in the past,
Sin and iniquity, so wide and vast.
Why can’t they see, why won’t they understand,
God’s Holy wrath, will one day cleanse this land.

Please my friend, consider eternity,
You do NOT want Hell, as your destiny.
Repent of your sin, turn to Christ today,
Only then will you ev’r go, Heaven’s way.
**************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Apr.26,2010 #1257

Hail: Ex. 9:18; 9:23; Josh.10:11; Job 38:22; Psalm 18:13; 78:47; 105:32; Isa. 28:2; 30:30; 32:19; Eze.13:11; 38:22; Hag.2:17; Rev.8:7; 11:19; 16:21 Drought: Deut. 8:15; 11:17; 28:24; 1 Kings 8:35; 2 Chron.7:13; Job 12:15; Isa.5:6; 15:6; 19:5; 42:15; 50:2; Jer.2:6; 14:1; 23:10; Hos.13:5; Zec.14:17 Sent Weather sent As Punishment: Ex.9:23; 1 Sam.2:10; 7:10; 2 Sam.22:14; Job 28:26; 40:9; Psalm 18:13; 77:18; 104:7; Isa.29:6 Sent As A Sign: Ex.19:16; 20:18; 1 Sam.12:18; Job 37:4; Rev.4:5; 16:18
Lightning: Ex.19:16; 20:18; 2 Sam. 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:3; 38:25; 38:35; Psalm 18:14; 77:18; 78:48; m 97:4; 135:7; 144:6; Jer.10:13; 51:16; Eze.1:13; Nahum 2:4; Zec.9:14; Mat.24:27; Luke 17:24; Rev.4:5; n 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 Rain: Gen.7:12; 8:2; Deut.11:11; 28:12; 1 Sam.12:18; 1 Kings 18:1; 18:41; 18:45; 2 Chron.6:27; Ezra 10:9; Job 5:10; 28:26; 36:27; 37:6; 38:26; Psalm 65:10; 77:17; Ecc.11:3; Isa.55:10; Jer. 10:13; Joel 2:23; Amos 5:8; Zec.10:1; Mat.5:45; 7:25; Luke 12:54; Acts 14:17; 28:2; James 5:7 Tempests: 1 Kings 19:11; Job 1:19; Psalm 83:15; Isa. 28:2; ; 29:6; Eze.13:11; Jonah 1:4; 1:11; Mat.8:24; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23; John 6:18; Acts 27:14; ; 27:18; 27:27; ; 27:41; James 3:4; Rev.6:13 Waterspouts: Psalm 42:7 Thunder And Lightning: Sent As Punishment: Ex.9:23; 1Sam.2:10; 7:10; 2 Sam.22:14; Job 28:26; 40:9; Psalm 18:13; 77:18; 104:7; Isa.29:6 Whirlwind: 2 Kings 2:1; 2:11; Job 37:9; 38:1; 40:6; Psalm 58:9; Isa.21:1; Eze.1:4; Nahum 1:3 Whirlwind, Symbol Of The Sudden Destruction Of The Wicked: Pro.1:27; 10:25; Isa.5:28; 17:13; 40:24; 41:16; 66:15; Jer. 4:13; 23:19; 25:32; 30:23; Daniel 11:40; Hosea 4:19; 8:7; 13:3; Zec.7:14; 9:14 East Wind: Job 27:21; Eze.17:10; Hosea 13:15 North Wind: Song of Solomon 4:16 South Wind: Job 37:17; Luke 12:55; Acts 27:13 West Wind: Ex.10:19 Significant Storms: Gen.7:11; 19:24; Ex.9:23; Josh.10:11; 1 Sam.7:10; Acts 27:17-18 Heat: Gen.8:22; 18:1; Luke 12:55; James 1:11 Cold: Job 37:9; Psalm 147:17; Pro.20:4; John 18:18; Acts 28:2 Mist: Gen. 2:6; Vapor: Psalm 135:7; James 4:14; Jer.10:13 Clouds: Judges 5:4; Job 26:8; 37:16; Psalm 77:17; 148:8; Ecc.11:3-4; 12:2; Acts 27:20; 2 Peter 2:17 Dew: Gen.27:28; Ex.16:13; Num.11:9; Deut.33:13; 33:28; Judges 6:40; 1 Kings 17:1; Psalm 133:3; Pro.3:20; Isa. 26:19; Daniel 4:15; 4:25; Hosea 14:5; Micah 5:7; Zec.8:12 Frost: Gen.31:40; Job 37:10; Psalm 78:47; 147:16 Earthquakes: Ex.19:18; Num.16:31-34; 1 Sam.14:15; 2 Sam.22:8, 16; 1 Kings 19:11; Amos 1:1; Nahum 1:5; Psalm 18:7,15; 46:2-3; 60:2; 68:7-8; 104:32; 114:7;114:4, 6; Haggai 2:6, 22; Job 9:6; Isa.13:13; 24:19-20; 29:6; Jer. 4:24; Zech. 14:4-5; Mat.24:7; 27:51,54; 28:2; Acts 16:26; Luke 21:11; Heb.12:26; Rev. 8:5; 6:12-13-4; 11:13; 16:18-20 Volcanoes: Deut. 4:11; 5:23; Judges 5:5; Psalm 97:5; 104:32; 144:5; Isa.34:9-10; 64:1-3; Jer.51:25; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5-6 Mountains Melted: Deut. 4:11; 5:23; Judges 5:5; Psalm 97:5; Isa.64:1-3; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5 Overturning and removing of. Job 9:5; 14:18; 28:9; Eze. 38:20 Homosexuality: Gen.19:5-8; Ex.22:19; Lev.18:22-23; 20:13; 20:15-16; Deut. 23:17; 27:21; Judges 19:22; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7; Romans 1:24; 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:9-10 Moral Corruption: Gen.6:12; Lev.19:29; Deut.4:16; Judges 2:19; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:7; 2 Chron.33:6; 36:8; Ezra 9:11; Neh.1:7; Job 22:5; Psalm 14:1; 53:1; 55:11; 58:3; Isa.1:6; 28:8; Jer.5:28; 6:28; Eze.7:23; Micah 6:12; Zep.3:7; Mat.23:28; Luke 11:39
2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (KJV)

