Battles

O. T. #405  "Battles" 
November 11, 2014
Veteran's Day

Weight gain, finances, family issues, employment-we all seem to have some kind of battle in our life at one time or the other. Our nation is in a battle of good verses evil. Not only are we being attacked by the enemy outside our gates, but we are attacked inside, also. Have you noticed that our morals are being attacked. Life by God's standards is falling by the wayside for many.

I am so grateful for those in our military who have laid down their life for us to live in a free nation. So many wars and battles, so many fighting to protect their families and freedom. And it continues today, the fighting against evil ones.

Are you in a battle in your own life? Lay it down at the foot of Jesus. He can handle anything and everything.

As the lad David stood before the giant Goliath we read in 1 Samuel 17:47: And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands.

Will you give the battle into the Lord's hands?

Will you join me in praying for our troops and those making decisions in America?

True and False Prophets

O. T. #404  "True and False Prophets"
November 10, 2014
Deuteronomy 18-Part 2
I will raise up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth: and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.  Deuteronomy 18:18

LET IT GLOW

Can we distinguish between a true prophet of God and a false prophet, following Satan?
We find the answer in this chapter. Read on friends.

In verse 15, Moses tells Israel that God will raise up a Prophet  from their midst. He would mediate between God and man. We know this prophecy is in reference to Jesus Christ. Like Moses, the coming Messiah would receive and preach divine revelation and lead His people (John 1:21, 25, 43-45; 7:40)

The MacArthur Bible Commentary suggests Jesus was like Moses in several ways:

• spared death as a baby; (Ex. 2; Matt. 2:13-23)
• renounced a royal court; (Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 11:24-27)
• had compassion on His people; (Num. 27:17; Matt. 9:36)
• made intercession for the people; (Deut. 9:18; Heb. 7:25)
• spoke with God face to face; (Ex. 34:29-30; 2 Cor. 3:7)
• was the mediator of a covenant. (Deut. 29:1; Heb. 8:6-7)

Philip told Nathanael, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophet, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:45)
Later in John 5:46, Jesus said, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me."

Moses was a true prophet of God and Jesus was the prophecy fulfilled, the Living Word.
Are we reading and heeding the Word?

LET IT GROW

How would Israel know if the prophet was truly speaking for God or was a false prophet?
Verse 22 (NIV) answered that question: If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously.

Israel was warned to not follow after, copy, imitate, nor do the heathen practices of the polytheistic Canaanites. Moses gave 9 detestable practices of the Canaanites that Israel was to avoid in verses 10 and 11:

1. sacrificing children in the fire (12:31) as worship to Molech their god;
2. witchcraft, seeking to determine the will of the gods by examining and interpreting omens;
3. soothsaying, attempting to control the future through power given by evil spirits;
4. interpreting omens, telling the future based on signs;
5. sorcery, inducing magical effects by drugs or some other potion;
6. conjuring spells, binding other people by magical muttering;
7. being a medium, one who supposedly communicates with the dead, but actually communicates with demons;
8. being a spiritist, one who has an intimate acquaintance with the demonic, spiritual world;
9. calling up the dead, investigating and seeking information from the dead.

[Resources: Guzik Bible Commentary; The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Do we see people interested in such evil things? Their source is from the Devil and His demons. These modern practices may come in the form of ecology focused on saving the earth, as their god; feminism as rebellion against God; white and black witchcraft; astrology; psychics and fortune-tellers; dealing in perfume, drug, and herbal use; casting spells on people; profess the ability to call up departed people from the realm of the dead (medium); psychic hotlines for money, but a fraud; necromancy, conjuring up or contacting dead.

People who dabble in it open themselves up to becoming overwhelmed by a demon. This is real, folks. We need to be warning others of such dangerous things. These detestable things God hates.

We are to remain blameless in a holy walk with Jesus. (Acts 19:19-20).
Also, Jesus is our true Prophet to come. (1 Cor. 14:29; 1 John 4:1; Jeremiah 23:28)

LET IT GO

Turn from evil and turn toward God.

