Deuteronomy 33-34
I have started this and stopped it several times. Maybe I didn't really want Deuteronomy to end. I don't know. But I have had trouble ending it.
In these last two chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses gives a final blessing to the tribes of Israel.
Then he dies.
He was 120 years old.
His eyes were weak but his body was strong.
Something I never realized...God buried Moses. People still don' t know exactly where he was buried.
I have a feeling God had a reason for that.
If people knew, they would have made Moses' grave a shrine.
Even though the people didn't always like what Moses had to say (a downfall of being a prophet), they knew he was different.
He saw God face to face. He knew God. He performed signs and miracles. There was never another prophet just like him.
And now an era has ended.
Tomorrow's reading: Joshua 1
Reba
Showing posts with label Deuteronomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deuteronomy. Show all posts
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Week 14 Day 3 Rock Solid
Deuteronomy 32
I am fighting to stay awake (long day) but am DETERMINED to get back on track with this.
As I am reading, I am thinking to myself, "This looks like a song." And sure enough, several verses into it, I realize it is a song.
It is a song that Moses and Joshua spoke to the people.
And the song itself is just a wrap up of the history the Israelites had had.
So nothing new, even for those of us who have been away for a while.
But one thing I did enjoy in this passage is how many times God referred to himself as "the Rock".
Several.
And the part that really made me think...
At the end of the chapter, Moses is told he can go look down over the Promised Land that he will not enter because of his sin against "the rock".
Kind of ironic, huh?
Tomorrow's reading
Deuteronomy 33 and 34
I am fighting to stay awake (long day) but am DETERMINED to get back on track with this.
As I am reading, I am thinking to myself, "This looks like a song." And sure enough, several verses into it, I realize it is a song.
It is a song that Moses and Joshua spoke to the people.
And the song itself is just a wrap up of the history the Israelites had had.
So nothing new, even for those of us who have been away for a while.
But one thing I did enjoy in this passage is how many times God referred to himself as "the Rock".
Several.
And the part that really made me think...
At the end of the chapter, Moses is told he can go look down over the Promised Land that he will not enter because of his sin against "the rock".
Kind of ironic, huh?
Tomorrow's reading
Deuteronomy 33 and 34
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Week 14 Day 2 Fairy Tale Ending
Deuteronomy 31
I can't help but feel for Moses. He is now 120 years old. He is tired. He has been on a VERY long journey, leading a very difficult group of people. He is doing a job he never asked to do. He is weary.
And then, because of one mistake (or one big mistake according to God), he is not even allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Now it is nearly the end of his time.
He knows it. God knows it. Joshua, next in line for the job, knows it.
Yet even at the end, Moses is faithful. He writes down God's words for the people to read. He reminds them of who God is. And he listens to his God.
As if this journey hasn't been difficult enough, Moses has to listen to the bad news.
After all of this, all he has been through, he hears that the people will soon forget about God, turning to other Gods. And God will turn His back on them.
I am just thinking that would be a bit of a disappointment after all he has been through.
I am pretty sure I would stand up and say, "Are you serious, God? You had me do all of this, travel all of this way, only to have it end like this? I don't want this. I want the fairy tale ending. Happily Ever After."
Thankfully, Moses is not me. He takes it all in stride. He delivers the appropriate messages. And he accepts what God says, no questions asked.
In some ways, there is no fairy tale ending.
But perhaps there is.
Eternity with a Heavenly Father.
This was just one part of the journey.
Reba
I can't help but feel for Moses. He is now 120 years old. He is tired. He has been on a VERY long journey, leading a very difficult group of people. He is doing a job he never asked to do. He is weary.
And then, because of one mistake (or one big mistake according to God), he is not even allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Now it is nearly the end of his time.
He knows it. God knows it. Joshua, next in line for the job, knows it.
Yet even at the end, Moses is faithful. He writes down God's words for the people to read. He reminds them of who God is. And he listens to his God.
As if this journey hasn't been difficult enough, Moses has to listen to the bad news.
After all of this, all he has been through, he hears that the people will soon forget about God, turning to other Gods. And God will turn His back on them.