Do you see what the Bible says?

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.3 Blessings AND Curses on the Mountain

Mount Ebal is a mountain in central Israel. It is 3,077 feet above sea level, and 1,200 feet above the adjoining valley. It was located on the north side of the ancient city of Shechem.
Mount Gerizim was to the south of Shechem on the other side of the valley, well within seeing distance of the other. Mount Ebal’s rocky, barren appearance contrasted with the lush-covered Mount Gerizim. The difference was used in the ceremony to symbolize the blessings for those who obey God, and the curses for those who disobey Him. And my friend, this standard still applies, as much now as any other time during Bible history.

Moses’ Instructions to Israel,
Before Entering the Promised Land

Deuteronomy 27:1-7 And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. 2 And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister: 3 And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee. 4 Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister. 5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. 6 Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God: 7 And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God. (KJV) . . . How many stones? Maybe 12, or maybe just enough to make a surface large enough to write th blessings and curses on. The stones were not to be cut or polished, but kept in their natural state. They were to be daubed over with paint or whitewash. Stones and rocks are seen in Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, that contain inscriptions made thousands of years ago. It is most likely that Moses learned the art from the Egyptians.

The Tribes Were Divided on Gerizim and Ebal

Deuteronomy 27:11-15 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin stood on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, while the tribes of Rueben, Gad, Asher, Zebulan, Dan and Naphtali stood on Mount Ebal to curse the people.

The six tribes appointed for blessing, were all children of the free woman, for to such the Promise belongs (Gal.4:22-31). Preachers and teachers should apply to themselves the blessings and curses they preach to others, and by faith say and mean their “Amen” to it! And most important, they must not only attract people to their duty with the Promises of a blessing, but also put the fear of God in them with the promised threats of the curses, by stating that a curse would be upon all those who disobeyed God.

To EACH of the curses, the people were to say “Amen.” (May it be so). It professed their faith and agreement to what was said, for these curses were really declarations of the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Those who did/do such things, deserve to fall under the curse!

