God's One-Way Street: Why He Sends Blessings, Not Curses

By Chaplain David

A Note from the Author

I want to share a note with you before we begin. This subject will change how you look at the Christian life. I grew up in a doctrinal home; we lived by the doctrine. I have over 40 years of Bible knowledge, a vast life experience, and I am constantly educating myself.

Some of you will disagree with me and reject this memoir and podcast. Then, some of you who believe God is love and grace will understand this and say, "Amen."

Churches and faith-based organizations are seeing numbers drop; they are not as full as they were 5, 10, 20, or 50 years ago. The great men who were pioneers are gone. Today's pioneers are often duplicates of the pioneers they are trying to be. Those pioneers belonged to a different era; we are living in a new one. I deeply respect and love them, but just as the leaders changed throughout the Bible, we must be willing to change as well.

As you study the Bible, you see a shift in lifestyle and also a change in God's love toward us. Leaders often teach about God's wrath, but in the New Testament, we see God's love and grace. Then God wraps everything up by the death of His Son, so we don't see His wrath. That said, why are we still preaching that way?

Why do our churches and non-profit organizations look like we are stuck in old-fashioned ways? Today, I see online spiritual influencers tracking over 5,000 viewers when they go live, while a church might only reach 300+. Granted, churches are doing great, and I am excited for them. That said, I am asking you to read this.

I think it is time to turn the page and start showing the true meaning of God: He is forgiving, He is love, and He gives grace. He no longer curses you because the price has already been paid. Our number one goal is to show the Light to others, help them get saved, and show them how a person can give God's Light in life.

To understand the context, we need to know where the Church standard came from and who made it up. God gave us three ordinances for a church; everything else is mankind. This is what I always believe: God's Way, Bible Way, Family Way; everything else is last.

Mankind always messes things up; it does not matter who you are. If you have to put the wrath of God in people's lives when we live in grace, I am lost for words. Now, there is nothing wrong with giving good, solid advice if you have experience. That said, if you try to teach me how to have a great marriage and you have only been married for 3 years, have no kids, and live in a rental, do you think I will listen? No.

If you are a preacher and a young man and have an excellent opportunity to open the Word of God, go for it, and may God be with you. However, if you are telling me how to live my life when you have no life experience, you have a small budget because you are in a rental and have no kids. You need to talk about raising kids based on "what my dad told me to do," then I hope and pray that you get the experience and become the Preacher that God wants you to be. That said, I caution you: speak inside your age brackets.

The Heart of Worship: Distinguishing Tradition from Truth

The church needs to understand the difference between the traditions we have inherited from history and the actual commandments given to us in Scripture. Much of what we see in modern buildings comes from Roman history, while the requirements for our spiritual gathering come directly from the Apostles.

The Origins of Our Traditions (Where They Came From)

We often assume our current church structure is how the Apostles worshipped, but history shows these developed later.

The Church Building: Early Christians met in "house churches" and did not have dedicated religious buildings. It wasn't until Christianity was legalized in 313 AD that believers moved into Roman government buildings called "Basilicas."

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," Acts 2:46 (KJV)

The Pulpit: Jesus often taught sitting down. There were no wooden pulpits in the New Testament church. The pulpit evolved from a raised reading stand called an "ambo," with roots in the Old Testament.

"And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him." Luke 4:20 (KJV)

"And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose..." Nehemiah 8:4 (KJV)

The Choir: The New Testament emphasizes congregational singing rather than performance. Choirs have roots in the Old Testament Levitical priesthood.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" Ephesians 5:19 (KJV)

"And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen." 1 Chronicles 15:27 (KJV)

The Order of Service: Early worship was spontaneous and participatory. As crowds grew, leaders adopted the structure of the Jewish Synagogue, prayers, reading, sermon, blessing, to maintain order.

"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." 1 Corinthians 14:26 (KJV)

The Biblical Commands (What We Must Do)

While the furniture and buildings are not commanded, the Bible gives us clear instructions on the essential "ingredients" of a church gathering.

