The Safety That Lasts

Do you feel safe? Are you anxious and worried about the future? I know so many people who are just feeling unsafe right now. Anxiety and worry can fill thoughts, shape days, and rob joy. While washing hands, wearing masks, and social distancing might help our sense of safety, the truth is this isn’t the kind of safety we really need. No. Our true safety goes much deeper than that. There is a scene in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis that describes a spiritual safety we need to be aware of. “Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh,” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion” . . . “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver . . . “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He the King, I tell you.” Jesus is our king, the lion of the tribe of Judah, and he isn’t safe either, but he is good. What do I mean by he isn’t safe? I think you must consider two things here. First, we are told throughout scripture to fear the LORD our God. He is a powerful creator, capable of anything. He has revealed Himself and called us to be His children, to follow Him. When we refuse His grace and sanctification through Jesus, when we refuse the goodness that He offers, He promises justice, and no doubt about it, we deserve it. The Bible warns in Hebrews 10:31, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” We don’t want to hear this though. No one wants to think about God’s justice. It isn’t a typical topic of Bible studies or Sunday morning sermons. Maybe that’s because people just want to feel “safe” and pastors and teachers don’t want to lose their audience. They will talk about God’s love all day long. That makes us feel “safe.” But here is the beautiful thing: God’s unsafe justice and His safe love are all wrapped up into one: Jesus on the cross. Think about it. “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God loved us and sent His Son, Jesus, to take our penalty, and He poured out His justice on Jesus instead of us. Love. Justice. Jesus. No wonder those who turn away from Him deserve His punishment. He offered the ultimate gift and they refused. If you have never seen Jesus in quite this way before, if you do not know Jesus as your savior from God’s justice, then take the time now to talk that out with God. He is offering it to you. He has already poured out the justice for your sins on Jesus. If you understand that and accept the free gift of grace and salvation that he offers, you will be saved: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). This is the ultimate safety, safety from God’s wrath, and no one can grant it except Jesus. Accepting His offer is the most important thing you will ever do in this life. When we are in a right relationship with God as His redeemed children, we are safe from His wrath, but that doesn’t mean He won’t put us in unsafe circumstances. Have you ever felt the Lord prompting you to tell someone about Jesus, someone you know doesn’t want to hear? You probably felt unsafe. How about money? Did giving that amount placed on your heart make you feel unsafe? Have you ever known to your core that you needed to speak up about that ungodly practice at work or among your friends, and felt unsafe to do it? Where is your “safe” line? Listen. Jesus never promised us we would be “safe” in this world. In fact, he promised quite the opposite: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Christians throughout history have been opposed, challenged, martyred. Unsafe! These things are foreign to us. We have lived in a culture of very little resistance for a long time. Our muscles to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the Gospel are weak and immature, but the time has come for us to exercise, gain strength, and grow. Here are some things you can do: 1) Put your trust and hope in Jesus alone. Continually remind yourself of this. Stay focused on Jesus. Turn off the TV. Open up your Bible. Our hope and eternal safety are in Him. 2) Study His Word daily. You can’t stand firm in God’s truths if you don’t know His Word. Know what God says, not just your favorite devotional or Bible teacher. Read His Word for yourself. Someone else’s interpretation might help you, but it can never replace the power of His words on your mind. Then, go and do what He says to the best of your ability. Struggle through it. If you goof up, start again. Don’t give up. Persevere. That’s how you grow in Christ. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of you faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work in you so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). 3) Don’t be afraid to tell others about Christ or stand up for your Christian beliefs. Your words might make the difference between life and death for someone. You might make them uncomfortable. You might both feel “unsafe,” but better to feel unsafe than God’s wrath and justice for them, and the Lord’s disappointment in you. The devil is ramping up his campaign against us. We can see it all around. Now is not the time for the Church to hide behind a mask of indifference. Don’t be sidetracked by the cultural battles being fought around us. The enemy will use our emotions as a distraction, but having the mind of Christ will turn these into opportunities to reach out in wisdom and love. Our focus is Christ! We have been placed in this specific time for a specific reason. God chose you and put you here on purpose. He has something for you to do, someone for you to influence with His Good News. What an honor this is! Think about the multitude of Christians throughout history who longed to see the day Jesus would return. Many of the pieces are already in place. Let’s not shrink in fear, seeking a false safety. Let’s stand on the Rock, proclaim the Word of God, and watch Jesus be glorified. You, O child of the King, can do this!