The CURSES

Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Previous laws had already prohibited all these things, and punishment was understood; but here God clearly states that anyone who breaks them is cursed and falls under the wrath of his Maker and Judge (Ex.20:4). Even though a man put his image (idol) in a secret place; means that those who try such deceptive folly, by trying to hide their sins, will NOT get by with it. God knows all and sees all! Many people today go to church to supposedly ‘worship’ the TRUE God, while they ‘possess’ images in secret places. ALL secret sins shall one day be brought into light! (1 Cor4:5). Remember . . . God SEES all, and KNOWS all, and we CANNOT hide anything from Him (Heb.4:12).

Deuteronomy 27:16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Anyone who makes light of or despises his parents, or reproaches or curses them secretly, was punished with death (Lev.20:9). NOT so today! I see people bring a parent into a nursing home and that’s it! They abandon them there. NO visits, NO nothing! It makes me sick at the lack of concern and love. I had Bible lessons in nursing homes for over 20 years, until my health stopped me, so I know what I am saying.

Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . To defraud your neighbor, or enlarge your own property in a corrupt, deceitful way was/is WRONG! (Deut.19:14; Ex.20:17). A lot of that going on!

Deuteronomy 27:18 Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Misleading the blind or mentally disabled, giving them destructive counsel, either for this life OR for the one to come is abominable to God. This is a sin against the 6th Commandment (Ex.20:13).

Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Anyone who transgresses the Law, in some way destroys and makes void the Law of God, for it was given to guide us on right paths. (Deut.10:18; 14:29; 16:11,14; 24:17-21; 26:12-13; Ex.22:22-24).

Deuteronomy 27:20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Adultery is a sin (Ex.20:14). Adultery with a father’s wife is a sin against God (Gen.35:22; 49:3-4; Deut.27:20; 22:30; Lev.18:8; 20:11; 1 Chron.5:1-2; 2 Cor.5)

Deuteronomy 27:21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Bestiality, having sex with an animal is an abomination to God (Ex.22:19; Lev.18:23; 20:15).

Deuteronomy 27:22 Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Adultery with a sister was/is prohibited by God (Lev.18:19; 20:17; 2 Sam.13:11-14; Eze.22:11).

Deuteronomy 27:23 Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Having sex with a mother-in-law was/is prohibited by God (Lev. 18:17; 20:14).

Deuteronomy 27:24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Murder is a horrible sin (Ex.20:13; 21:12; 1 Jn.3:15).

Deuteronomy 27:25 Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Bribery was common then and now, but it is a sin, whether it leads to murder or not (Deut. 16:19; Ex.23:7-8; Ps.15:5; 26:12; Pro.15:27; Isa. 1:23; 5:23; 33:15). Murder is a horrible sin (Ex.20:13; 21:12; 1 Jn.3:15).

Deuteronomy 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV) . . . Rebelling against God and His Holy Word will only bring God’s wrath down on you, then and NOW! (Deut.5:1; 6:3-25; 11:22).

This solemn ceremony most likely took place on the lower parts of the mountains, where the people would be closer to each other. From what I can gather, these two mountains were in a sort of semi-circle with a valley between them, where the priests stood and shouted out the commands to those on the mountains.

In the midst of the silent and solemn assembly of Israelites, the priests standing around the ark in the valley below, would say loudly, looking to Gerizim: “Blessed is the man that maketh not any graven image.” Then the people on the hill responded in agreement, “Amen.” Then he would turn around to Ebal, and would cry out: “Cursed is the man that maketh any graven image.” The multitude on that mountain would then answer: “Amen.” The same was done with all the blessings and curses (Josh.8:33-34).

The tribe of Joseph is placed here for both his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, which are here considered one tribe, because Levi is here mentioned. But when Levi is omitted, as it was in the division of the land is made, there Manasseh and Ephraim stand for two tribes.

Although the blessings listed were especially for the nation of Israel, the curses were undetermined and were for ALL nations, which make the Gentiles just as guilty and abominable to God. ALL people will one day be judged as to their obedience OR heir disobedience to God! Let us really consider what is being said here.

