1. Serve the Lord gladly in time of prosperity (36- 52)

The good life will not last forever. We must serve the Lord gladly and joyfully in times of prosperity, or we will serve idols and enemies in poverty, sorrow and despair.

2. When selfishness reigns (53-57)

God blesses those who obey his word, but life under God's curse is terrible. A nation from afar--an invader--will swoop down like an eagle and devour everything. But the greatest curse is the inner selfishness that comes to the surface in seemingly cultured, gentle people when times really get tough.

3. World missions in reverse (58-68)

When people once blessed by God abandon his law, he will surely punish them. When people without God and without his mission are scattered to foreign countries, they suffer on the bottom of society as aliens and immigrants. They only have anxious minds and despairing hearts. They can't even get jobs as slaves.

Application: Lord, save us from the curse of selfishness and life without mission.
One Word: Follow God's word