Stepping Clear of the Emotional Trap

Do you ever let your emotions get the best of you? Aristotle told us long ago that people will respond with their emotions even when facts are more logical. The Bible says it this way: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). It’s true for me. I bet it’s true for you too. This is why advertisers and propagandists use emotional responses. They play our emotions so that we respond in particular ways. Emotions can be good things – love, joy, affection, but what happens when our emotions are used to manipulate us? 2020 has been filled with emotions. Between the pandemic and the riots, we’ve had a pretty emotional year. There is a philosophical term for how this emotional frenzy has evolved: Hegelian Dialectic. Here is how it works. A crisis is either used or created that usually pits one side against another. The reaction to this crisis is fueled so that emotions on both sides are stoked higher and higher, like adding fuel to a fire. (Notice how the emotions are used, not logic.) Then a response is created that will subdue the raging emotional fire, pushing one side further, while the other must concede. The response that is offered will be one that people would not have agreed to before, but because of the emotional turmoil, it is accepted and often a new normal is formed. Ultimately, the outcome is guided by the crisis-giver/revealer who had an intended goal all along. Sadly, the new normal has problems of its own so that the cycle continues allowing for more opportunities for crisis and further pushing. I’m sure you can see how the Hegelian Dialectic fashioned summer events. Mandating masks and defunding police are not things we would have considered in 2019. I share these physical events not to ruffle feathers, but to give you a clear picture because I would like to suggest that this philosophical idea of crisis-reaction-response first started in the spiritual realm, and is used by our enemy to lead us away from God. Consider Eve. In Genesis 1, God created the world and all the creatures, including man. In Genesis 2 God placed Adam over this new creation as a caretaker. Adam was given one rule: don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or you will die. When Eve encounters the serpent in Genesis 3, he poses a seemingly innocent question to Eve. It is meant to create a crisis: “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The serpent wants to draw attention to the one thing forbidden. Unaware of his game, she responds, “but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.” The crisis! She can’t eat from the tree! That’s terrible! And using an emotional appeal that fuels her need to feel included, the serpent offers a response: “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve wants to be like God. She wants to be wise. She wants to taste the fruit. And even though logic tells her not to do it, her emotions win. The serpent took the crisis, fueled her emotions, then pointed her to a response that appealed to her emotions, but led her away from God. Do you see how the serpent guided her response? The most pernicious thing about this whole encounter is that the enemy made it seem like he was helping her. Oh, the deceit! Our enemy, the devil, does this very same thing to us on a spiritual level. He takes a little crisis – an insult, a feeling of inadequacy, a bit of jealousy – and fuels the emotions. Maybe we ruminate on it or remember similar situations or some event adds to it. Whatever it is, his goal is to whip up our emotional reaction so that he can offer a deceitfully helpful response. And when the suggested response comes . . . we act on it. The response Satan offers is always counter-Christian because his goal is to lead you away from God. The crisis doesn’t matter as long as he moves you further from God to live in the flesh. Galatians 5 tells us that our flesh is against the Spirit: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.” These responses are the things Satan offers to us as a quick fix to satisfy our emotions. Instead of this, Paul encourages us to walk by the Spirit for “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). But here is the thing – these responses are usually not a quick fix. We must choose the fruit of the Spirit, and that means overriding the flaming emotions and opting out of the provided responses. Paul says, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25). In other words, we have ignored those quick-fix fleshly fruits and offer forgiveness, mercy, and grace - things that go against our emotions. Oh, this is not easy! But as Christians, we offer them anyway because we are called to do this. This is walking in the Spirit. We grow His fruit one decision at a time. This is defeating our enemy because we chose to step out of the trap and follow our Lord Jesus Christ. When you are faced with an emotional situation whether it is personal, social, or political, don’t fall for the enemy’s tactics. If you know to look for the trap, you can step clear of it and avoid getting ensnared. All you need to do is see the situation for what it is – a ploy to lead you away from the Lord. Then you can rely on the wisdom God offers in His word, and the strength of the Holy Spirit within you to step clear and walk with Him. His grace is sufficient for you and His power is made perfect in your weakness. You have everything you need to overcome. Praise the Lord!

