O. T. #432 "Blessings"
January 5, 2015
Deuteronomy 33
Surely it is You who loves the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand. At Your feet they all bow down, and from You receive instruction. Deuteronomy 33:3
LET IT GLOW
What blessings did you receive from the Lord last year? I was able to be a part of teaching children Bible stories in VBS in the Dominican Republic. Several came to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. While there, I also witnessed several older folks receive reading glasses, able to read the Word of God. How thrilled they were! I shall never forget their excitement. Those made any sacrifices I had made worth it all. What blessings!
Reading the final word of Moses to his people, we hear the blessings of Jacob's family, the tribes of Israel. these blessings are introduced and concluded with passages which praise God (verses 2-5, 26-29).
Verse 2 is in reference to the glorious appearance of God at Mount Sinai, when He gave the Law to Moses.
He shined forth like the sun when He goes forth in His strength. The reflected rays were so bright that they were noticed by the adjacent countries. Moses gave the Israelites the Law, and they received it as the Word of God. The stone tablets were a precious gift, a right-hand blessing from God, a gift of grace. God has all His saints in His hand, and none can pluck them out according to John 10:28. The people sat down at His feet, at the foot of Mt. Sinai, while God gave Moses the Law. (Matthew Henry)
The Lord is called king in Jeshurun, which means the King in righteous nations. God intended Israel would be a righteous nation because He expected them to obey the Word of God; hence, they were to be a glorious manifestation of His righteousness. (Falwell)
In verses 26-29, we the Lord rides upon heaven, which pictures His omnipotence. He is their refuge to a people who where houseless, dwelling 40 years in tents. God was their house. His everlasting arms show His strength that is never exhausted. There is no god like the God of Israel. He provides and protects His children.
As we begin a new year, have we taken time to look back over the last year at the blessings which God bestowed upon us? How did god show Himself in your life?
LET IT GROW
We read of the blessings of Moses upon each tribe of Israel, except Simeon. We feel the love which filled Moses' heart for his family. He gives his parting benediction as he asks God's blessing on these tribes. The tribe of Simeon is not mentioned here, since it was eventually absorbed into Judah, so the tribe of Judah's blessing was shared with Simeon's tribe.
I'm not going to list all the blessings and the tribes, only discuss the tribe of Judah.
Jacob had promised that the scepter would not depart from Judah (Gen. 49:10), which meant that the Messiah would come through this tribe. Judah was given the responsibility of championing his brothers in the wars of Israel against the nations. In turn, God would prosper all the tribes because of his courage. (Falwell)
Moses prayed that this tribe would be powerful in leading the nation to be victorious in battle through the help of the Lord. (MacArthur)
Note the difference in blessings God gave each tribe. To one he gave the best land, to another strength, to another safety. Too often we see someone with a particular blessing and think that God must love that person more than others. Think rather that God draws out in all people their unique talents. All these gifts are needed to complete His plan. don't be envious of the gifts others had. Instead, look for the gifts God has given you, and resolve to do the tasks He has uniquely qualified you to do. (Life Application Study Bible )
Are we using what God has given us for His glory and service?
LET IT GO
Be thankful for my blessings.
Bless my family with the Word of God.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
A New Song
O. T. #431 "A New Song"
January 2, 2015
Deuteronomy 32
Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Deuteronomy 31:19 NIV
LET IT GLOW
Do you sing praise songs, written from the Psalms, to God? He inhabits the praise of His people. There are times I even make up a new song during my private worship. It reflects my heart rejoicing in my God and Savior. Moses was told to write a new song for Israel to learn to sing. This chapter gives us the words.
In the previous chapter, we read where God called Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle. Moses was given a charge to write a song, as Joshua witnessed it. The children of Israel were to sing it during their daily activities. It shows the impact of music.
The song God commanded Moses to write describes:
LET IT GROW
It is sad to say, but Israel would experience God's judgment because of their:
One day God will avenge Israel and restore her to the place where the nations will rejoice with her (verse 43). One day Israel will turn to her Rock and discover that He is Jesus Christ whom she crucified! (Wiersbe)
Who are we pursuing? Are we remaining faithful to only worship God? Are we letting idols to creep into our life, taking God's place? If so, we need to repent and replace them with God on the throne of our heart and life.