The Levite priests carried the ark, as is clearly stated in:
Joshua 8:33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. (KJV)

The priests stood in the valley while the body of Levites stood on Mount Gerizim (Deut.27:12). The priests in the valley between the mountains, looked towards one or the other mountain as they stated either the blessings or curses, as may be gathered from Josh.8:33. The priests spoke with a loud voice (Deut.27:14), so they could be heard by the massive number of people. The number that left Egypt was as follows: Num 1:46-47 Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. 47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. (KJV) . . . A vast multitude!

Amen = let it be so. When the people said Amen, they were in fact saying: “May this curse befall me, if I am guilty of this crime (Num.5:22; Jer.11:5).

There are many sins that are not mentioned in Deut.27:15-26. No one who was/is guilty of other sins not mentioned there, should think they were safe from the curses, because God sees and knows all! Not only those who do any evil that God’s Law forbids, BUT also those who omit any good that the Law requires will be held guilty by Him. A sin of omission is just as bad as a sin of commission. Only with the atoning Blood of Christ Jesus can sinners have fellowship with a Most Holy God, or do anything that is acceptable to Him!

God’s righteous Law condemns anyone who, at any time, in any place, in anything, transgress it. Under the Law’s horrid curse, we stay transgressors; UNTIL the redemption of Christ is applied to our hearts. Whatever God’s amazing grace brings salvation, it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live righteously and humbly in this present, evil world, agreeing with and delighting in the Words of God’s Law. Only in a holy walk with Jesus, can we ever have true peace, joy and be completely content, trusting the Lord in all things. We as Christians have our commands from our precious Saviour and Lord.
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . Our commands simply boil down to one little foe letter word: LOVE!!!~ IF we live with godly love towards others, we will NEVER do harm to anyone!
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . This is actually ALL the Law in a nutshell! It is an incomparable summary! James well calls it “the royal law” (Jam.2:8). We are simply to love our neighbor as our self.
Rom 13:9-10 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (KJV) . . . IF we obey God, NO curses will come to us. It is a Promise from God! And my friend, God CANNOT lie! (Tit.1:2).

IF more people lived by the ‘Golden Rule’ this old world would be a much better place. However you want people to treat you, do that to them! That is the summary of all that is taught in the Law and the Prophets (the whole Old Testament). Most people do the exact opposite! They do to others before they can do it to them.
Are you being blessed by God today, OR are you being cursed by Him?

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.4 Blessings?? Curses??

Genesis 12:2-3 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (KJV) . . . What a Promise from God to Abram! Anyone who went against him (Israel) was cursed by God. BEWARE!!! That Promise is still valid today!

Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV) . . . Another beautiful Promise from God! This one is to believers in Jesus! We as TRUE children of God, inherit the Promise God made to Abram all those years ago! IF we love and obey God, those same blessings of Abraham’s are ours today. Anyone who tries to pronounce a curse on a child of God will FAIL and they will then have to deal with God’s wrath!

A curse was thought to possess power to make good the person’s words of a curse. Prayer can be described as a wish submitted to God. Primitive man thought that curses (or blessings) were wishes referred to supernatural beings, who had power inflict harm, or to do good. The use of magic and spells of any kind is based on the belief that it is possible to enlist the support of the superhuman beings who abound in the Universe, and to persuade them to carry out their wishes. BEWARE!!! Witchcraft is a SIN!

It was a custom in ancient times, for heads of families on their death beds, to bless their children. These blessings were not simply a paternal wish that their children should prosper in life, but a factor in determining their welfare (Gen.49). In this case there were blessings on some and curses on others. In Gen.27:18-30, Jacob deceived his father into blessing him instead of Esau.

Of almost 200 verses in the Bible referring to the word curse, almost all refer to man calling a curse upon themselves by God IF they broke an oath or relied on God to curse the person they were cursing.

Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (KJV) . . . New Testament teaching makes it very clear that the Lord does NOT want anyone, especially Christians, cursing with an oath, or cursing anyone, period! And curse not, means NOT to have a mouth full of blasphemy, cursing and bitterness.