Learn what pleases my God and faithfully do them.

Obey God's Word and His Spirit.

Ministering

O. T. #403  "Ministering"
November 7, 2014
Deuteronomy 18-Part 1
For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.  Deuteronomy 18:5

LET IT GLOW

Do we stand and minister in the name of the Lord? Do we willingly serve God? We don't have to have a paid position on staff of a church to do so. I wonder where this country road of faith that I am on will lead me today in God's service. I am walking with Jesus. Will you join me to walk by faith?

(Please pray for my husband and his mission team of four other men from our church and association who are flying today to the Dominican Republic to share the good news of Jesus in evangelistic services. They will return next Friday. Thanks friends.)
Shall we talk about the priests of Israel?

The twelve tribes of Israel (sons of Jacob) made up the new nation of Israel. One of those tribes were the descendants of Levi. The men of this tribe or family served God and their brethren as priests and prophets.

Additional information is given to us in Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:

Care was taken that the priests entangle not themselves with the affairs of this life, nor enrich themselves with the wealth of this world; they had better things to mind. the welfare and husbandry were both spiritual and enough to fill their hands both with work and profit, and to content them. The new covenant believers believe God to be all-sufficient.

The Levites were assigned cities to them located throughout the land of Israel. (Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21) Priests lived near the central sanctuary, where they went to perform their duties. (1 Chron. 6:57-60) The Levites assisted the priests. (Numbers 3;4;8) If a Levite desired to go to the central sanctuary to minister there in the Lord's name, he was permitted to do so, as well as receive equal support along with other Levites.  (MacArthur)

Jesus Christ is our mediator, our High Priest. The Word describes Christians as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.  (1 Peter 2:9)

Do we act as one of the royal priesthood should act?



LET IT GROW


In this chapter, the function of these offices is given by Moses.

The priests were:

• paid ministers;
• received no land inheritance with the rest of the tribes; (verse 2)
• ate sacrifices of ox or sheep (meat for their food) to the LORD by fire;
• supported by gifts and offerings of God's people; (verse 3)
• allowed to eat the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach of each animal; (verse 3)
• allowed to eat of the first fruits of the people-grain (corn), new wine, oil, and keep the fleece of the sheep; (verse 4)
• chosen by God out of all the tribes to stand to minister in His name, to the LORD and the people; (verse 5)
• to stand before the LORD; (verse 7)
• to share equally in the benefits of the Israelites, receiving what should be sacrificed to the Lord.(verse 8)

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

The priests were willing to stand and minister in the name of the Lord. when they obeyed God and served Him with all willing heart, the people brought their sacrifices; and the priests prospered with food. When the priests became hard-hearted, Israel did not respond; and the priests went hungry. Also, the priests were allowed to visit in the homes of Israelites who did not live near God's chosen place of worship. When the priest visited in a home, he was to expect all the desire of his mind, which means that he was to be given the food that he requested.

Are we treating our pastors with such respect as Israel's priests were shown?

LET IT GO

Keep focused on Jesus and His Word, not the materialism around me.

Pray for others, interceding as a priest of Jesus.

Which Way?

O. T. #402  "Which Way?"
November 6, 2014
Deuteronomy 17-Part 2
... since the LORD has said to you, "You shall never again return that way." 
Deuteronomy 17:16c NAS

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever come to crossroads in your life and you wonder which way is the right way? We try to choose the right way, but sometimes it ends up being the wrong way. I can't go back and change things, even if I wanted to. We sometimes have to make decisions and go forward with them. Surely I can learn from the past mistakes and wrong decisions. When it's time to go forward, don't look back. Learn to live with it. Have a grateful heart, even if things used to be better. Hey, I'm talking to myself here. So my attitude should be one of looking at what God is doing in my life presently and hopeful for the future. Walk by faith, not by sight.