I am just thinking that would be a bit of a disappointment after all he has been through.
I am pretty sure I would stand up and say, "Are you serious, God? You had me do all of this, travel all of this way, only to have it end like this? I don't want this. I want the fairy tale ending. Happily Ever After."
Thankfully, Moses is not me. He takes it all in stride. He delivers the appropriate messages. And he accepts what God says, no questions asked.
In some ways, there is no fairy tale ending.
But perhaps there is.
Eternity with a Heavenly Father.
This was just one part of the journey.
Reba
Friday, July 22, 2011
Week 14 Day 1 Choose Life!
Deuteronomy 29 and 30
Again, God is reminding the people about following His commands, remembering their history, and what the blessings and the curses will be if they don't. His biggest command is to STAY away from idols. But no matter what, God makes it clear.
He is offering them life or death. Blessings or curses.
And He follows up with "Choose life!"
Choosing life isn't about breathing, eating, sleeping. It is loving God, obeying Him, and staying close to Him.
So...
What do you choose today?
Life or death? Blessings or curses?
Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 31
Reba
Again, God is reminding the people about following His commands, remembering their history, and what the blessings and the curses will be if they don't. His biggest command is to STAY away from idols. But no matter what, God makes it clear.
He is offering them life or death. Blessings or curses.
And He follows up with "Choose life!"
Choosing life isn't about breathing, eating, sleeping. It is loving God, obeying Him, and staying close to Him.
So...
What do you choose today?
Life or death? Blessings or curses?
Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 31
Reba
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Week 13 Day 6 Whole Being
Deuteronomy 26
Two things stood out in this not very long passage.
One: The people were supposed to give some of the fruits of their labor from their first harvest as an offering to God. Then every third year, they were told to use a tenth of their harvest to give to the Levites (priests), widows, orphans, and foreigners.
One small command, one big punch.
When Mark and I first got married, he and I had a few discussions about tithing. I have to admit; I hadn't been a faithful tither prior to that. I was teaching in private schools and not making very much money. I felt like I had "tithed" already; I hadn't learned the whole act of faith. All I could see was the bottom line. I tithed and there wouldn't be much money left when I was already having difficulty making ends meet.
Too bad I hadn't taken time to truly read this verse and understand. We should give to God first. Not at the end of the month when we look to see what is leftover...we give Him the FIRST fruits.
I am still thankful for a husband who showed me that.
I also appreciate the giving to the priests, the widows, the orphans, and the foreigners. I think it is easy for us to get wrapped up in our own lives. I also think as Americans, we tend to forget there is a whole world out there. People in our own cities need help. And yes, there are "foreigners" who need help too. Not long ago, there was a "status update" on Facebook that people were copying and posting. It basically shamed Americans for wanting to help "foreigners", saying we should take care of our "own" first. I do agree we should take care of those around us. Look around...there are a lot of needs in our own community. But I have yet to find a place in the Bible that says we can only support our own people. In fact, in these books, God repeatedly asks us, no...rather commands us, to take care of "foreigners". That would be people who are not "our people".
The other thought that stuck out to me was to obey God's rules and laws with our whole being. One thing I learned while teaching in private schools and still use today is that we should obey "completely, immediately, and from the heart". That would be with our whole being. Okay, my kids are still working on that, and honestly, some days I am too!
I think tomorrow's reading is Deuteronomy 26 and 27.
Reba
Two things stood out in this not very long passage.
One: The people were supposed to give some of the fruits of their labor from their first harvest as an offering to God. Then every third year, they were told to use a tenth of their harvest to give to the Levites (priests), widows, orphans, and foreigners.
One small command, one big punch.
When Mark and I first got married, he and I had a few discussions about tithing. I have to admit; I hadn't been a faithful tither prior to that. I was teaching in private schools and not making very much money. I felt like I had "tithed" already; I hadn't learned the whole act of faith. All I could see was the bottom line. I tithed and there wouldn't be much money left when I was already having difficulty making ends meet.
