March 15 -Deuteronomy 10:1-12:32

Good morning everyone,

This morning in our reading Moses continues to remind the people of their history. We pick up with Moses going back up the mountain to have a chat with God, after having smashed the first set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments in his anger when he discovered how the people had allowed sin to control them. God tells Moses to chisel out two more stones like the first and they'll do this again only this time instead of Moses carrying them in his arms where, you know, they might get tossed about, he was to bring a wooden box, the Ark, to put them in. So once again the Lord wrote the Ten Commandments on the stone and gave them to Moses. The tribe of Levi would then be in charge of taking care of it.

In chapter 11 the Israelites are once more being reminded to love the Lord God and obey all His requirements, decrees, regulations and commands. The responsibility for that is going to fall on the older generation. While it is true they were young when they first left Egypt they were still able to see and old enough to remember God's work first hand. They will be the ones to pass the stories on, keep the light of the Lord burning.

Then Moses tells them to be strong encourages them to take the land God has for them describing to them how much better it is going to be for them; hills and valleys with plenty of rain - a land that God cares for and watches over through each season of the year.

God continually watches and cares for us through every season of our lives by providing for our needs. He protects us, guides us and answers our prayers.The Lord may not always work in our time frame but He is always working and if we are faithful to wait on Him, He will always come through for us according to His will. God love us. He loves you and He loves me, it is His pleasure to bless us.

Have a great day today, to God be the glory.
God bless you all ...

March 14 - Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29

Good morning everyone,

As we begin reading this morning Moses continues to summarize the principals of keeping God's command, reiterating they should be careful to go obey God so that it will go well for them in the land of milk and honey.

Verses 4-9 which are basically a summary of the first four commandments, are what's known as the "Shima", translated "listen". These verses are recited twice a day, morning and evening, by orthodox Jews through out the world. God commands us to "Love The Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength." He doesn't say I hope you feel love for me, He says choose to love me. You know, in our relationships with our spouses, family members, friends and even just people we work with or come into contact with every single day, we can choose to love. We can show kindness and understanding in our behavior even to those who are grumpy and especially difficult. Luke 6:32 says and it is basically repeated in Matthew 5:46 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you. Even sinners love those who love them." Jesus taught us that wherever our treasure is so our hearts will be also. I would encourage you to teach your heart to choose love.

One more thing I want to point out is verse 7 says speaking about the commandments, "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Our children, our grandchildren, the kids next door the babies in the nurseries at church, every child you or I know has got to start hearing about Jesus from the time they are born. It is our responsibility to start hiding God's Word in their hearts with prayer, memory verses, our very own behavior and just talking about God in conversation every day to help them to recognize all that God does for us. To praise Him for His provisions and when times are tougher point out to them it is God's way of strengthening us. They need to know that God is ALWAYS there and always has our back. We have a very short window of influence children before the world steps in and will try to pull them in a different direction, one of corruption and death. We teach them to not run into traffic, to stay away from drugs, the right foods to eat, we need to also be teaching them about the armor God has provided for us and how to use it. Right?

Just as important at telling them how to to live for Jesus is showing them. Set for them a visual example of what a person living for God looks like. Don't just talk the talk, I would encourage you to walk the walk. By walking your talk you become a person others want to follow. These kids are our future, let's do the best we can to prepare them for it. Amen?

Have a great day to God be the glory.
God bless you all ...

March 13 - Deuteronomy 3:21 - 5:33

Good morning everyone,

We open this morning with Moses giving Joshua some words of encouragement. On the heals of victory over Sihon and Og, Moses says in 3:21-22 "You have seen for yourself everything the Lord your God has done to these two kings. He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. Do not be afraid of the nations there, the Lord your God will fight for you." I love that it says "God will fight for you." Not just that he'll be there in the event something goes wrong, which He surely will be, but that He will also fight for us. How encouraging is that?! The battle belongs to the Lord. Whether it is temptation the enemy is dangling in front of us or fear of anything, God has promised to fight with and for us if only we have the faith and put our hope and confidence in Him.

Now if you will remember back to Numbers 20 because Moses misrepresented God to the people and struck the rock for water he would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land with the others. How heartbreaking it had to have been for Moses know this, know he would be staying behind while he watched the others prepare to cross. In verses 24-25 we read him praying to God, pleading with Him to please let him go with the others, but our God is a God who keeps His word, but He is also a God of compassion and told Moses to go to the top of Pisgah Peak where God gave Moses, I believe, a supernatural 3D movie viewing of the land and how it would look with all the Israelites living in it. God loved Moses, and how wonderful that had to have been for them both.