That first generation of Israelites kept wanting to return to Egypt after they just got out of there. God had freed them from slavery and they became slaves to their own fleshly desires. They were complaining and grumbling about the food (manna) and water supply (or lack of). I didn't read about them complaining about the heat of the desert, having to walk and carry their belongings, wear the same clothes day after day, for forty years.
Some of this second generation of Israelites grew up hearing all those complaints. I recon God knew their tendencies would be the same, living by the flesh not the spirit, walking by sight not faith, lacking trust in God and turning to empty idols.

Been there, done that. Let the past be in the past.
Look at the key verse. the word way in Hebrew means a mode of action; manner; a course of life; a road.

Never again Israel was to return to Egypt's course of life, way of life-worshiping idols, false gods. The Lord wanted to be their one and only God, the love of their life, their provider, protector. Their way was to be His way for them to live. He gave them instructions time and time again. Also, God kept warning His children of the consequences of sin.

Who is our way of life? Jesus told Thomas, in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Am we living our way or God's way? He is the Light of the World to show us The Way. Are we trusting in our ways or the world's ways? Through the difficult times we need to continue to stand firm, following Jesus, not return to our old way, the way of flesh, our natural way.

LET IT GROW

In the verses 14-20, Moses gives Israel the laws and rules for their kings. Israel was allowed to have a king, if they wanted one. That is why God gave them certain rules for him to follow.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives the do's and don'ts for Israel's future king:

1. He must be a Jew.
2. He shall write for himself a copy of the Law.
3. He shall read his copy of the Law all the days of his life.
4. He shall fear the Lord.
5. He shall observe all the words of the Law.
6. Neither he nor the people shall multiply horses.
7. He shall not return to Egypt.
8. He shall not multiply wives for himself.
9. He shall not greatly increase silver and gold for himself.
10. He shall not lift his heart up above his people.
11. He shall not turn aside from God's commandments.  

The king of Israel was to avoid personal status and physical and material indulgences. In other words, he was to stay humble before God and the people.

If we are a leader, what is our attitude? Are they to serve us or are we to serve them? Do we honor God with our service?

LET IT GO

Turn from our past, the worldliness, fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Honor God in all I do.

Walk by faith, not by sight; live in the spirit, not the flesh.

Giving Our Best

O. T. #401  "Giving Our Best" 
November 5, 2014
Deuteronomy 17-Part 1
Do not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to Him.  Deuteronomy 17:1 NIV

LET IT GLOW

Are we giving our best to God today? Or do we offer Him our leftovers after we used it? I realized that I wasn't giving my best to Him. I was in bed all weekend with a headache and a kidney infection. I realized that my drinking sodas instead of water was my cause of the infection. I was not taking care of my body in the best way so it could be an offering to the Lord's use. His grace and mercy are so good and available upon repentance. Now I want to give Him my best. By not drinking sodas, I offer them as a drink offering to the Lord. Is there something you should sacrifice to the Lord? Israel was given instructions concerning their sacrifices. Only the first verse tells us what it was.

Israel was reminded that their sacrifices were to be without blemish, defect, or flaw. Their burnt, sin, or peace offerings were to be without blemish. Exodus 23 gave us more detail.

To bring a defective sacrifice to the Lord was to bring something into the sanctuary that was forbidden. Such a sacrifice was an abomination to the Lord. To offer less than the best to God was to despise His name (Mal. 1:6-8). Offering a less than perfect sacrifice was, in effect, failing to acknowledge God as the ultimate provider of all that was best in life.  (MacArthur)

No worthless items, second best, nor cast-off things were acceptable to give as an offering to God.
This perfect sacrificial sheep or ox was symbolic of Christ, the sacrificial Lamb of God, who was without sin, spot, or blemish. He offered Himself  to take away the sins of the world.

In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, we read of King David going to Araunah to buy land where his threshing floor was located, as a place to build an altar to the Lord God. Araunah offered it for free, but David refused, saying, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the thressingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

How can we do less?
Will we give out best to the Lord? He gave His all for us.