Songs of Hope in the Dark

It had been a sleepless night. Thoughts of coronavirus, food shortages, eLearning, and people I know who are now sick rolled through my mind. Just a few short weeks ago the virus was far away, but now it was on my doorstep robbing me of sleep and peace. As I laid in bed trying to sleep, I could hear the birds outside my window. They were beginning their morning chatter. Still exhausted, I rose anyway. I didn’t want to miss the morning concert. I threw on my robe, grabbed my cup of coffee, opened the window in my living room to make for better listening, and I plopped on the couch in the dark.

Did you know that the birds begin singing each morning before the sun rises? One bird, perched all alone, will sing out a few notes. Another bird of the same species, perched all alone, will answer. Then a new bird will call out from somewhere. A bird of that species will answer in the distance. On and on it goes until they are all awake and all singing. The sky is still dark. The sun has not even peaked the horizon, but the birds are in full chorus. The sky is liquid with silvery sounds. Beautiful!

I’ve enjoyed this phenomenon for years. I get up early to go sit and listen. I always imagine the birds are singing to the LORD, heralding the morn, praising Him for a new day and for His faithfulness. “Let all creation sing,” rings through my mind as I enjoy the symphony.

But as I sat on the couch this particular Sunday morning, I was struck by the symbolism offered in this daily occurrence. The birds sing while it is still dark. They sing knowing the morning will come. They don’t start singing after the sun has already risen. No, they sing before. They sing praising the Lord for what He will do. They sing in hope.

I couldn’t help but think about my church family, about Restoration’s first online service, about all the sweet words of encouragement, all the prayers being offered, all the ways that His people are singing right now. . . singing while it is still dark. Friends, these are dark times, but our Lord is faithful. He will prevail. The dark cannot stop the Light from getting through. Our singing, our praying, our sharing His good Word and the hope of the gospel is a symphony of praise to the Lord and to the world around us. I cannot help but think about Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Easter is on the way – a time of renewal, a promise of what is to come. The hope of Christ is particularly comforting when the world is crazy. So while we have the quiet time at home, let’s turn off our devices. Let’s open up His word and sit by His side and hear what He has to say. Things may seem dark, but we have Christ, the Light of the world! Let his word richly dwell in you. Fill your mind and your heart with Him. Then, sing on Church! Sing to wake the world to the good news that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through him. Our God is faithful. A new day will come! Let all creation sing!

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as we walk to the Promised Land - Chapters 33-34

CHAPTER 33-34:

Excitement and nervousness filled Layna as she laced up her walking boots and headed out on the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile series of trails through Spain that follows ancient pilgrimage routes to Galatia and the tomb of St. James. Layna is the daughter of our family friends, Mike and Renee. This was her senior trip and she had skipped her graduation to go. I thought her parents were crazy. There were too many unknowns in my book. I tend to have roots instead of wings when it comes to this sort of thing. But Mike and Renee have always been the kind of parents to nurture both roots and wings in their children, so they made sure Layna had the opportunity to fulfill her dream. She was determined to walk the entire 500 miles in a month.

We walk for pleasure or for exercise, but this kind of walk is different. This is a commitment of the heart, mind, and will to accomplish a task that is full of grueling physical work, emotional roller coasters, and the unknown. As Layna stepped out into the Spanish sunshine that day, she had no idea what was ahead of her: pain, pleasure, heartbreak, the thrill of triumph. All were possibilities, but she was ready for whatever awaited ahead. I’m sure that’s how the Israelites felt as they stood on the edge of their own possibilities listening to the final words of Moses. Put yourself in their walking shoes as you listen to the blessings of Moses in chapter 33.

Remember, these words were not recorded by Moses but by Joshua after the death of Moses.
As you read, make a list of each tribe and a summarized version of their blessing.

