Saturday, June 25, 2011

Week 13 Day 1

Deuteronomy 14 and 15

I started this yesterday and just never finished. I am having a harder time with these chapters. Not that it isn't good, interesting stuff. It is just that so much of it is a repeat of what God told Moses to share with the people once upon a time. (Yes, I know the rule about hearing something 7 times to truly remember it :)

These chapters had to do with what foods were allowed (owls by the way were off limits!), how to tithe (10 percent), the special 7th year where debts were forgiven (for fellow Israelites), the freeing of slaves (also that seventh year), and rules about firstborn animals.

That about sums up today's reading!

I will try to be more "in depth" tomorrow. Try. :)
Reba

Friday, June 24, 2011

Week 12 Day 7 Give Me Liberty or Give Me...

Deuteronomy 12 and 13

Rest.

The main focus of this reading is where to worship, how to worship (more killing of animals, ugh), dealing with false prophets, and facing evil in cities as the Israelites move in.

But the part that caught my attention?

In chapter 12, Moses tells the people that they will soon cross the Jordan River to live in the land God has given them. There they will find rest from their enemies.

Rest.

That seems like a foreign concept to me.

It has been so busy, so hectic, and there are no signs of slowing down.

Rest.

I will have what they are having, God!

Reba

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Week 12 Day 6 Those Who Do Not Learn History...

Deuteronomy 10 and 11

are Doomed to Repeat It.

The passages I have been reading are all good but I have to admit, they are kind of hard to blog about. Most of it is like a review for a test. It has all been said before. Lots of times said twice...That means I have blogged about it before.

The one part that really stood out to me is when Moses, still talking to the people and reminding them of God's commands, reminded the people that their children did not know all of what they had been through, nor did they know God's correction in their lives over the course of the last several years. Their children did not know these things. But they did.

They needed to obey God's commands.

Even more, they need to make sure their children obey God's commands so history does not repeat itself.

Hmmm, any practical applications today?

Do we ever see cases of history repeating itself?

Tomorrow's reading:
Deuteronomy 12 and 13

Reba

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Week 12 Day 5 Man Does Not Live By...

Deuteronomy 8 and 9

bread alone.

How many times have we quoted this in life? Ever knew where it came from?

Deuteronomy 8.

It is actually "Man does not live ON bread alone..."

The other part not mentioned as often is "...But by everything the Lord says."

Again, Moses is talking to the people, reminding them of who God is, what God commands, who He wants them to be. In this case, he is referring to manna.

There are so many good points in these two chapters, I don't eve know where to start.

One thing I never noticed was that God reminds the people that while they were wandering in the wilderness, for forty years, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet swell. Isn't it neat how God attended to the people even though they failed Him over and over again?

The next part I really enjoyed reading was about the land that God was bringing the people too. He described springs, rivers, pools of water. That seems so real to me since just today, we (as a family) went out in the middle of nowhere to a beautiful waterfall and a big pool of water where the kids swam and jumped to their heart's content. Another thing about this passage is that God is detailing the good foods that the people will find in the new land, foods like wheat, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey. It seems like any time I pick up a newspaper or magazine, I find articles about these foods and how good they are for our bodies. Again, God is in the details!

In chapter 9, God assured the people that He would go ahead of them and destroy the nations already living in the land they are to move into. I love what He reminds the people though. He tells them to not think He is destroying the other people because they (the Israelites) are so very special. Instead it is because the people in the other lands are evil (or doing evil things) that He will destroy them. There is a piece of humble pie for you!

I could go on and on but I need to finish up some things and go to bed. So I will stop with the thoughts.

Tomorrow's reading:
Deuteronomy 10 and 11

Happy reading!
Reba

Friday, June 17, 2011

Week 12 Day 4 Blessed Beyond Measure

Deuteronomy 6 and 7
I started this post a couple of days ago and just never finished it. It is a very convicting reading to me as a parent which may be behind my reluctance to type it out. After all, by typing it, I am acknowledging it for what it is...God's commands to me as a parent that I should be following daily. Ouch.

In these two chapters, Moses was reviewing for the people what God had told him. He reminded the people that when they came into the Promised Land, God would help drive the others who lived there away. However, the Israelites were under strict orders to NOT mix/mingle with these people. And really, the reasons he gives are the same things we tell our children. If you start hanging out with the wrong people or people who don't believe like you do (not in regular life as much as on a daily basis), you will slowly mix your worlds and your morals.

Three parts that stood out to me.

One, God told the Israelites they weren't "chosen" because they were such a large group of people. He chose them because He loved them and He wanted to keep His promises to their ancestors.

Another part that really got my heart was that God told the Israelites that if they would obey His commands, He would bless them. How? With children for one thing. He even went as far as to say EVERY husband and wife would have children. I joke on occasion about how difficult parenthood is. And it honestly is at times. But I needed that reminder about what a blessing children are even on those tough days I am pulling my hair out. God told the Israelites He would bless their obedience with land and herds and children. Children are a blessing.

But the part that convicts me the most? Knowing God's commands and sharing them with my children. I am supposed to teach them when I am out, when we are home, from morning to night. We should know them so well, they are part of who we are. I do talk about God and many of God's commands as things come up. But I don't feel like I have been diligent enough about sharing His word with my kids. Something I need to work on.

Okay, I really hope to get back into the swing of things tomorrow and get back on track!

Reba

Monday, June 13, 2011

Week 12 Day 3 If Wishes Were Fishes...

Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33

Sorry for the absence. The last two weeks of school are difficult. I wish I could explain why. You just almost have to live them to understand. SOOOO many things to do. Not nearly enough time to do it.

But now I am back. And I am ready to get back to my reading.

Ironically, my oldest son doesn't know that I do this since it is after he is asleep, but he has just finished reading the Bible all the way through and is reading it a second time to take notes. Maybe he should be the one blogging!

Today's passage is basically a recap of the 10 Commandments. As I am reading them, I am thinking, "Why are we hearing this again?" Then I remember...it is because we are people. We have to hear things over and over and over again...

One of my favorite parts is when Moses is recapping his experience on the mountain and how the people were so scared to actually hear God. They were afraid they would die, so they asked Moses to be the messenger for them.

God's response? He heard what the people said to Moses and it was good. (Of course, He hears all, doesn't He?) Then He wishes their hearts would always respect Him and that they would always obey His commands so that things would go well for them and their children forever.

Something about that just touches my heart.

He is God. He knows all. And He knows His people. He loves them though He knows them. And He WISHES that they would always respect Him. But to me that implies that He knows they won't. He longs for it. He desires it. But He knows the truth.

And yet He loves them. In spite of themselves.

I love the God I serve.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 6 and 7

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Coming Back Soon

For all three readers out there, I am coming back soon. I am swamped right now. Not an excuse to not be in the Word. Just where I am. But Wednesday that should be done. And then I can take the time I need to with my Bible reading...