Too bad I hadn't taken time to truly read this verse and understand. We should give to God first. Not at the end of the month when we look to see what is leftover...we give Him the FIRST fruits.
I am still thankful for a husband who showed me that.
I also appreciate the giving to the priests, the widows, the orphans, and the foreigners. I think it is easy for us to get wrapped up in our own lives. I also think as Americans, we tend to forget there is a whole world out there. People in our own cities need help. And yes, there are "foreigners" who need help too. Not long ago, there was a "status update" on Facebook that people were copying and posting. It basically shamed Americans for wanting to help "foreigners", saying we should take care of our "own" first. I do agree we should take care of those around us. Look around...there are a lot of needs in our own community. But I have yet to find a place in the Bible that says we can only support our own people. In fact, in these books, God repeatedly asks us, no...rather commands us, to take care of "foreigners". That would be people who are not "our people".
The other thought that stuck out to me was to obey God's rules and laws with our whole being. One thing I learned while teaching in private schools and still use today is that we should obey "completely, immediately, and from the heart". That would be with our whole being. Okay, my kids are still working on that, and honestly, some days I am too!
I think tomorrow's reading is Deuteronomy 26 and 27.
Reba
Monday, July 11, 2011
Week 13 Day 5 Very Interesting...
Deuteronomy 23-25
You have to say that title with an accent or it isn't nearly as fun.
Okay, this passage was full of interesting tidbits and warnings.
Some I would blush to even type.
But some kind of tickled me. I never noticed before that there could be a Family of the Unsandaled.
I have been reading the Bible for a LONG time and have never once noticed that.
Or that if a slave escaped came to an Israelite, they were NOT to return him to his master but to let him live where he wanted.
Or to not cover an ox's mouth while it was helping harvest grain.
But my favorite one is that when a man married a woman, he was NOT to go to war for a year or have another duty. He needed to stay home and make his new wife happy.
I love that!
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Deuteronomy 26
Reba
You have to say that title with an accent or it isn't nearly as fun.
Okay, this passage was full of interesting tidbits and warnings.
Some I would blush to even type.
But some kind of tickled me. I never noticed before that there could be a Family of the Unsandaled.
I have been reading the Bible for a LONG time and have never once noticed that.
Or that if a slave escaped came to an Israelite, they were NOT to return him to his master but to let him live where he wanted.
Or to not cover an ox's mouth while it was helping harvest grain.
But my favorite one is that when a man married a woman, he was NOT to go to war for a year or have another duty. He needed to stay home and make his new wife happy.
I love that!
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Deuteronomy 26
Reba
Friday, July 8, 2011
Week 13 Day 4 Speechless
Deuteronomy 21-22
I honestly don't even know what to say about these chapters.
They address murder, disobedient sons (who are to be stoned), marriage issues (and some others I won't mention on here), farming tips, and even rules about what men and women can wear.
And much of it made me queasy. A whole lot of stoning going on.
So what do I take away from this?
Well, one obvious thing is that I am SOOO thankful Jesus came to the cross and I don't have to witness stonings or bodies hanging from trees.
Blech.
The other thing is that the main point of many of these rules is to get the evil out of their people. If there was evil, they had to get rid of it. Otherwise it would take over their nation.
That is true, not necessarily in our nation. But I can apply that to my life.
Things that are evil, I need to shun or rid my life out.
Otherwise it spreads like wildfire.
I am just glad no stoning has to occur...
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25
Reba
I honestly don't even know what to say about these chapters.
They address murder, disobedient sons (who are to be stoned), marriage issues (and some others I won't mention on here), farming tips, and even rules about what men and women can wear.
And much of it made me queasy. A whole lot of stoning going on.
So what do I take away from this?
Well, one obvious thing is that I am SOOO thankful Jesus came to the cross and I don't have to witness stonings or bodies hanging from trees.
Blech.
The other thing is that the main point of many of these rules is to get the evil out of their people. If there was evil, they had to get rid of it. Otherwise it would take over their nation.
That is true, not necessarily in our nation. But I can apply that to my life.
Things that are evil, I need to shun or rid my life out.
Otherwise it spreads like wildfire.