LET IT GO
Remove anything that is more important or takes more of my thoughts and time than what God does.
Turn to the Rock, my God.
Be thankful for His blessings.
January 2, 2015
Deuteronomy 32
Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Deuteronomy 31:19 NIV
LET IT GLOW
Do you sing praise songs, written from the Psalms, to God? He inhabits the praise of His people. There are times I even make up a new song during my private worship. It reflects my heart rejoicing in my God and Savior. Moses was told to write a new song for Israel to learn to sing. This chapter gives us the words.
In the previous chapter, we read where God called Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle. Moses was given a charge to write a song, as Joshua witnessed it. The children of Israel were to sing it during their daily activities. It shows the impact of music.
The song God commanded Moses to write describes:
- the faithfulness of God,
- He would surely bless His people, although they would reject His love,
- the feelings of God using pictures, metaphors, and poetic expressions,
- the disobedient nation who was blesses far above all the other nations of the earth,
- the prophecy of future judgments,
- Moses asking heaven and earth to listen to the words of the song, in honor of its Creator and because they would be affected by the judgment coming due to Israel's faithlessness,
- the greatness of God, as Moses wants all to join him in praising God,
- God as the Rock of Israel, which means strong, strength, mighty God, which represents the stability, permanence, and unchangeableness of God, (verse 4)
- God as a defense for His people and a refuge in trouble,
- Israel's Father who brought Israel forth and formed them into a nation, (verse 6)
- God as The Most High, sovereign and authority over all nations, (verse 8)
- Israel as the apple of His eye, as the pupil, which is essential for vision and closely protected, so God closely protected Israel, (verse 10)
- His loving care of Israel as the mother eagle hovers over her young, (verse 11)
- their receiving honey and oil from barren places, (verse 13)
- God is pictured as Israel's Redeemer who purchased the people. (verse 6)
LET IT GROW
It is sad to say, but Israel would experience God's judgment because of their:
- provoking God to jealousy, sacrificing to idols and devils, (verse 16-17)
- unmindful and forgotten God, (verse 18)
- taught their children to pursue other gods, (verse 19)
- provoking God to wrathful judgment, using hunger, pestilence, plague, wild beasts, poisonous serpents, and war, (verses 22-28)
- sinfulness of Israel, vengeance and recompense, the manner of timing and repayment belonged to God, (verse 35) Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30 affirms this principle in the New Testament.
One day God will avenge Israel and restore her to the place where the nations will rejoice with her (verse 43). One day Israel will turn to her Rock and discover that He is Jesus Christ whom she crucified! (Wiersbe)
Who are we pursuing? Are we remaining faithful to only worship God? Are we letting idols to creep into our life, taking God's place? If so, we need to repent and replace them with God on the throne of our heart and life.
LET IT GO
Remove anything that is more important or takes more of my thoughts and time than what God does.
Turn to the Rock, my God.
Be thankful for His blessings.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
I Will Resolve to...
Happy New Year, 2015!!!
January 1, 2015
How odd is that, to write 2015? I never thought about my living in the year 2015. Did you back in the 70's, 80's, 90's, even 2000, or 2010? Oh my, where have the decades gone? The years keep flying by faster and faster.
Of course, when we think of a new year, we often think of "New Years Resolutions." Right?
My husband and I are reading a daily devotional book written by a friend of ours, R.E. Clark, called Life Is Not A Snapshot It's A Mosaic. (It is for sale on Amazon.) Here are some things he says about this subject:
Most of the commercials deal with exercise equipment, diet plans, or quitting some bad habit like smoking. Though we may not formally mad a resolution, the merchants know that this is the time of the year that we are at least subconsciously thinking about them.
The word resolution means to determine an action, course of action, procedure, or method. It is at the minimum a mental state in which we resolve to accomplish some set of goals.
Resolutions come down to a matter of the will. You have to take that which was mere thought and put feet to it. Your resolution must rise up and become a reality. David wrote the longest chapter of the Bible, which we know as Psalm 119.