Doctrine (Teaching): We must read and teach the Word of God.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42 (KJV)

Fellowship: We are commanded not to isolate ourselves but to gather for encouragement.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)

Breaking of Bread: We are commanded to observe Communion in remembrance of Christ.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19 (KJV)

Prayer: We are commanded to be a house of prayer.

"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." 1 Timothy 2:8 (KJV)

Our Freedom in Christ

The Bible is silent on the physical "container" of the church, giving us freedom to adapt as long as it is done "decently and in order." God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance.

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24 (KJV)

"True worship is not found in the order of the service, but in the obedience of the servant; it is not about the style of the song, but the surrender of the soul."

Part 2: The Vision for the Church in 2025

A Blueprint for God's People in a Changing World

In a world that changes rapidly, the church's mandate remains the same as it was 2,000 years ago. In 2025, the church is not called to be a building or a social club, but a living body that represents Jesus Christ.

The Heart of the Church (Love, Grace, and Light)

Teaching and Living Love: The world in 2025 is filled with division. The church is called to teach that love is an action, not just a feeling.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35 (KJV)

"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)

Showing Grace to the Broken: We live in a culture that is quick to judge. The church must be a hospital for the broken, reminding the world that no one is too far gone for God.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Being the Light in Darkness: As the world grows confused and fearful, the church must shine brighter. We are to stand for truth when it is unpopular.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)

The Hands of the Church (Truth, Training, and Family)

A Pillar of Truth (Stability): In an age of "relative truth," the church must be the one place where absolute, unchanging truth is proclaimed.

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

A Training Center (Discipleship): The church is not just a waiting room for heaven; it is a training ground to equip believers.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)

A Family for the Lonely (Fellowship): Loneliness is a crisis in modern society. The church functions as a spiritual family where burdens are shared.

"God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." Psalm 68:6 (KJV)

"The church is not a museum for saints to stand in, but a hospital for sinners to heal in and a school for disciples to grow in."

Part 3: The Core Message

God's One-Way Street: Why He Sends Blessings, Not Curses

For years, many of us walked the hallways of faith looking over our shoulders. We were taught that God was keeping a strict scorecard. If you had a flat tire, it was because you missed your morning devotion. If you lost a job, maybe you didn't tithe enough. We lived in a transaction: "If I do good, God sends good. If I do bad, God sends a curse."

But as I have walked this journey, studied the Word, and lived through the battles of life, I have come to realize a life-changing truth: God is a "One Direction" God. He does not have a switch that flips between "Bless" and "Curse." He is Light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.

1. Does God Curse or Punish Us When We Do Wrong?

The short answer is no, God does not curse the believer. He does not punish us as a Judge (to pay for sin), but He does discipline us as a Father (to correct our path).

We are Redeemed from the Curse: When you accepted Christ, He took the curse of the Law upon Himself. You cannot be under a curse that Jesus has already broken.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." Galatians 3:13 (KJV)

Punishment vs. Chastisement: Punishment is retribution (paying for a crime). Chastisement is training (correcting a child). God chastens us because He loves us and wants us to grow.

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6 (KJV)

2. The Truth About Tithing: Curse vs. Consequence

If we don't tithe, does God curse us? The answer is No. If you are in Christ, you are redeemed from the curse.

In the New Testament, we don't give 10% to avoid a curse; we give because we love God. It is no longer "of necessity" (fear), but from a cheerful heart. Tithing is a trust exercise, not a tax.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

3. The Nature of Life: Why Bad Things Happen

Why do religious leaders say "It is God's Will" when bad things happen? You are correct, God is not doing that. It is just the nature of life.

The wisest man in the Bible, Solomon, admitted that sometimes things just happen because of timing, not because God is pulling strings to hurt you.

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift... but time and chance happeneth to them all." Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV)

Sometimes a flat tire is just a flat tire. It is simply the nature of life in a broken world, not God punishing you.

4. The "One Direction" God & The "Thank You" Motivation

When you realize that God has always been a "One Direction God," constantly pouring out abundant Grace, your whole concept changes.