Romans 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: (KJV) . . . This verse clearly reveals the character of an unregenerate (wicked) man, and does not in any way suit anyone who takes on the Name of Christ (Christian). For blessing and cursing to come from the same mouth is ridiculous. NO spring can produce both good water and bad. James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (KJV)

Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (KJV) . . . Simply tell it like it is. Swearing is NOT necessary! We should always be truthful!

James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. (KJV) . . . Condemned = judged. My friend, “the judge standeth before the door” is Jesus!We must be careful how we live, for ALL people shall be judged one day!

Job 31:30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. (KJV) . . . Wishing a curse on anyone is placing YOUR eternal soul in great danger! BEWARE!!! Spoken curses upon wicked men, used by David and Old Testament prophets, are NOT contradictions to this rule, because they were made under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and were predictions (prophecies) of God’s vengeance to come.

But, when man curses someone, or wishes harm to come to them, it is QUITE different than the curse of God. God’s curses were/are punishment, coming from His Holy and righteous wrath and vengeance, but man’s intended ill wishes come from unjustifiable anger, bitterness or jealousy. Some people are so angry that they may even think that God will fulfill their undeserved curse. God’s curses are real and my friend, they ALL are deserved when He curses someone. Bless and curse not . . . bless only, and/or continue to bless, no matter how long or grievous the injury may be. We should NEVER be provoked to anger, or to cursing by any injury or persecution. This is one of the most difficult lessons of TRUE Christianity. And it is something that only the power of God can enable us to carry it out.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) . . . Without Jesus, we can do nothing! (Jn.15:4-5).

To curse really means to give over to or dedicate to punishment or destruction. IF Satan is permitted power to curse you, he can destroy you, just like he did Job. When there is power to do it (be it God or Satan), it means the destruction of the object.

Mark 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (KJV) . . . The fig tree that was cursed by Jesus soon died.

Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. (KJV) . . . So too, those whom God curses shall be destroyed!

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV) . . . There IS a literal Hell! Believe it!

We Must Be Careful How We Live!

We should NEVER ask God to curse anyone! We should NEVER use reproachful words to express our self in a violent, profane or shameful manner. That is NOT how God’s TRUE children should act. We should simply trust God, in faith, to do what is best for us (Deut.8:2-3; 8:16; Ps.23:4; 27:3; 46:1-2; Rom.8:28; Heb.13:5,8).

Psalm 109:17-18 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. 18 As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. (KJV)
Numbers 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?(KJV) . . . God has NOT cursed Isrel, He has blessed her! Therefore it is utterly vain and ridiculous for ANYONE to try to curse them in spite of God. Please do NOT curse the Jews! Anti-Semitism is a sin! IF you curse the Jews, God shall cures YOU! God will not allow people to use Satan to bring a curse upon Israel or Christians!

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.5 Free Will of Man

John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) . . . This is the Gospel in a nutshell! God does NOT force His Son on anyone! The decision lies with each individual. IF you believe God (1 Jn.5:101-2), and accept Jesus (Jn.3:15-16; 5:24; 6:40,47; 20:31), eternal life is yours!

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) . . . BUT, if you refuse to believe God (calling Him a liar, 1 Jn.5:10), and reject what Jesus did for you on the cross, you condemn yourself! Condemned = judged and sent to Hell. YOU do it!

John 3:35-36 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) . . . YOU decide your eternal destiny! Where do you want to spend eternity? Will you go to Heaven? Or will it be Hell? The wrath of God abides on ALL who refuse to believe God and who reject Jesus! The wrath of God = HELL!

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (KJV) . . . We ALL have a free will! WE decide if we want life (Heaven) or death (Hell).

Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (KJV) . . . It all started with Adam and Eve back in the Garden of Eden. All people are given a free will by God, to either obey Him or disobey Him. Eve had a free will. She knew what God had told Adam, but she listened to the devil and CHOSE to disobey God. Adam knew what od told him, but he listened to Eve and he too, CHOSE to disobey God!