Have you ever gone on on a trip anywhere and had a list of things to do before you finally go? Or gone out at night and left a babysitter in charge and had some last minute reminders you just needed to say before leaving? Well, this is what the next two chapters remind me of. Moses loved these people so much, he had been with them, led them, laughed and cried with them, scolded them, encouraged them, shook his head in wonder over them and now it was time for them to part, but before they did Moses just wants to remind them one more time to not forget all of what they had seen God do, but more than that he pleads with them, encourages them to tell the stories to their children and to their children's children on down the line so that God's great love, faithfulness and provision will never be forgotten.

Finally Moses recounts the Ten Commandments, God's standard for right living. Several year ago I went to Washington DC and while there a total sense of patriotism washed over me. Oh sure I had read all about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all of the places where major events in the history of the U.S. took place I totally believed, was 100% convinced but when I actually saw with my own eyes it was like all the reading I had ever done started walking around and now I lived it too. Imagine for a moment, if you will, the excitement, the pride, the patriotism that was lived the day the Dead Sea Scroll of Deuteronomy was found revealing the Ten Commandments, the ever so precious revelation of God's will for you, for me, for all of God's people. Though I have not seen the scroll I know God is real, I can 3D movie see Him any ole' time I want. He is alive and living in all those who choose Him. I would encourage you to ive the full experience. Follow the Ten Commandments and know the blessings of the Lord.

I pray you have a great day, to God be the glory.
God bless you all...

March 12 - Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20

Good morning everyone,

Today we begin the fifth and final book of the Tora, Deuteronomy. The book penned by Moses is thought to be written about 1406 B.C. The book begins with the Israelites camped at the top of the Dead Sea on the Jordan River across from Jericho in the Moab territory. It is time for Moses to transfer leadership to Joshua and deliver his farewell speech to prepare the people for their entrance into Canaan. Moses will summarize their journey, a journey which could have taken eleven days instead of forty years had they been faithful and trusted in God. 

I found it really cool to take the trip down “memory lane” so to speak with Moses. Remembering the leaders that were appointed from each tribe when Moses felt the burden was too heavy; and the scouts that were sent out into the new land, they were so intimidated by the people there that they let fear drive them instead of faith in God, creating havoc through out the tribes which caused God to get really angry with them and so it was they would get their wish and not see the Promised Land, instead they would have to turn around and head back into the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Bummer! On and on the story is told, of battles, victories, division of land all with emphasis of how God was right there each step of the way, providing for them, correcting them, encouraging them and stretching them. 

What journey are you on? Sometimes in life we get afraid, we get intimidated by the giants that  threaten us and our faith wavers.The load can get so heavy at times, we just want to run but Psalm 55:22 tells us “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” We don’t have to spend forty years going in circles, we can put our faith in the God who loves us, we can take comfort that the Lord your God, my God is with us and mighty to save. Like the song says; “Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters, put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea” Whatever your journey, trust Jesus to lead the way.

I pray you have a great day, praise be to God.

God bless you all…

March 11 - Numbers 34:1-36:13

Good morning everyone,

This morning we come to the last, yes, that’s right friends, the last three chapters in Numbers. What an amazing road trip we have, through the eyes of God and the pen of Moses, gotten to experience with them and now, just the crossing of a river away from claiming the land God promised them. How exciting it has got to be for them, I know I am sitting here really excited for them, are you? 

In chapter 34 God lays out the boarders to Moses of all that will be theirs. Moses then records that Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have already received their inheritance and appoints Joshua and Eleazar to lead the division of land across the river.

In chapter 35 we see that the Levites, as pastors, would be scattered throughout the land. The other tribes were to support them with homes, land, herds and tithes. Six of the cities they received were to be used as cities of refuge, a place where those accused of a taking the life of someone else could easily run to and be tried. It is a serious thing to be charged with murder and in that time when there was no police department, it was customary for the family of a loved one to avenge their death whether accidental or not. Details are given to establish ones guilt, intention and protection if it was indeed an accident. 

Ahh, those girls of Zelophehad. In the final chapter we read how they and their property God allowed them is once more an issue, their tribe not wanting the girl’s land to go to another tribe when they married sought some council from Moses on addressing the problem; and so it was that the Lord instructed that the girls were to marry within their own tribe so Manasseh didn’t lose any of their territory. 

The last verse in Numbers, 36:13 says, “These are the commands and regulations the Lord gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” 
Through this book, these commands and regulations, we have seen the importance of order and discipline and the consequence of choice. We have learned we do not need to be grumbling fools wandering around aimlessly in life. No, no, no! We have a God who loves us. He loves you, He loves me and He has given us a plan, a perfect plan that He has had written out in the Bible, that will allow us to succeed and be joyful in this weigh station called earth while we prepare to someday cross the river to our promised land, to the home He is building for us in heaven. Amen?

Have a great day, to God be the glory!