I am just glad no stoning has to occur...
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25
Reba
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Week 13 Day 3 Going Green
Deuteronomy 19-20
This passage deals with a few topics like safe cities (which is where an Israelite could run if they accidentally killed someone to escape the wrath of the family), witnesses (one witness for a crime was NOT enough; there had to be two or more), and laws for war.
A couple things stood out from these two chapters.
God (via Moses) told the people to go out to war and not worry if they saw chariots and horses and an army bigger than them; he was with them. That makes sense.
I did get a bit tickled though in the next few verses because the officers were then to ask if anyone had a new home or was engaged or was afraid...if so, they had permission to leave the battle and go home. I don't know why, but that whole thing seemed full of irony to me.
The other part I thought was interesting was that the people were commanded to NOT cut down the fruit trees around cities they were attacking. They could eat the fruit but NOT cut the trees down. After all, their (the Israelite's) beef was with the people, not the trees. However, non-fruit trees could be cut down to make devices to attack the city walls.
I can't really say why that stuck out to me but it was just something new I hadn't read...and it did make me giggle a little. :)
Tomorrow's reading:
Deuteronomy 21-22
Reba
This passage deals with a few topics like safe cities (which is where an Israelite could run if they accidentally killed someone to escape the wrath of the family), witnesses (one witness for a crime was NOT enough; there had to be two or more), and laws for war.
A couple things stood out from these two chapters.
God (via Moses) told the people to go out to war and not worry if they saw chariots and horses and an army bigger than them; he was with them. That makes sense.
I did get a bit tickled though in the next few verses because the officers were then to ask if anyone had a new home or was engaged or was afraid...if so, they had permission to leave the battle and go home. I don't know why, but that whole thing seemed full of irony to me.
The other part I thought was interesting was that the people were commanded to NOT cut down the fruit trees around cities they were attacking. They could eat the fruit but NOT cut the trees down. After all, their (the Israelite's) beef was with the people, not the trees. However, non-fruit trees could be cut down to make devices to attack the city walls.
I can't really say why that stuck out to me but it was just something new I hadn't read...and it did make me giggle a little. :)
Tomorrow's reading:
Deuteronomy 21-22
Reba
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Week 13 Day 2 Excuses, Excuses
Deuteronomy 16-18
I don't know why I am having a hard time keeping up with my reading this summer. I think part of the reason is Deuteronomy (thus far) is just so much repetition. God is having Moses remind the people of many of the things He has already shared with them. And not that it isn't "good stuff". I think if I were just reading it, I could do it. It is the attempt to blog on something I have already blogged on that I am having a tough time with! The other reason is that I have a hard time finding my routine in the summer. You would think this would be the ideal time to study the Word but our schedule is all over the place with trips out of town, day outings, camps, etc.
I know.
Excuses, excuses.
Today's reading which I actually started a week or so ago is a review of the feasts (when, where, why). It also talks a lot about getting rid of evil in their land. Interestingly evil does not refer to things like theft and murders, though there are consequences for that. The "evil" refers to the worshiping of things other than God, like the sun and the moon. I also found it interesting that God told the people to respect the judge's decisions in cases like murder, theft, etc. It is kind of ironic reading that after the HUGE outcry I saw on the news and on FB regarding a decision made yesterday in a high profile case.
But what really stuck out to me in this passage involved the king that the people would choose one day. God gave some qualifications for the king, such as that he had to be from among the people (not a foreigner), couldn't own too many horse, and couldn't have too many wives (so he could keep his focus on his job at hand). Another requirement? The king had to write out (himself) the commands of the Lord from a copy taken from the priests. He was to keep it with him at all times and read it daily. Why? To learn to respect the Lord and to keep His commands. Wow. That is a huge job but what an impact that would make, not only for the king but for the people he leads!
Tomorrow's reading (and I am really going to try to stay on track the rest of this week): Deuteronomy 19 and 20.
