PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | OCTOBER 18, 2026
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 28, where Moses sets the blessings of obedience beside the curses of disobedience. In Hebrew, a blessing means being full and filled with strength, and a curse means being bound like a slave. Both “come upon” God’s people depending on whether they follow the Creator or something He created. Every created thing has a limit on what it can give. The curses come both on those who turn to other gods and on those who obey God without joy. Through Paul’s words in Acts 17 and the promise of Joel 2, we are reminded that the call to repent is open to everyone, and that God is gracious to all who return to Him.
WATCH
LISTEN
REFLECT
Joshua 8:30-35, Joshua 24:15, Acts 17:22-31, Joel 2:12-14
Either blessings (fullness and strength) or curses (bondage and slavery) will “come upon us,” depending on whether we choose God’s path or another. As you reflect on your life today, do you feel the fullness of God’s strength, or are you enslaved by the things of this world?
Following God is a narrow path, while the world offers a wide path. Yet God’s blessings are limitless, unlike the world’s limited rewards. What blessings have you experienced by following God’s will? Have you encountered the limitations of choosing another path?
Obeying the Lord requires faith, especially when we do not feel like obeying or cannot fully see or understand His plan. Have you ever faithfully obeyed Him even when doing so was uncomfortable?
When we rebel and turn away from God, we open our hearts and minds to deception. What lies have you been tempted to believe?
We must choose between the Creator’s path and creation’s path; there is no third option. Although we are free to choose, a decision is unavoidable. Have you made your choice, or are you still wrestling with it?
Following God, our Creator, brings countless blessings that positively shape every area of life. As He transforms our minds, He changes how we approach family, relationships, work, and daily living. Have you experienced – or are you now experiencing – the fullness of God’s strength? How has He used it in your life?
Following Creation, the world, rather than the Creator leads to bondage and can damage every area of life, including our careers, physical and mental health. Turning away from God ultimately leads to destruction. Have you experienced consequences from choosing another path? What did that choice teach you?
God does not desire obedience driven by duty or obligation rather than joy, because it produces a “hollow heart.” He wants neither legalism nor empty religion, but a relationship with us. Do you ever do what you believe pleases God while resenting it?
We may seek temporary pleasure in money, possessions, relationships, social media, and other things instead of in a relationship with God. This can lead us into a wilderness of dissatisfaction. How satisfied are you with your life? Are you tempted to wander from God?
Here is the good news: we can turn from sin, poor choices, and rebellion, and God welcomes us with open arms. Through His Son, Jesus, no sin or life choice is beyond His forgiveness. The life He offers is available to EVERYONE! Is anything keeping you from surrendering your life to God? Lay it down today, repent, and come to Him. He is waiting with open arms.