LET IT GROW

IN the rest of this chapter, Moses tells about the judicial system for Israel:

• A person guilty of worshiping gods, idolatry, according to 2 or 3 witnesses, was to be stoned outside the city gates. (verse 2-7)
• If local judges had cases too difficult for them to judge, they were to take it before the high court. It was not a court of appeal, but took only cases which the lower court referred to them. (verse 8)
• The Levites were to interpret the Law and the judges were to inquire of them. (verses 9-13)
• The judges were to make their decisions according to the Torah, as taught by the Levites assigned to them. Israel was thus commanded not to act presumptuously, but to hearken unto the priest.

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

We need to pray for our Supreme Court Judges and the decisions they make for our nation. Pray they will seek the Word of God for their direction.

Do we seek the Word for directions when making our decisions?

LET IT GO

Give my best to the Lord.

Leave earthly knowledge and seek heavenly wisdom in my decision making.

Go Vote

O. T. #400  "Go Vote"
November 4, 2014
Deuteronomy 16-Part 2
Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.  Deuteronomy 16:18  NIV

LET IT GLOW

What an appropriate time to study about the appointment civil leaders. Today I am working at our local polls so others can vote for our state officials and issues. As you vote, I hope you have considered the issues in light of Biblical principles. I voted early so I can help out. It is time for Christians to rise up and put a stop the legalizing sinful ways, such as abortion, liquor sales, drugs, homosexual marriages. Go vote, friends, and make your voice heard. It is such a privilege in our nation and our Christian obligation. 

Moses reminded Israel about their religious obligations in the first part of this chapter. Now we read about God's commands concerning their civil leaders.
First, was the appointment of judges and other officials in each town.
Second, was the higher judicial court for more difficult cases.
Third, he established the foundation for the future selection of a king.
The nation as a whole was addressed and obligated to appoint judges and officials. Apparently, the leaders were appointed by their age, wisdom, and leadership within the community. (Falwell)

Judges and officials were to not accept bribes, for it perverted their ability to judge fairly.
People should not use money or privileges to persuade leaders their way, which may not be the right way.

Are we looking for spiritual people to hold offices, those who seek God's will in matters?


LET IT GROW

In verses 21-22, God tells Israel to not plant a grove of trees near the altar of the LORD.. This was because trees were used to make altars and idols for the heathen worship of their false gods. This was one of the Ten Commandments, not making a graven image and worshiping it.
Are we careful in our worship?

LET IT GO

Vote for people who live by Biblical standards.

Pray for our nation to return to God and His principles of living.

Watch out for idols.

Remember

O. T. #399  "Remember"
November 1, 2014
Deuteronomy 16-Part 1
Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste-so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.   Deuteronomy 16:3 NIV

LET IT GLOW

The key word at Passover time was the word remember. (verse 3) God wanted the Israelites to never forget what He had done for them in settling them free from slavery in Egypt. They were to eat unleavened bread, without yeast, which represented sin, and a sacrificial lamb, whose blood covered their sins. Christians celebrate the Lord's Supper, remembering Lord's giving His body and blood as our sacrifice. (Matt. 26;26-30; Luke 22:14-19; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

Do we remember what the Lord Jesus did for us as He gave His life so we would not have to pay for our sins? Thank you Jesus!

LET IT GROW

Moses reminds the Israelites about the commands concerning the three feasts. All the men over age twenty were to appear at the centrally appointed place of worship. Families were to attend, if possible,  These three feasts mentioned here were:

1. Feast of the Passover-Only a sacrificial lamb was eaten on that day, in memory of the time in Egypt when God passed over the Hebrews under the blood post, when He killed the first born of the Egyptians. It was done in the spring. (verses 2-8)
2. Feast of Pentecost or Feast of Weeks-It was held 50 days after Passover and others could come. (verses 9-12)
3. Feast of the Tabernacles-It was celebrated in the seventh month. They lived in booths or tents during this time. (verses 13-25) (Falwell)

As New Testament Christians, we celebrate the birth our Savior and His resurrection at Easter. Are we offering ourselves when we celebrate those special times?

LET IT GO

Remember all that the Lord has done for me.

Share with other what He has done.

Daily thank the Lord for my salvation.