Reba
I don't know why I am having a hard time keeping up with my reading this summer. I think part of the reason is Deuteronomy (thus far) is just so much repetition. God is having Moses remind the people of many of the things He has already shared with them. And not that it isn't "good stuff". I think if I were just reading it, I could do it. It is the attempt to blog on something I have already blogged on that I am having a tough time with! The other reason is that I have a hard time finding my routine in the summer. You would think this would be the ideal time to study the Word but our schedule is all over the place with trips out of town, day outings, camps, etc.
I know.
Excuses, excuses.
Today's reading which I actually started a week or so ago is a review of the feasts (when, where, why). It also talks a lot about getting rid of evil in their land. Interestingly evil does not refer to things like theft and murders, though there are consequences for that. The "evil" refers to the worshiping of things other than God, like the sun and the moon. I also found it interesting that God told the people to respect the judge's decisions in cases like murder, theft, etc. It is kind of ironic reading that after the HUGE outcry I saw on the news and on FB regarding a decision made yesterday in a high profile case.
But what really stuck out to me in this passage involved the king that the people would choose one day. God gave some qualifications for the king, such as that he had to be from among the people (not a foreigner), couldn't own too many horse, and couldn't have too many wives (so he could keep his focus on his job at hand). Another requirement? The king had to write out (himself) the commands of the Lord from a copy taken from the priests. He was to keep it with him at all times and read it daily. Why? To learn to respect the Lord and to keep His commands. Wow. That is a huge job but what an impact that would make, not only for the king but for the people he leads!
Tomorrow's reading (and I am really going to try to stay on track the rest of this week): Deuteronomy 19 and 20.
Reba
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Monday, May 30, 2011
Week 12 Day 2 Know and Remember
Deuteronomy 4:1-43
Moses continued talking to the people before they entered the Promised Land. He reiterated the many things God had shared with them such as remembering God, avoiding idols, avoiding evil, and knowing what a special people they were.
My favorite verses though?
39 Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other god! 40 Obey his laws and commands that I am giving you today so that things will go well for you and your children. Then you will live a long time in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you forever.
Don't we all need that reminder? Know HE is God. He is in heaven and on earth, one God. There is NO other God.
We say those words (or at least I do) but do I live like I truly believe them?
Hmmm...
More soon,
Reba
Moses continued talking to the people before they entered the Promised Land. He reiterated the many things God had shared with them such as remembering God, avoiding idols, avoiding evil, and knowing what a special people they were.
My favorite verses though?
39 Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other god! 40 Obey his laws and commands that I am giving you today so that things will go well for you and your children. Then you will live a long time in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you forever.
Don't we all need that reminder? Know HE is God. He is in heaven and on earth, one God. There is NO other God.
We say those words (or at least I do) but do I live like I truly believe them?
Hmmm...
More soon,
Reba
Friday, May 27, 2011
Week 11 Day 7 and Week 12 Day 1 Remember when...?
Introduction/ Deuteronomy 1-3
A new book! We have moved out of Numbers and finally reached Deuteronomy, also written by Moses
In these chapters, Moses recaps the journey the Israelites have taken, He reminds them of the good and the bad. He recalls the many times the people refused to listen to God and what the consequences were. But he also reminded them of the things they did do, the times they listened.
One of the things that stuck out to me was that while the Israelites were "God's people", that didn't mean that God wasn't taking care of others. Over the course of 40 years, He had twice directed the people to pass through a land without hurting the people of the land. Why? Because He had promised that land to Esau and to Lot.
No matter what, He is a God of promises.
He makes them. He keeps them.
Enough said...for tonight. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
A new book! We have moved out of Numbers and finally reached Deuteronomy, also written by Moses
In these chapters, Moses recaps the journey the Israelites have taken, He reminds them of the good and the bad. He recalls the many times the people refused to listen to God and what the consequences were. But he also reminded them of the things they did do, the times they listened.
One of the things that stuck out to me was that while the Israelites were "God's people", that didn't mean that God wasn't taking care of others. Over the course of 40 years, He had twice directed the people to pass through a land without hurting the people of the land. Why? Because He had promised that land to Esau and to Lot.
No matter what, He is a God of promises.
He makes them. He keeps them.
Enough said...for tonight. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
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