In verses 15-16, David said, I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
David's resolution was short and sweet. It was a four step plan with a single focus. Each step is always centered upon the Word of God.
I will meditate.
I will contemplate.
I will delight.
I will remember (not forget).
David's resolves included:
Meditate, contemplate, delight, and remember God's Words and ways.
Be it finally resolved...
Are we making time to read and study the Bible? Are we taking it into our life, our heart, making it a part of us? Does it feed our soul that is hungry? Do we remember what the Word says about a certain situation which pops up before us?
How resolved are we? How willing are we?
Have a Happy New Year and watch those resolutions.
Linda
January 1, 2015
How odd is that, to write 2015? I never thought about my living in the year 2015. Did you back in the 70's, 80's, 90's, even 2000, or 2010? Oh my, where have the decades gone? The years keep flying by faster and faster.
Of course, when we think of a new year, we often think of "New Years Resolutions." Right?
My husband and I are reading a daily devotional book written by a friend of ours, R.E. Clark, called Life Is Not A Snapshot It's A Mosaic. (It is for sale on Amazon.) Here are some things he says about this subject:
Most of the commercials deal with exercise equipment, diet plans, or quitting some bad habit like smoking. Though we may not formally mad a resolution, the merchants know that this is the time of the year that we are at least subconsciously thinking about them.
The word resolution means to determine an action, course of action, procedure, or method. It is at the minimum a mental state in which we resolve to accomplish some set of goals.
Resolutions come down to a matter of the will. You have to take that which was mere thought and put feet to it. Your resolution must rise up and become a reality. David wrote the longest chapter of the Bible, which we know as Psalm 119.
In verses 15-16, David said, I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
David's resolution was short and sweet. It was a four step plan with a single focus. Each step is always centered upon the Word of God.
I will meditate.
I will contemplate.
I will delight.
I will remember (not forget).
David's resolves included:
- Meditate on the precepts of God. The Hebrew word for meditation means to ponder; to weigh carefully in the mind; to converse with one's self; to talk out the issues of God's law to the place that every point was completely understood. Meditation is a "get honest with God and yourself time". Read Ephesians 5:17-21 for more mediation information.
- Contemplate God's ways. Contemplation is the idea to scan or to look at intently. Make the necessary adjustments in your life to get back on the Lord's highway. When we go to the doctor, and they prescribe medication to help us, it will do us no good unless we fill the order and take all of the medication.
- Delight myself in God's statutes. Delight means to please. David looked at the statutes, commandments, and the law of God with delight and pleasure. He handled each one as if holding close like a beloved child. Be resolved to hold close to your heart God's Word.
- Forget not God's Word. Forget means to mislay. It is not so much intentionality, but carelessness that brings our resolutions to naught. I will remember Your Word. It there is no intent to perform, then the resolves become meaningless.
Meditate, contemplate, delight, and remember God's Words and ways.
Be it finally resolved...
Are we making time to read and study the Bible? Are we taking it into our life, our heart, making it a part of us? Does it feed our soul that is hungry? Do we remember what the Word says about a certain situation which pops up before us?
How resolved are we? How willing are we?
Have a Happy New Year and watch those resolutions.
Linda
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
A New Leader
O. T. #430 "A New Leader"
December 31, 2014
Deuteronomy 31-Part 2
And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. (Deuteronomy 31:23)
LET IT GLOW
God does not change, neither does His Word-He never fails nor leaves me. I came through the CAT scan without any problems. The 2 hour drink was even berry tasty. Now I wait a few more days for the result and what the surgeon's plan is. God always has a plan and that's the one I want. He is amazing God and so trustworthy. Thank You God for strength and courage that comes from You.
Sometimes it is hard to accept a new leader. We become accustomed to the old leader and his ways. Perhaps we are skeptical of the new one, waiting for him to prove himself. Maybe we compare the two, unknowingly. But the new leader deserves a chance, especially when he is in God's will. Israel was soon to be in such a situation. Moses' time of departure was coming, so he wanted to prepare the people for the new leader.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament tells us about the last four chapters:
Wiersbe speaks of the new leader (chapter 31), the new song (32), the new blessing (33), and the new home (34).