Read Deuteronomy 33:1-29.

Is there anything that stood out to you about the blessings?

The ancient custom of a father blessing his children before he died was serious business. The blessings often told of the son’s character, his strengths and weaknesses. The blessing would reveal the father’s hope for the son and his thoughts about the son’s future. They were highly regarded by the people in the Old Testament because they were a sort of inheritance. Remember Esau and Jacob? Esau traded his inheritance, his father’s blessing, for a bowl of stew that Jacob had cooked. Esau had such low regard for the blessing his father Isaac would give to him that he felt a bowl of stew was worth more. The foreshadowing in this trade points to the trades the Israelites would make in the Promised Land – their blessings from God for the idols of the land.

God has blessings for you. What have you traded them for?

Esau, no matter how much he pleaded or cried, was unable to get his blessing back. As long as you have breath in your lungs, you can retrieve your blessing, even if you’ve traded it away. Jesus has redeemed it, bought it back, and he offers it to you.

How will you thank Him?

Read Deuteronomy 34:1-8.

Who buried Moses?

Why do you think God would bury him so that no man knows where his grave is located?

Read Jude 8-9.

Biblical authorities believe that the archangel Michael, who watches over Israel, was the one who buried Moses. He did this in order to keep his body hidden from Satan, who would have used it as an object of worship or for some other evil plan. Moses had been a powerful instrument of God, and it would have been easy to bait followers with his bones and then switch their hearts to worship Moses instead of God. As humans, it is our tendency to worship the created rather than the creator. God was preventing this bait-and-switch worship from happening.

Where do you see bait-and-switch worship happening in our culture?

Have you ever fallen for a bait-and-switch and ended up focused on something other than God? Explain your answer.

Read Deuteronomy 34:9-12.

What words describe how Moses knew God?

How are you able to know God in this way?

What are you thinking here at the end of the book?

So here we are. We have hiked to the end of Deuteronomy. I don’t know about you, but I feel like it is a little anticlimactic. Where is the big battle? The victory? The big hoorah at the end? I’m a little disappointed. Moses walks up into the mountains and is gone. And what are we left with? A promise of what can be possible, but the disappointing realization that the Israelites didn’t fully receive the blessings they were told could be theirs. They were like Esau and traded their blessings for something that gave immediate gratification but was far less valuable in the end.

I’ve jokingly said for years that I’m a mixed up soul because I have a romantic hope of the happy ending, but I am fully aware of the reality we live in. It often leaves me disappointed. But here is the thing: there is nothing to be disappointed in when we realize the physical journey of the Israelites is a picture of our spiritual journey with Christ. Moses is a foreshadowing of Christ. Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt. Christ takes us out of the world of sin that enslaves us. Moses led the Israelites in the wilderness to grow them and teach them how to rightly worship the LORD their God. Christ walks with us through our own “wilderness” of life and shows us how to live our lives for Him and be a reflection of His glory. Moses encouraged the Israelites to live in obedience in their actions, equipping them with all the laws that would help them. Christ encourages us to obey Him through faith, equipping us with His Word and His Holy Spirit to walk through the sanctification process as His redeemed people. While the Israelites had agreed to a covenant with God through the Law, we have agreed to a covenant with God through Jesus Christ. Ours is the better covenant. We get the big hoorah . . . if we listen. See what I mean? I'm the romantic and the realist!

The book of Hebrews does a great job comparing the old covenant given to Moses on Mount Sinai with the covenant offered to us by Jesus in the Last Supper in Matthew 26:28 and explained in Hebrews 8. The New Covenant that Christ offers is ratified once and for all with his perfect blood. No need for continual sacrifice because God’s own Son was the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sins. Hoorah! But the warnings are still there. We have a choice to make – blessing or curse, life or death. This is our reality. Will you choose life?

As I walk through this life as a child of God, sometimes I am like Layna setting off on a new adventure and excited with the expectations of things to come. Sometimes I get weary with the work and I want to make a trade like Esau and the Israelites. Sadly, sometimes I do trade my blessings for things far less fulfilling. When that happens and I realize the mess I’ve made, my only option is to repent, find my way back to Jesus, and be thankful for my better covenant and the fact that I can choose life.
God’s mercy is full of restoration.

