Deuteronomy

May 29th – Deuteronomy 3:16

Deuteronomy 3:16

Memorial Day is here. The unofficial start to summer. A three day weekend devoted to fun-in-the-sun, grilling, and get togethers. All of that is wonderful as long as we remember the true reason for the celebration. A day of remembrance for those who gave their lives for their God, their country, and their families. Sadly, until the return of Jesus there will always be battles to fight, sacrifices asked, and wars waged. And always a need for brave men and women to fight the enemy. Just like the soldiers on the battlefields, we too are soldiers for Christ. And no matter what obstacle we face or what Satan may throw our way, we will overcome by standing on the promises of God. For as Paul so beautifully reassures us in Romans 8:38, nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father. I pray for you all a blessed day with family and friends. To those of you who have served, thank you. To those of you with loved ones who have served, thank you. And for those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, thank you. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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April 19th – Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:6

Throughout the Bible we read of people who despite feeling afraid accomplished great things for God. Joshua is one such person. He followed Moses for forty years and witnessed the awesome miracles the Lord performed through Moses. Then it was announced after Moses’s death it would became Joshua’s turn to lead. Imagine the fear and panic that ran through his head knowing that now it was him in charge of over two million people. And not just any people, God’s people. But Moses gave Joshua some simple yet sage advice. “Be strong and courageous.” Just as God was with Moses, so He would be with Joshua. Leading the way and making it clear. When we are in the grip of fear, we can break free by applying the words of Moses to our own lives. “Be strong and courageous.” For God will go before us as well leading the way to victory.

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March 27th – Deuteronomy 28:3

Deuteronomy 28:3

God doesn’t give us commands to feed His ego or to make us suffer. He loves us beyond measure and wants us to have the very best life. An abundant life that His Son sacrificed His life to give us. But the Lord will only bless us if we walk in faithful obedience to Him. And when we do, God promises those blessings will follow us no matter where we roam, or where we settle. Because God isn’t limited to specific areas or situations. His goodness and provision are available to us whenever and wherever we are, as long as we remain faithful to Him. In our obedience, we show our trust God’s wisdom and sovereignty over our lives. A trust which in turn leads to God’s very best blessings. Blessings including material prosperity, physical health, and spiritual growth.

 

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March 24th – Deuteronomy 4:7

Deuteronomy 4:7

The people of Israel were God’s special possession, His very own. And He wanted with them, like He does with us, a close personal relationship built on love and obedience. As His chosen people, God offered them not only a land filled with milk and honey, but victory over their enemies. Gloriously and graciously the Lord led them and performed wondrous miracles in their sight. And at any time, for any reason, the people could call on God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we too receive the blessing of becoming a part of God’s very own. He is near to us and just like the people of Israel, we can call on Him. God wants us to have the very best life possible. There is no one who loves you more, will fight harder on your behalf, or is more worthy of your complete faith and devotion. So draw near to Him, remember Him in all things, believe and obey, and watch the blessings flow!

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Deuteronomy 15:11

Deuteronomy 15:11

God cares deeply for the poor and the needy and expects His people to reflect that same care and compassion. That means it’s not just enough to simply acknowledge the existence of poverty. We must also actively work to alleviate it by helping those in need. Jesus loved unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. He loved the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners. Never withholding His awesome generosity from all who called on Him in faith. And He commands us to do the same. We can follow His example by loving others regardless of their background, social status, or behavior. The Lord calls us to love our neighbors. To practice Christlike, unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and sacrifice. By doing so, we can become more like Him and make a positive impact on the world around us.

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December 19th – 1 john 5:11

1 John 5:11

When Moses gave Israel God’s Law, he told them of the grave punishment for bearing false witness against another. If the testimony given was untrue, the liar received the punishment intended for the one they falsely accused. When witnesses testify in court they’re sworn to to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Yet unfortunately we know that people and their promises can’t always be trusted. But that’s never the case with God. We can trust that He is always true, honest, and faithful to keep His word. Throughout the Old Testament we read the glorious testimony given by God. Promises about a Messiah who would come to save the world. Which came true with the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who is the Savior God sent to redeem the world. In His unmerited love, God has provided the way to eternal life through His only begotten Son. This is true, and this is life!

 

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October 17th – Exodus 14:14

Exodus 14:14

God’s Promise – “If you remain still, I will do your fighting for you.”

Like the Israelites, we too are on an exodus. We are partners with Jesus who leads us on our journey to the Promised Land of Heaven. And, just like the Israelites, our exodus requires trust, faith, and obedience. Trust that no matter the challenge, God has already secured the victory. Faith in God ‘s promise, “The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. v. 31:8) And the obedience to not take matters into our own hands, and risk sinning against God. For He tells us in times of trouble, let Him do the fighting. Because nothing is more powerful than the Lord. And no battle can overcome Him. So even if we find ourselves surrounded by a host of enemies, we can know peace. Because it is God Himself who fights for us. And while, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

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September 23rd – Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2

Many times my heart has felt faint, consumed by discouragement and fear. And it’s during those times when praying and drawing nearer to God is a necessity. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”, our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what is going on in this fallen world, God goes before us and makes our paths straight.  Deut. 33:26 reminds us that, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Satan loves to fill our minds with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But God promises those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. King David who was protected by a mighty army knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers.  He understood that it was only God who could lead him to victory!

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August 27th – Deuteronomy 9:7

Deuteronomy 9:7

I think about the story of the Israelites and find myself shaking my head. I wonder how a people, who had repeatedly seen the mighty hand of God caring for them every step of the way, could so easily turn away from Him and His love. Then I think about my own life. And how many times I too have seen His hand at work and still grumbled against Him. How many blessings have I missed out on? Because instead of walking in trust and obedience, I gave in to fear and rebellion. And how many days, weeks, and months I have wasted wandering in the wilderness? Thankfully, we serve a loving, kind, and forgiving God. Even after the people rejected Him, God cared for them as His precious children, meeting their every need. We too are His precious children, and with each step of our spiritual walk He cares for us. And no matter how far we may wander, He is always there ready to joyfully welcome us back.

 

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August 24th – Micah 3:8

Micah 3:8

Micah was a prophet called to  deliver God’s message of judgement against Israel. Kindness and goodness were in short supply at the time. And corruption and abuse had become the practices of the day. Especially when it came to rich versus poor. Sound familiar? We serve a holy and righteous God. One who won’t forever turn a blind eye to wickedness. And the warning Micah gave Israel of God’s approaching consequences, he also gives to us. Practice justice or face the consequences. The Lord is just, and He expects the same from His people. Being just means in all His ways God is fair, impartial, dealing justice according to His righteousness. Neither can He be bought nor bribed. His Word is true, and His decisions final. (Duet. 32:4) And the justice He wields, He tempers with love and grace. And it’s that kind of justice He expects us pass on to others.

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