In chapter 31, we read about the new leader, Joshua:
LET IT GROW
Our God has commissioned His children to share His song and Word with others.
For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck; behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death? (verse 27)
Moses was well acquainted with Israel's obstinate ways, even in the most gracious of divine provision. (MacArthur)
Moses knew that the Israelites, in spite of all they had seen of God's work, were rebellious at heart. They deserved God's punishment, although they often received His mercy instead. We, too, are stubborn and rebellious by nature. Throughout our lives we struggle with sin. Repentance once a month or once a week is not enough. We must constantly turn from our sins to God and let Him, in His mercy, save us. (Life Application Study Bible)
Although we can be a stiff necked and rebellious people like Israel, He disciplines us and bring us back with His loving arms.
Will we agree with God that we sin and ask His forgiveness? He is so patiently waiting for us.
LET IT GO
Repent, turn, surrender to God.
Bend that neck in humility.
Sing praises to the Lord all the day long.
December 31, 2014
Deuteronomy 31-Part 2
And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. (Deuteronomy 31:23)
LET IT GLOW
God does not change, neither does His Word-He never fails nor leaves me. I came through the CAT scan without any problems. The 2 hour drink was even berry tasty. Now I wait a few more days for the result and what the surgeon's plan is. God always has a plan and that's the one I want. He is amazing God and so trustworthy. Thank You God for strength and courage that comes from You.
Sometimes it is hard to accept a new leader. We become accustomed to the old leader and his ways. Perhaps we are skeptical of the new one, waiting for him to prove himself. Maybe we compare the two, unknowingly. But the new leader deserves a chance, especially when he is in God's will. Israel was soon to be in such a situation. Moses' time of departure was coming, so he wanted to prepare the people for the new leader.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament tells us about the last four chapters:
These are "transition chapter" as Moses gives his final word to the people he has loved and led for forty years. It is amazing that Moses remained so loyal to his people, for they were guilty of criticizing him, rebelling against him, and lying about him. Moses knew that he himself would not enter Canaan, yet he did everything possible to enable Israel to enter! Of course, Moses was faithful to the Lord (Heb. 3:1-6), and this is why he was so faithful to Israel.
Wiersbe speaks of the new leader (chapter 31), the new song (32), the new blessing (33), and the new home (34).
In chapter 31, we read about the new leader, Joshua:
- Moses announced the new leader for the people (verses 1-6), explaining that he would not be able to lead them any longer because of God's judgment. Moses gave the people that wonderful promise of God's victorious presence in verse 6. It's repeated in verse 8, Joshua 1:9, and Hebrews 13:5.
- Mosses called Joshua and commissioned him (verse 7-13), laying his hands on him and thereby granting the spiritual power he would need for his great task (34:9).
- Moses put a copy of Deuteronomy in the hands of the priests to place in the ark, and to read at the Feast of Tabernacles. He knew only God's Word could make the people the kind of nation God wanted them to be.
- God summoned both Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle (verses 14-30) where He told them that the nation would rebel and turn away from the Law. He commissioned both of them to write a "song" (32:44) to be taught to the people.
- Moses was not permitted to lead Israel into Canaan for two reasons: He had sinned against God at Meribah (Num. 20:7-13); Deut. 3:23-29); and Canaan is the type of the "rest" we have in Christ, and Moses the lawgiver could never bring rest. Only Joshua, the type of Christ the conqueror, could do that (Heb. 4; verse 8 calls Joshua "Jesus," which is the Greek spelling). (Wiersbe)
LET IT GROW
Our God has commissioned His children to share His song and Word with others.
For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck; behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death? (verse 27)
Moses was well acquainted with Israel's obstinate ways, even in the most gracious of divine provision. (MacArthur)
Moses knew that the Israelites, in spite of all they had seen of God's work, were rebellious at heart. They deserved God's punishment, although they often received His mercy instead. We, too, are stubborn and rebellious by nature. Throughout our lives we struggle with sin. Repentance once a month or once a week is not enough. We must constantly turn from our sins to God and let Him, in His mercy, save us. (Life Application Study Bible)
Although we can be a stiff necked and rebellious people like Israel, He disciplines us and bring us back with His loving arms.