Deuteronomy was a call to be faithful. That call is still being made today. Our call is to remain faithful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are still called to love, to remember, to fear, to obey, and to teach. Our reward is still the promise of blessing. We may not always know what our future holds on this journey, but we can always know the One who walks with us, and we can always know the Promised Land awaits. Our happy ending is possible because our hope is in Christ. Won’t you walk with Him? My prayer is that you will. Amen!

Lesson to Remember: Our hope is in Christ.

A Way to Walk: We are not guaranteed a smooth journey in life. We are guaranteed that our Savior will be with us no matter the course. Jesus will be the most steadfast Rock in your life. He will never leave you, never forsake you. Cling to Him. He will see you home.

Post Script:
If you have taken the time to read this, know that I am completely humbled. Our days are busy and there are many other Bible teachers who are far more eloquent, knowledgeable, and engaging. This has truly been an exercise in my personal walk of faithfulness. God has called me to write, but I often trade that blessing for what seems to be more pressing things to do - like dishes and laundry. The truth is nothing is more important than what we do for Christ. This Bible study is my gift to Him. I do not know how He might use it, or what need it might fill for you, but I am extremely grateful to be part of His work. My hope is in Christ. I pray that your faithfulness will continually grow as you purposefully walk with Jesus, and that you'll remember the lessons learned in Deuteronomy. I'll leave you with the Shema prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5:
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Amen!

Jennifer

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32:

Do you have a favorite song? Maybe it is a song with a catchy chorus that you like to sing. Or maybe it has a good beat and makes you want to dance. My favorite song to listen to always seems to change. And I definitely have specific songs I like to listen to at certain times – cleaning the house or exercising or relaxing. Some people never really pay attention to the words in a song. For them, it is all about the music. My husband is one of those people. I, on the other hand, dissect the words and look for meaning. There was one song years ago that really left me at odds. The beat of the song was very hypnotic and I loved it, but the words suggested things that were against my Christian beliefs. It was total Human Secularism. I decided not to listen to it, and even when it came on the radio, I would turn the station.

Words matter. They seep into our minds and influence our thinking, our actions, our attitudes. That’s what the Song of Moses was meant to do: help the Israelite’s remember the LORD and follow Him. Moses wrote three songs that are captured in scripture. Exodus 15 celebrates and commemorates the Red Sea crossing and escape from Egypt. Psalm 90 is a prayer to God asking Him to have mercy on frail humans living in a sin-cursed world. Deuteronomy 32 is a prophetic song about the apostasy that will befall Israel, the judgement of God, and their restoration. Remember, God commanded the Israelites to write this song and teach it to their sons so that it would be a witness for God against them.
As you read today, pay attention to the phrase “the Rock” as a reference to God. The Song of Moses is divided into clear sections. We will be giving each section a subtitle or a #comment to summarize it.

Read Deuteronomy 32:1-2.

Who is called to listen?

Give these verses a title or a #comment to summarize them.

Read Deuteronomy 32:3-4.

List the characteristics of God mentioned here.

Give these verses a title or a #comment.

Read Deuteronomy 32:5-6.

Based on these verses, how are the Israelites different from God?

Give this section a title or #comment.

Read Deuteronomy 32: 7-9.

What is God’s portion?

You are His when you are in Christ! Does it surprise you that you are included as part of God’s portion?

Give these verses a title or #comment.

Read Deuteronomy 32:10-13a.

God compares His protection of Israel to an ___________________.

What images does He use to describe this protection?

How has God protected you in a similar way?

Give a title or #comment for this section.

Read Deuteronomy 32:13b-14.

What does God provide for His people?

How has God provided for you?

Give a title or #comment.

If your Bible translation uses the name Jeshurun in these verses, know that it refers to Israel.

Read Deuteronomy 32:15-18.

What is Israel’s response to God?

What causes them to turn away?

In your prosperity, have you neglected the LORD in any way? If so, how?

Give a title or #comment for this section.