We need to shift our motivation. You don't read the Bible, pray, go to church, or give because you are afraid of punishment. You don't do these things to "buy" a blessing. You do these things to show your love and say "Thank You" back to Him from your heart.

We don't go to church to avoid hell; we go to get strong. We don't pray to change God's mind; we pray to get His peace. We don't give to pay a bill; we deliver to express gratitude.

It is the right way to respond; we don't serve Him out of debt, but out of gratitude.

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5 (KJV)

Part 4: A Field Guide to Fear-Based Statements

Breaking the Lies

Here is the complete combined list of statements, breaking down the lies, including the topics of God's Will, Tragedy, and Losing Anointing.

1. The Tithing Curse

Statement: "If you do not tithe on your gross income, you are inviting a curse upon your finances that prayer cannot fix."

The Verse: Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me... In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse..."

How it is Misused: To tell members that if they don't give 10% of their gross income, God will actively curse their finances or allow the devil to destroy their possessions.

The Context: This was written to the Israelites under the Old Testament Law regarding agricultural produce for the temple storehouse. In the New Testament, giving is taught as voluntary and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7), not under the threat of a curse.

2. Missing Church

Statement: "Missing a single service is stepping out from under the umbrella of God's protection."

The Verse: Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is..."

How it is Misused: To claim that missing a Sunday service is a direct sin or an act of rebellion that removes God's protection.

The Context: The author was encouraging believers not to abandon the Christian community entirely during persecution. It was about the value of community support, not a strict attendance register for salvation.

3. Questioning Leadership

Statement: "Questioning the pastor or leadership is the same as attacking God's anointed."

The Verse: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." Psalm 105:15 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To shut down any valid questions, criticism, or accountability of the pastor. It implies that questioning leadership is attacking God.

The Context: This verse refers to physical protection for Israel's patriarchs (such as Abraham) and kings. It is not a shield for modern leaders to avoid accountability for bad behavior or false teaching.

4. Fear of Rejection

Statement: "You are one mistake away from Jesus saying, 'Depart from me, I never knew you.'"

The Verse: "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To make faithful believers terrified that they are secretly not saved, or that one mistake will cause Jesus to reject them.

The Context: Jesus was speaking to people who relied on their own "works" and performance to get into heaven, rather than a relationship with Him. It is a warning against hypocrisy, not a threat to sincere believers who struggle.

5. Spiritual Lukewarmness

Statement: "If you don't feel constantly on fire for God, He is disgusted with you and will spit you out."

The Verse: "So then because thou art lukewarm... I will spue thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To preach that if you aren't serving constantly or feeling emotional "fire," God will reject you.

The Context: Addressed to a church that was arrogant and trusted in its own wealth ("I am rich"). It was about their self-sufficiency versus trusting in Jesus, not about emotional intensity.

6. Sickness and Faith

Statement: "If you are sick, it is because you have hidden sin or you simply do not have enough faith."

The Verse: "...and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To tell sick people that physical healing is guaranteed if they have enough faith, implying sickness is their own fault.

The Context: While God can heal, the primary context of this prophecy is spiritual healing, salvation from sin. It does not promise that believers will never experience physical sickness in this life.

7. Leaving the Church

Statement: "If you leave this church, it proves you were never really a Christian to begin with."

The Verse: "They went out from us, but they were not of us..." 1 John 2:19 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To slander anyone who leaves a specific church building or denomination, claiming they were never saved.

The Context: John was speaking specifically about "antichrists," false teachers who denied that Jesus was the Messiah. It refers to people leaving the Christian faith, not to people changing churches.

8. Generational Curses

Statement: "You are suffering today because of the sins of your ancestors and you are under a generational curse."

The Verse: "...visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children..." Exodus 20:5 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To tell believers they need remarkable deliverance because God is punishing them for their parents' mistakes.

The Context: This warns that the consequences of idolatry affect families, but Ezekiel 18:20 clarifies that "The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father." Galatians 3:13 teaches that Christ has redeemed us from the curse.

9. Blind Obedience

Statement: "You must obey your leaders in all things because they will answer to God for your soul."