Will we agree with God that we sin and ask His forgiveness? He is so patiently waiting for us.
LET IT GO
Repent, turn, surrender to God.
Bend that neck in humility.
Sing praises to the Lord all the day long.
Monday, December 29, 2014
I'm Afraid
O. T. #429 "I'm Afraid"
December 30, 2014
Deuteronomy 31
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, or be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6
LET IT GLOW
Here I am, the day before I have a CAT scan. I have to have it so the surgeon sees what needs to be done to make me healthy again. I tell you, friends, I am a little afraid, maybe more than a little, that going without water, crackers for salt, and bananas for potassium for 10 hours. I'm scared it will dehydrate me again, put me back into the hospital, as it did after my colonoscopy. There, I admitted it. I need encouragement today. God has this lesson just for me. Isn't He always on time, meeting our needs? If you are in need today, as I am, read on and we will both find that encouragement we both need, right in this chapter.
Here we read of Moses' final charge. This chapter's content is different from the others in this book. Perhaps, Moses concluded his sermons and moved from the place he was addressing Israel. He had been preaching about the Law, then shifted to personal material involving Moses' retirement and death.
Did you know Moses was 120 years of age at this time? In spite of his age, Moses' eyes were still sharp and his mind was quick (34:7). Yet, it was time for him to step down as Israel's leader, for the Lord had forbidden Moses to cross over Jordan and go into the land of Canaan (Num. 20:12).
Moses promises that God will:
Do you have any enemies that need to be destroyed-fear, doubt, discouragement? Check!
Do you need God's help in your daily life so you can live joyful and the extravagant Christian life as you go through trying times? For sure!
Oooh, that is so me!
LET IT GROW
Our key verse exhorted Israel, and us, to be:
Do we need strength to continue through our trials? Are we lacking in courage in troubled times?
Are we fearful of the future? Anyone afraid of what you face tomorrow? Read on for encouragement from God's Word.
So this word nerd looked up some words in this verse.
The Hebrew word for strong means to fasten upon; to seize; courage; encourage; be established; withstand. The same word is used four times in Joshua chapter 1; in 2 Chron. 11:32; Is. 35:4; Dan. 10:19.
Courage means to be alert; be courageous; steadfastly minded; establish, prevail.
Fail means to slaken; feeble; forsake; leave; let alone.
Forsake means loose; relinquish; permit; fail; leave (destitute).
That's what I need to hear. I am going to fasten onto Jesus during my test (drinking 2 1/2 hours of chalky stuff.) I will keep my mind focused on Scripture and prayer. God will not leave me nor forsake me. He will help me withstand this.
He can do the same for you, too, friends.
LET IT GO
...of fear and doubt; trust Jesus.
Fasten onto Jesus when I'm scared.
Let Him establish my faith.
Remember, God will not leave me nor forsake me, leaving me alone to go through this by myself.
He has the power to see me through this. I will trust Him.
He is with me all the way. Give Him glory for His mighty works.
December 30, 2014
Deuteronomy 31
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, or be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6
LET IT GLOW
Here I am, the day before I have a CAT scan. I have to have it so the surgeon sees what needs to be done to make me healthy again. I tell you, friends, I am a little afraid, maybe more than a little, that going without water, crackers for salt, and bananas for potassium for 10 hours. I'm scared it will dehydrate me again, put me back into the hospital, as it did after my colonoscopy. There, I admitted it. I need encouragement today. God has this lesson just for me. Isn't He always on time, meeting our needs? If you are in need today, as I am, read on and we will both find that encouragement we both need, right in this chapter.
Here we read of Moses' final charge. This chapter's content is different from the others in this book. Perhaps, Moses concluded his sermons and moved from the place he was addressing Israel. He had been preaching about the Law, then shifted to personal material involving Moses' retirement and death.
Did you know Moses was 120 years of age at this time? In spite of his age, Moses' eyes were still sharp and his mind was quick (34:7). Yet, it was time for him to step down as Israel's leader, for the Lord had forbidden Moses to cross over Jordan and go into the land of Canaan (Num. 20:12).