Read Deuteronomy 32: 19-25.

How does God respond to Israel’s apostasy?

Is there hope for them even in their sin? If so, what is it?

Read Deuteronomy 32: 26-27.

According to these verses, why does God not totally abandon Israel?

Give a title or #comment.

Read Deuteronomy 32:28-31.

What do the nations lack?

What is it that God wants?

Read Deuteronomy 32:28-33.

Where do the enemies of Israel get their fruit?

Give a title or #comment as a summary for verses 28-33.

Read Deuteronomy 32:34-43.

List the characteristics of God found here.

Why will Israel and the nations rejoice in verse 43?

Who is the atonement? (Think New Testament- Colossians 1:19-20.)

Give a title or #comment.

Give a title or #comment.

The reversal that brings atonement and rejoicing is Jesus. His death on the cross is the atonement for sins, and he will come again to cleanse the earth of evil and rule all the nations during his millennial reign from the seat of Israel, bringing rejoicing for everyone. This officially ends the Song of Moses. He still needs to give his blessings to the tribes. We will see that in Chapter 33. Meanwhile, let’s see what happens after the song is over.

Read Deuteronomy 32:44-52.

This law is not an idle word, it is _______________ to those who listen.

What was Moses instructed to do after he gave this word to the people?

Give a title or #comment for this section.

This song was meant to commemorate what had happened and remind the Israelites what to do. They were to teach their children so they, too, would fear God and obey His commands. What do we do to teach our children about Jesus? Many of us take our young ones to church in hopes that they will learn. This is good but it’s not enough. Like Deuteronomy 6 instructed, we need to be teaching our kids at home. The family is always the first and most prominent teacher in a child’s life, despite what modern educational ideas would make you think. Teach them diligently. Talk to them. Keep God’s word on hand. Keep it in your forethoughts. Let it be how your home functions. That’s what the LORD tells us to do in Deuteronomy 6.

Do you feel you adequately tech the younger people around you? Why or why not?

How could you improve upon this?

Does your own household run according to biblical principles? Why or why not?

What do you do well when it comes to teaching and running your home biblically?

What areas need improvement?

What steps can you take to improve?

I read a book several years ago by Ken Ham titled Already Gone. It gave research on how many young people leave the church as soon as they can and their reasons for leaving. It also outlined some ways you can prevent this from happening in your own family. It is worth the read, if you are interested.

One of the main reasons people leave the church is because they don’t believe the Bible to be true. It is just a book of stories and myths, outrageous tales full of metaphors, and not the truth in their minds. There are myriad reasons for this thinking, but a main reason is the science they’ve been taught in school and in the world that seems to contradict the Bible’s claims. Science is presented as rational, measurable, predictable. It seems safe and more concrete to them, and the Bible doesn’t fit into this predictable world. If your child is in the public school system, the will be taught a worldview based on human secularism from pre-K to 12th grade. If they go to college, this will further their indoctrination. Many young people who walk into college with a sort-of okay view of the Bible, walk out as atheists. If you intend to counter this view, you will need some good arguments that employ reason. You will need logic. The fancy name for this is apologetics. There are many great apologetic ministries out there. Answers in Genesis is one of my favorites. They even have a museum and theme park in Kentucky. Check AIG out here.

One of my favorite sermons on believing the Bible is by Voddie Baucham titled “Why I Choose to Believe the Bible.” Originally from Texas, he is now the Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Zambia. He has a statement of faith that he uses to defend his belief, and he breaks this statement down, explaining each part with logic and historical facts. It is a great explanation, and the statement of faith is worth memorizing. I’ve found it useful on quite a few occasions as an apologetic tool. Here is the link to the sermon.

Having some apologetic reasoning in your tool kit is important because another reason people walk away from the church is the lack of answers. They have questions that don’t get answered at church. Maybe they don’t feel they can ask. Maybe folks don’t know how to answer, and “just have faith” is not enough. When the world seems to have answers and the church doesn’t, then why stay? Can you blame them?