What about you? Deep in your heart, you KNOW right from wrong! Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (KJV) . . . You know when what you decide is in disobedience to God. Do you still stick to your decision?

If we did not have a free will, we could not make decisions. As it is, with us, we CAN make choices, and the end result is in OUR hands! Are we blessed by God, by choosing love, reverence and obedience . . . OR are we cursed by God by choosing hate, blasphemy and disobedience? My friend, you KNOW when a choice would be disobedience! It really is in OUR hands alone! We can choose God’s way, or we can choose the devil’s way! We can choose LIFE by obedience and refusing evil, and be blesses by God here on Earth, and spend eternity in blissful Heaven . . . OR we can choose the complete opposite . . . we can choose DEATH which is disobedience to God and accepting evil, where we will be cursed by God here on Earth and spend eternity in an agonizing and eternal Hell! It all lies in OUR hands! It is OUR decision, the same way that it was Israel’s decision . . . then and NOW! Disobedience to God is a horrible thing, be it Jew or Gentile!

Without love, there is NO obedience, nor can there ever be. And without obedience, love is fruitless and dead. Without love, we cannot cling to Him. Only he who endures to the end, shall be saved (Mat.10:22). My friend, how do things stand between God and your eternal soul? Are you making right choices?

When the people of Israel stood on the threshold of their inheritance, the Promised Land, the long-awaited day of glory had come. For us it is high time to remember their story, their failures and most important, the way that they dealt with God. As we look back to the Old Testament, we can learn many extremely important lessons from the choices they made. It is there, in black and white, plain as day.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV) . . . We are wise ONLY IF we learn from mistakes: theirs and ours.

Israel was under the Law, NOT just the Ten Commandments, but a total of 613 Laws in all. If they broke one commandment, they broke them all (Deut.27:26-28; Gal.3:10; Jam.2:10). The Law was/is like a chain. If you break one law (link), the entire chain is broken. We as Christians today are NOT under the Law, we are under grace! It is a much better system, thanks be to our Saviour and Lord Jesus.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (KJV)

Almighty God’s dealing with Israel is a covenant of potential blessings . . . and curses! Deuteronomy chapters 27 & 28 are quite clear and specific about the nature of these blessings and curses. Moses final words to the Israelites was to remember their past and to be faithful to the covenant. Jesus Words to us are for us to obey Him.
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(KJV)
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. (KJV) . . . Our commandments from Jesus are quite clear and precise:
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . LOVE covers ALL the Old Testsment! . . . Jesus was quoting from Lev.19:18 and Deut.6:5. IF we fulfill the above two commands of Jesus, we keep all the others. They summarize the Ten Commandments and ALL the other Old Testament moral laws.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . This is the “Golden Rule” in today’s world, and in the Bible it is called “the Royal Law” (Jam.2:8-12; Jam.1:25). Do NOT do to others what you do not want done to you. It is simply showing goodness, kindness and mercy, the kind of love and grace that God shows to us every day! Are we above God, that we will not do this? LOVE = the three c’s: care, concern and compassion. Illicit sex is NOT love, it is LUST!

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Ch.6 Blessings Promised By God to the Righteous

2 Samuel 22:22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. (KJV) . . . Have you obeyed the Lord? Or, have you turned away from Him in disobedience?

1 Kings 8:32 Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. (KJV) . . . The Lord shall punish the guilty ones, just as they deserve, and acquit all those who are innocent. He will curse the guilty and bless the righteous!

2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD. (KJV) . . . The people who worship false gods will, NOT be blessed . . . they shall be cursed by God!

Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. (KJV) . . . The righteous shall stay in the right way. They will not be turned away by inflictions, nor by contempt or reproach cast upon him by the ungodly. He that hath clean hands, is the person whose life and actions are holy and righteous, showing his heart is right with God. These people will continue on the narrow road (Mat.7:13-14), and are made more strong and firm in clinging to God and His ways, no matter the difficulties and miseries.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (KJV) . . . If we believe God, and truly want to please Him, His ears are always open when we cry out to Him. He will never leave us, never forsake us. And when we hope in His mercy, He will always be there to guide us in right paths (Ps.32:8; 33:18).

Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (KJV) . . . This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. What a tremendous Promise it is!

Psalm 119:1-3 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. (KJV) . . . The undefiled are the righteous who trust and obey God, and strive to live a life that pleases Him. They do no iniquity knowingly, nor do they stay on a sinful course, like the wicked do (Job 31:3; 34:8; Ps.5:5; 6:8; 125:5; Pro.10:29; Lk.13:27).

Psalm 140:13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. (KJV) . . . The righteous always have a reason to praise God! They shall dwell in security here on Earth and in eternity, under God’s protection (Ps.21:6; 41:12).

Psalm 146:8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: (KJV) . . . He brings us out of our prison, delivers us from the shadow of death, and opens our eyes that we may see the light of Jesus (Jn.1:4-9; 9:5). It is only the Lord who can open the eyes of any sinner, allowing him to see his wretchedness, and where help and salvation may be found. We all get bowed down at times, through guilt and sinfulness. The Lord loves the righteous, makes us partakers of His Divine nature.

Isaiah 3:10 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. (KJV) . . . Millions are faithless, but there are some who are faithful. The fruit of their doings (Pro.1:31; Gal.:8; Rev.22:14) . . . we do NOT gain salvation by works, but by fruit-bearing faith (Gal.5;22-23; Eph.2:8-9).

Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (KJV) . . . There are MANY clouds in Christianity: millions of wicked, ungodly pretenders, hypocrites, claiming to be “Christian” but are instead destructive enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil.3:18). False preachers in the pulpits and false teachers bringing damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1), preaching another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor.2:11:4; Gal.1:6-7). BEWARE!!!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV) . . . Christ made it possible for us to go DIRECTLY to God for forgiveness (Rom.5:1-2). We do NOT need a priest! BUT . . . confessing our faults to one another is very important:

#1. If we have sinned against someone, we must ask forgiveness.
#2. If our sin has affected the church, we must confess it publicly.
#3. If we need loving support as we struggle with sin, or feel our faith waning, we should reach out to those who are able to give us that loving support and assistance.

BUT . . . we need to remember: NO human anywhere can forgive sins! NO priest anywhere can forgive your sins. In Christ’s Kingdom, every believer is a priest to other believers!
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (KJV)

The Christian’s most powerful resource is our fellowship with God and other believers. And our communication with God through prayer is an awesome and powerful tool too! The results of true, sincere prayer is often much greater than we thought possible. Don’t be like some people, who see prayer as a last resort when all else fails. THAT is backwards! Prayer should come FIRST! God’s power and wisdom is so much greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it. God wants to hear from us, He wants to help us, and He encourages us to go to Him for help. One other extremely important thing to consider in prayer, THANK Him for what He has already done for you and for what He will do in the future! None of us thank or appreciate Him as we should!

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (KJV) . . . The Lord protects the righteous! This describes constant guardianship and loving care. God hears the prayers of the righteous. We can go to Him any time, day or night, and pour out our heart and soul to Him. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He opened the door to the Father’s chambers to us (Lk.23:45; Jn.10:9; 14:6; Rom.5:1-2; Eph.2:18; 3:12; Heb.10:19). Just as the Lord watches over the righteous, His Face is turned against them that do evil. His Face is not calm and serene as it is toward the righteous, but it is harsh, severe and full of wrath to the wicked. Please consider: on Judgment day, ALL people will take a turn at standing before Judge Jesus.

??DO YOU WANT TO BE SAVED??
Think about the following:

Life is short (Job 14:2; Ps.102:11; 144:4)
Death is sure (Heb.9:27. Jam.4:14)
Hell is agony (Mat.13:42; Rev.20:15)
Eternity is LONG (Mat.18:8; 25:41,46)
There are NO exit doors in Hell (Isa,33:14. Rev.20:10)

What must I do to be saved?

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. ONE simple step! BELIEVE!

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV) . . . Believe on His Name!

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (KJV) . . . Believe in your heart!

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) . . . Your faith allows you to BELIEVE!

Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) . . . You glorify God the Father when you BELIEVE and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, for it is God’s will, that all men should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (KJV)