Moses promises that God will:
- have His presence going before Israel;
- destroy the nations who were possessing the Promised Land;
- help Israel to possess the land.
Do you have any enemies that need to be destroyed-fear, doubt, discouragement? Check!
Do you need God's help in your daily life so you can live joyful and the extravagant Christian life as you go through trying times? For sure!
Oooh, that is so me!
LET IT GROW
Our key verse exhorted Israel, and us, to be:
- strong,
- of a good courage,
- fear not,
- be not afraid of them,
- for the LORD thy God goes with Israel,
- He will not let Israel fail,
- He will not forsake Israel.
Do we need strength to continue through our trials? Are we lacking in courage in troubled times?
Are we fearful of the future? Anyone afraid of what you face tomorrow? Read on for encouragement from God's Word.
So this word nerd looked up some words in this verse.
The Hebrew word for strong means to fasten upon; to seize; courage; encourage; be established; withstand. The same word is used four times in Joshua chapter 1; in 2 Chron. 11:32; Is. 35:4; Dan. 10:19.
Courage means to be alert; be courageous; steadfastly minded; establish, prevail.
Fail means to slaken; feeble; forsake; leave; let alone.
Forsake means loose; relinquish; permit; fail; leave (destitute).
That's what I need to hear. I am going to fasten onto Jesus during my test (drinking 2 1/2 hours of chalky stuff.) I will keep my mind focused on Scripture and prayer. God will not leave me nor forsake me. He will help me withstand this.
He can do the same for you, too, friends.
LET IT GO
...of fear and doubt; trust Jesus.
Fasten onto Jesus when I'm scared.
Let Him establish my faith.
Remember, God will not leave me nor forsake me, leaving me alone to go through this by myself.
He has the power to see me through this. I will trust Him.
He is with me all the way. Give Him glory for His mighty works.
Will You Choose Life or Death?
O. T. #428 "Will You Choose Life or Death?"
December 29, 2014
Deuteronomy 30-Part 2
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may life.
Deuteronomy 30:19
LET IT GLOW
Have you made the choice of believing in Jesus as your Savior? He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). No one can come to God except through Jesus. That is God's way, His plan. Jesus became our sacrifice for our sins, so we don't have to pay for our sins our self. Such love!! It must be done before your final breath, for then is will be too late, friend. Will you choose life or death?
God doesn't force His will on anyone. Moses challenged Israel to choose life, to obey God, and therefore to continue experiencing His blessings.
In verse 19, we read where God set before Israel life and death, blessing and cursing. Moses was encouraging Israel to choose life, so they and their children may live.
Choose means to try; select; appoint.
Under the Old Covenant:
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and Messiah before you stand before God?(Luke 11:23; Matt. 16:15) Our eternal destiny is determined by our answer to that question.
LET IT GROW
What was Israel to do in order to have life?
Verse 20 tells us:
Life Application Study Bible explains:
God lets us choose whether to follow Him or reject Him. this decision, however, is a life-or-death matter. God wants us to realize this, for He would like us all to choose life. Daily in each new situation, we must affirm and reinforce this commitment.
Choosing life or death was also emphasized by Jesus. The one who believed in Him had the promise of eternal life; while the one who refused to believe faced eternal death (John 3:1-36). Every person faces this same choice. (MacArthur)
Moses set before Israel the greatest commandment, which was to love God, and also points out that they should continue loving God in the future. Love is still the essential principle in fulfilling the commandment (6:4-5).
It is our choice-eternal life or eternal death, Jesus or the devil, repentance or pride.
LET IT GO
Let go of pride, humbly come to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior.
Choose life in Jesus, receiving God's blessings.
Share with others Jesus' way to God.
December 29, 2014
Deuteronomy 30-Part 2
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may life.
Deuteronomy 30:19
LET IT GLOW
Have you made the choice of believing in Jesus as your Savior? He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). No one can come to God except through Jesus. That is God's way, His plan. Jesus became our sacrifice for our sins, so we don't have to pay for our sins our self. Such love!! It must be done before your final breath, for then is will be too late, friend. Will you choose life or death?