The Verse: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves..." Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To demand unquestioning obedience to the pastor's personal preferences or controlling rules.

The Context: This verse encourages a spirit of cooperation with humble leaders who are teaching the Word of God, not blind submission to controlling authority figures.

10. Giving to Get

Statement: "If you don't give a large offering, God is limited in how He can bless you."

The Verse: "Give, and it shall be given unto you..." Luke 6:38 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To treat God like an investment machine, implying you can "buy" a blessing by giving money.

The Context: Jesus was teaching about a lifestyle of generosity and mercy (forgiving others), not just financial transactions.

11. Disagreement as Witchcraft

Statement: "Disagreement with the leadership is the spirit of rebellion, which is the same as witchcraft."

The Verse: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft..." 1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To label anyone who asks hard questions or disagrees with a decision as being under demonic influence.

The Context: This was spoken to King Saul when he directly disobeyed a specific command from God. It does not apply to a church member having a different opinion from the pastor.

12. Stingy Sowing

Statement: "If you sow sparingly with your money, God will be stingy with you."

The Verse: "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly..." 2 Corinthians 9:6 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To pressure people into giving more than they can afford by threatening that God will withhold their needs.

The Context: Paul uses an agricultural metaphor to encourage generosity, but the very next verse says that giving must be done "not grudgingly, or of necessity."

13. The Power of the Tongue

Statement: "If you say you are sick or struggling, you are cursing yourself because death and life are in your tongue."

The Verse: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To make people afraid to be honest about their struggles or pain, forcing them to "fake it" spiritually.

The Context: This is a proverb about the influence of our words on relationships and consequences (e.g., a witness in court), not a magical formula that creates reality.

14. Striking Dead (Ananias & Sapphira)

Statement: "God killed Ananias and Sapphira for holding back money, and He could do the same to you."

The Verse: Acts 5:1-11 (The story of Ananias and Sapphira)

How it is Misused: To terrify members into giving everything they have by threatening immediate death.

The Context: Their sin was not holding back money; it was lying to the Holy Spirit to look more generous than they were. It was about hypocrisy in the early church, not a mandatory donation amount.

15. Losing Salvation

Statement: "If you have backslidden, you can't be saved again."

The Verse: "For it is impossible... if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance." Hebrews 6:4-6 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To tell struggling Christians that they have "crossed a line" and are now hopeless.

The Context: This is a complex theological passage that often refers to those who entirely reject Christ after knowing the truth (apostasy), not to believers who struggle with sin or go through a rough patch.

16. Unworthy Communion

Statement: "If you take Communion with any unconfessed sin, you are drinking sickness and death upon yourself."

The Verse: "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself..." 1 Corinthians 11:29 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To make people afraid of the Lord's Supper, causing them to abstain out of fear.

The Context: "Unworthily" here referred to the way the Corinthians were treating the meal, getting drunk and leaving the poor hungry, not about personal perfection.

17. The Deuteronomy Curses

Statement: "You are living under a curse because you haven't obeyed all of God's commandments."

The Verse: Deuteronomy 28 (List of Blessings and Curses)

How it is Misused: Applying Old Covenant curses (boils, drought, defeat) to New Covenant believers to scare them into compliance.

The Context: These were the terms of the Old Covenant with Israel. Galatians 3:13 explicitly says, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law."

18. The Hard Master

Statement: "God is a hard master who demands a profit from your life, or He will cast you into outer darkness."

The Verse: Matthew 25:24-30 (Parable of the Talents)

How it is Misused: To portray God as a demanding boss who only loves you if you are "productive."

The Context: The "wicked servant" perceived the master as hard, but the parable teaches stewardship. The master rewarded faithfulness, not just profit margins.

19. Name It and Claim It

Statement: "You simply need to have enough faith to speak your desires into existence."

The Verse: "Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed..." Mark 11:23 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To blame people when their prayers aren't answered exactly how they wanted, claiming they spoke the "wrong words."

The Context: Jesus was teaching on the power of faith in God's will, not that humans can manipulate reality with their words, as if by magic.

20. God Not Hearing

Statement: "God does not hear your prayers because your sin has separated you from Him."