God bless you all … 

March 10 - Numbers 32:1-33:56

Good morning everyone,

As we begin reading this morning we find the Israelites right there on the banks of the Jordan River ready and waiting to take that final step into the Promised Land. But wait! The tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad come to Moses and say, "We're good here. There is room for our livestock, opportunity for business, we wish you all well in your journey but, we want to stay here."

Moses tells them, "That's all well and good but it is not just about you. It would be discouraging for the others if you were to just abandon the group effort." To this the men of Reuben and Gad responded, "Just let us get our families settled and then we will go into battle with you and not come back until all the people of Israel have received their portions of land." Moses says, "Fine, if that is what you choose to do. If you keep your word, arm yourselves for the Lord's battles until the Lord has driven out his enemies then you will have fulfilled your duty to the Lord and you can return to the east side of the river. However, if you fail to keep your word, be sure that your sin will find you out." Just briefly notice it says "the LORD will do the driving out of the enemies" also "the SIN will find them out",not God will get them, but their own sin.

My question to all of this is why would they not want all that God has to offer them? Why are they willing to "settle?" Oh my word, each and every bit closer I get to God is so much more amazing than where I was, so why would anyone not want more? It is free for the taking. If you are not moving forward with God you are falling behind. Later in the year when we get to the New Testament we will see that when Jesus comes to the land the tribes of Rueben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh chose to settle for, it will be filled with demons and pigs, fallen to pagan worship. Ughhh .... so sad.

We are often like that today. We get so comfortable with the way our life is that we don't want to move forward in God. We are happy to help anyone with their ministry to, oh let's just say Russia or Haiti or anywhere. We will collect clothing, money, food, whatever the task is but when it is completed we scurry back to our church on Sunday and occasionally other functions, comfort zone. A zone that rarely sees us opening our Bibles during the week, doing Bible studies, or walking into a mission field ourselves. If we are not moving forward friends, we are in fact moving backwards. You are either closer to God then when you started this journey as a Christian or you are farther away but you are not the same. It is a mistake to think that just because one knows the plan for salvation and basic Bible principals that one can sit on the side lines and cruise through life. Chronicles 16:11 tells us "Seek The Lord and His strength; seek His face continually." and Matthew 28:19 tells us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"

Reuben and Gad made a huge mistake in separating themselves from the rest of God's flock. They were lone sheep out there and got picked off by the wolves. I would encourage you to not be a wondering sheep, but rather one who flocks and engages with God's people. To also  be more fervent in your quest for God's truth, always striving to make your knowledge of God bigger, your trust stronger, your faith greater than the day before.

I hope you all have a really good day and to Abba be the glory.
God bless you all ...

March 9 - Numbers30:1-31:54

Good morning everyone,

As we begin reading today we find Moses reminding the people that God is serious about vows and commitments, that their promises to God and others must be kept. No one was forced to make a vow but once made, vows had to be fulfilled because breaking one’s word meant broken trust and broken relationship. In the Bible, God makes promise after promise to us, it is totally comforting to know how seriously He takes them. Right? To know with no doubt we can count on His promises.

In chapter 31 God comes to Moses and tells him prepare, he has one more battle to fight before he will be gathered with his people in heaven. This battle would be against the Midianites, the same group of people who were previously responsible for enticing Israel into playing with the painted ladies and Baal worship. God commanded Israel to now destroy them but instead of obeying God they proceeded to bring the women and children back to camp. Here is a perfect example of how just a little compromise can flourish into death on down the road. Moses dealt with the sin here right away, however, it is the indifferent attitude they had toward sin, the compromise, the failure to realize God’s plan is perfect and then to act out on their own, that will eventually ruin them. 

The entire nation of Israel was to benefit from the victory of war, the plunder to be divided up amongst them, however the most amazing part was 12,000 Israelites went out to war and 12,000 returned. Not a single soldier was lost. At once, when the officers who were in charge of the armies realized this, they gathered from the plunder armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for themselves before the Lord.

I guess what I take from all of this today is no matter how old we get, there is always  going to be  a battle for us to fight. The constant attack of spiritual warfare that can look like, well, someone cutting us off while driving down the road, what would my or your response be to that? Or maybe it is a physical battle, deteriorating health of yourself or a loved one, how will we carry ourselves through that battle? The situations are as endless as time, but our hope is in the Lord. The battle belongs to the Lord. 

Petra sings a song that goes like: In heavenly armour we'll enter the land, The battle belongs to the Lord. No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand, The battle belongs to the Lord. The power of darkness comes in like a flood, The battle belongs to the Lord. He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood, The battle belongs to the Lord. When your enemy presses in hard do not fear, The battle belongs to the Lord. Take courage my friend, your redemption is near, The battle belongs to the Lord. We sing glory and honor Power and strength to the Lord. 

Our job … to trust Him and to praise Him through it all. Amen?

I pray you have a super good day and to God be the glory.
God bless you all …