God doesn't force His will on anyone. Moses challenged Israel to choose life, to obey God, and therefore to continue experiencing His blessings.
In verse 19, we read where God set before Israel life and death, blessing and cursing. Moses was encouraging Israel to choose life, so they and their children may live.
Choose means to try; select; appoint.
Under the Old Covenant:
- God expected an Israelite to trust in the atonement made by sacrifice to make him righteous, and to understand that this sacrifice pointed towards a perfect sacrifice God would one day make through the Messiah. This is how a godly Israelite, in the Old Covenant, trusted Jesus the Messiah to save him even before the time of Jesus.
- Under the terms of the Old Covenant Israel had a choice-life or death, good or evil. It was up to them.
- Israel would see blessing if they were obedient; if disobedient, they would perish. (Guzik)
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and Messiah before you stand before God?(Luke 11:23; Matt. 16:15) Our eternal destiny is determined by our answer to that question.
LET IT GROW
What was Israel to do in order to have life?
Verse 20 tells us:
- love the LORD thy God,
- listen and obey His voice,
- cleave, hold fast unto Him;
- choose life, and regard Him as our life, and our length of days,
- so they may dwell in the land God promised their fathers.
Life Application Study Bible explains:
God lets us choose whether to follow Him or reject Him. this decision, however, is a life-or-death matter. God wants us to realize this, for He would like us all to choose life. Daily in each new situation, we must affirm and reinforce this commitment.
Choosing life or death was also emphasized by Jesus. The one who believed in Him had the promise of eternal life; while the one who refused to believe faced eternal death (John 3:1-36). Every person faces this same choice. (MacArthur)
Moses set before Israel the greatest commandment, which was to love God, and also points out that they should continue loving God in the future. Love is still the essential principle in fulfilling the commandment (6:4-5).
It is our choice-eternal life or eternal death, Jesus or the devil, repentance or pride.
LET IT GO
Let go of pride, humbly come to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior.
Choose life in Jesus, receiving God's blessings.
Share with others Jesus' way to God.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Returns
O. T. #427 "Returns"
December 26, 2014
Deuteronomy 29-30
And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Deuteronomy 30:2
"Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:7
LET IT GLOW
Did anyone fight the crowds and make a return the day after Christmas? Perhaps it was the wrong sized gift, an unwanted gift, or an ugly gift that caused it to be returned, exchanged for another. If you stand in long lines to make your returns, think how far you may have drifted away from the Lord. Make today a day of happy returns. Moses was warning Israel a third time, to not drift away from the Lord, but to return to Him.
This was Moses' third call for Israel's commitment to God. God and Israel made a covenant at Mount Sinai, 40 years earlier (Ex. 19-20). God promised to bless the Israelites by making them the nation through whom the rest of the world could know God. In return, the Israelites promised to love and obey God in order to receive physical and spiritual blessings. (Life Application Study Bible)
Then, this covenant was renewed in Moab. Now the Israelites are camped across the Jordan River from the Promised Land, before they entered. This Palestinian covenant, a call to commitment, was not only for those Hebrews making it, but for those born in future generations, who would suffer the consequences of what they did. (Liberty bible Commentary)
How was Israel to prosper in life? They were to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength (6:4-5) We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Moses cautioned that the day the Hebrews chose to turn from God, a root would be planted that would produce bitter and poisonous fruit (Heb. 12:15). When we decide to do what we know is wrong, we plant an evil seed that begins to grow out of control, eventually yielding a crop of sorrow and pain. but we can prevent those seeds of sin from taking root. If you have done something wrong, confess it to God and others immediately. If the seed never finds fertile soil, its bitter fruit will never ripen. (Life Application Study Bible)
Do we need to confess and return to the Lord? What better time is there than the present?
Ultimately, because Israel did not keep their part of the covenant, God took them out of the land, using Assyria and Babylon conquered their land and take them away as slaves. Looking on down through time, in 1948, Israel became a nation once again.
Eventually, Israel will believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Paul state that "... all Israel shall be saved..." (Rom. 11:26). This is the picture of the national salvation of Israel. They will ultimately love the Lord their God with all their heart. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
LET IT GROW
Verse 29 states, The secret things belong unto the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The word secret, used here, means to hide (by covering); be absent; keep close; hide.