The Verse: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God..." Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To tell Christians that God ignores them when they mess up.

The Context: This was spoken to Israel during its rebellion. In the New Testament, Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing (including sin, for those in Christ) can separate us from the love of God. We confess sin to restore intimacy, not because God has left the room.

21. The "God Caused It" Lie (Tragedy)

Statement: "God took your loved one or caused this tragedy because He needed another angel, or to teach you a lesson."

The Verse: "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To comfort people by blaming God for death, sickness, or accidents, implying God kills people for His own benefit.

The Context: Job spoke this in grief before he had the whole picture. The New Testament reveals that death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), and God is the God of life who weeps with us in our loss.

22. The "God's Will" Lie (Failure)

Statement: "Your business or ministry failed because you stepped out of God's will. If God was in it, it would have succeeded."

The Verse: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:19 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To paralyze people with fear that any failure is a sign of God's punishment or disapproval.

The Context: Failure is part of life and growth in a fallen world. Even righteous people face "afflictions" and failures. God uses these to redirect and strengthen us, not to punish us for trying.

23. The "Lost Anointing" Lie

Statement: "If you don't feel God's presence or you struggle with sin, the Holy Spirit has left you."

The Verse: "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." Psalm 51:11 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To make believers insecure, thinking the Holy Spirit leaves them every time they sin.

The Context: David prayed this under the Old Covenant before the Cross. In the New Covenant, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would abide with us "forever" (John 14:16). He never leaves the believer.

24. The "Performance" Lie (Daily Checklist)

Statement: "God won't hear your prayers today because you didn't read your Bible this morning."

The Verse: "Now we know that God heareth not sinners..." John 9:31 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To convince believers that daily discipline is what earns God's ear, rather than the blood of Jesus.

The Context: The Pharisees used this logic to try to discredit Jesus. The truth is, we approach God through the "new and living way" Jesus opened (Hebrews 10:20), not through our daily checklist.

25. The "Financial Punishment" Lie

Statement: "Your car broke down because the devil found a legal right to attack your finances since you missed a tithe."

The Verse: "...whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him." Ecclesiastes 10:8 (KJV)

How it is Misused: To claim that one mistake removes God's hedge of protection and invites demonic destruction.

The Context: This is a proverb about wisdom and occupational hazards, not a theological statement that God removes protection over a financial error. God's provision is based on His character as Father, not our perfection.

Conclusion

The Prodigal Son & The Radio Station

You are right. Obedience allows you to enjoy the relationship, but Grace guarantees you will keep it.

Think of the Prodigal Son. When he was in the pig pen, he was still a son. The Father never stopped loving him. But because he was far away, he was hungry and lonely. He missed the feast, but he never lost the Father.

God's Grace is like a Radio Station that never stops broadcasting beautiful music (Love and Blessings). When you pray, go to church, and read the Bible, you are tuning your dial to His frequency to hear the music clearly. When you sin or stop caring, you aren't destroying the Station. God is still broadcasting love! But you have tuned your dial to static.

"The tragedy isn't that God hates you; it's that you are starving to death while carrying a sandwich in your pocket."

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life... nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

"Religion seeks a two-way trade with God, buying blessings with good behavior. But Grace is a one-way street: God sends His goodness down freely, and the only thing that goes back up is our gratitude." - Chaplain David

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Be a part of a powerful movement! ✨ At CA Jail Outreach, we're bringing light to families impacted by incarceration. See the lives changed and discover how you can join our dedicated prayer warrior team at www.cajailoutreach.org. Keep up with our mission by following us right here! And for a personal look into the heart of our founder, David has opened his personal page to the public: https://facebook.com/david.avritt. Connect, pray, and inspire!

David Avritt, CEO & Founder | Chaplain | Retired Military, CA Jail Outreach, www.cajailoutreach.org.

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CEO and Founder David Avritt's Favorite Quote:

"Helping is ordinary; adding ice makes it extraordinary. There are leaders, and then there are leaders who serve, but among the best are those who always remember to add ice." - Chaplain David Avritt