Most people use the term secret as an interpretation of the unexplainable blessings of God, it actually refers to the hidden causes which motivate God to punish His people. (Falwell)
That which is revealed included the law with its promises and threats; consequently, that which is hidden can only refer to the specific way in which God will carry out His will in the future, which is revealed in His Word and completed in His great work of salvation, in spite of the apostasy of His people.
Life Application Study Bible says there are some secrets God has chosen not to reveal to us, possibly for the following reasons:
There are some answers to "why?" which we will not know until God reveals it to us when we get to heaven. We trust God that He makes no mistakes, for His ways are higher than our ways, including His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9) He will accomplish His purposes for His glory. So we continue to live by faith, not by sight.
Your will, Your way, today, I pray.
LET IT GO
Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.
Return to God and repent when I stray away.
December 26, 2014
Deuteronomy 29-30
And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Deuteronomy 30:2
"Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:7
LET IT GLOW
Did anyone fight the crowds and make a return the day after Christmas? Perhaps it was the wrong sized gift, an unwanted gift, or an ugly gift that caused it to be returned, exchanged for another. If you stand in long lines to make your returns, think how far you may have drifted away from the Lord. Make today a day of happy returns. Moses was warning Israel a third time, to not drift away from the Lord, but to return to Him.
This was Moses' third call for Israel's commitment to God. God and Israel made a covenant at Mount Sinai, 40 years earlier (Ex. 19-20). God promised to bless the Israelites by making them the nation through whom the rest of the world could know God. In return, the Israelites promised to love and obey God in order to receive physical and spiritual blessings. (Life Application Study Bible)
Then, this covenant was renewed in Moab. Now the Israelites are camped across the Jordan River from the Promised Land, before they entered. This Palestinian covenant, a call to commitment, was not only for those Hebrews making it, but for those born in future generations, who would suffer the consequences of what they did. (Liberty bible Commentary)
How was Israel to prosper in life? They were to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength (6:4-5) We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Moses cautioned that the day the Hebrews chose to turn from God, a root would be planted that would produce bitter and poisonous fruit (Heb. 12:15). When we decide to do what we know is wrong, we plant an evil seed that begins to grow out of control, eventually yielding a crop of sorrow and pain. but we can prevent those seeds of sin from taking root. If you have done something wrong, confess it to God and others immediately. If the seed never finds fertile soil, its bitter fruit will never ripen. (Life Application Study Bible)
Do we need to confess and return to the Lord? What better time is there than the present?
Ultimately, because Israel did not keep their part of the covenant, God took them out of the land, using Assyria and Babylon conquered their land and take them away as slaves. Looking on down through time, in 1948, Israel became a nation once again.
Eventually, Israel will believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Paul state that "... all Israel shall be saved..." (Rom. 11:26). This is the picture of the national salvation of Israel. They will ultimately love the Lord their God with all their heart. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
LET IT GROW
Verse 29 states, The secret things belong unto the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The word secret, used here, means to hide (by covering); be absent; keep close; hide.
Most people use the term secret as an interpretation of the unexplainable blessings of God, it actually refers to the hidden causes which motivate God to punish His people. (Falwell)
That which is revealed included the law with its promises and threats; consequently, that which is hidden can only refer to the specific way in which God will carry out His will in the future, which is revealed in His Word and completed in His great work of salvation, in spite of the apostasy of His people.
Life Application Study Bible says there are some secrets God has chosen not to reveal to us, possibly for the following reasons:
- Our finite minds cannot fully understand the infinite aspects of God's nature and the universe (Eccl. 3:11).
- Some things are unnecessary for us to know until we are more mature.
- God is infinite and all-knowing, and we do not have the capacity to know everything He does.
There are some answers to "why?" which we will not know until God reveals it to us when we get to heaven. We trust God that He makes no mistakes, for His ways are higher than our ways, including His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9) He will accomplish His purposes for His glory. So we continue to live by faith, not by sight.
Your will, Your way, today, I pray.
LET IT GO
Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.
Return to God and repent when I stray away.
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