I’ve worked with young people for over 28 years in many capacities. Most of my time has been with middle school children. They are curious creatures. They have questions, really good ones. And I’ve found that when you open the door to conversation, they will usually ask them. My open Q and A sessions at FCA meetings and summer camp discussions have sometimes challenged me. I’ve had to be willing to study and have answers readily available. I’ve had to be willing to do some research and thinking when I don’t have the answers. I’ve had to have courage to answer questions biblically, even when the answer differs from the world and isn’t what they wanted to hear. Even when these answers are seasoned with salt and delivered with compassion, they aren’t always well received. It’s hard when the world says one thing and God says another. It takes courage and strength for both the asker and the answer giver.

Over and over, the book of Deuteronomy has commanded listeners to teach the next generation. It is important that we do this. It is our obligation. We must teach in wisdom and with compassion remembering that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” knowing that apostasy is always one generation away (Proverbs 1:7). Start while they are young. By the time children reach 8th grade, their minds are usually already set, maybe not firmly, but pretty congealed in one way of thinking.

Don’t let Moses’ song of apostasy be a witness against them. Teach them so they can sing the victory song of Moses and be included with the overcomers. Teach them so they too will love the LORD and know that “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Deuteronomy 32:29 says, “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would discern their future.” This is what God desires – that we know and understand, that we have His wisdom.

It is increasingly difficult for anyone to follow the Lord if they do not have a good understanding of what they believe and why they believe it. Young people can’t stand strong if all they get is an hour or two of teaching at church each week, but the rest of their time is filled with the ideals of the world. It will create a divided heart, and divided hearts are easily conquered. As parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and just friends of young people, we must do our part to renew their minds so that they know the good, pleasing, perfect will of God.

Lesson to Remember: God gives wisdom that brings life.

A Way to Walk: Find ways to reach out to the young people in your life. Kindle those relationships with respect and compassion as you help them work through the smoke created by the burning untruths of the world. Love them. Teach them.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31:

There it was. It loomed on the hill making my stomach knot in anticipation. Conquering my fear of heights by completing the high ropes course had not been on the list of things to do when I signed up to help the youth group during their summer team building adventure. But, there I was staring up at the monstrously high obstacle course. Ladders. Ropes. Wobbly plank bridges 30 feet in the air. The dreaded zip line at the end. My heart melted. Surely I could find some other way to be a good role model.

Helmet on, harness tightened, and rope attached, I climbed up the flight of steps to the first obstacle. Wanda and I were probably not the best match for each other that day. She was just as afraid as I was. But at least she could still talk. “Learned any new Bible verses lately?” she asked, trying to distract us both. I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of her question. Yes. I was working on new verse, Jude 25-25: “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Him be glory, honor, power, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Keep me from falling? Isn’t God funny? His words encouraged me, gave me strength and courage to not be afraid as I repeated them over and over that day. That’s what the Israelites were going to need as they entered the Promised Land. There was struggle in front on them. More important than the physical struggle to overthrow the people would be the struggle to remain faithful to the LORD. God was letting them know over and over that what they needed was Him. And He promised to be with them.

Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8.

Who will cross ahead of the Israelites into the land and destroy the nations?

What does God command them to do in verse 5?

What does He command them to do in verse 6?

What does Moses call Joshua to do in verse 7?

Verse 8 reminds them again to be strong and courageous, to not fear and not be dismayed. Dismay means to lose your courage or your resolve to do something. In other words, to give up. If someone keeps telling you to be strong and have courage and don’t give up, then you can assume whatever you are about to do is going to be really difficult.

Read Deuteronomy 31:9-13.

Who did Moses give the written law, the book of Deuteronomy to, and what did he instruct them to do with it?

How often were they to read the book?

What was the purpose of reading the book?


Have you ever thought of this as a reason to read the Bible? Why or why not?
What happens in your life when you don’t know the Word or have forgotten what it says?

Read Deuteronomy 31:14-15.

Moses called Joshua into the tent of meeting to stand before the presence of the LORD. His appearance in the pillar of cloud signaled God’s confirmation of Joshua as the replacement for Moses. God had some things that He wanted Joshua to hear – mainly what was going to happen to Israel. Maybe this was meant to be a disclaimer for Joshua. I’m sure that leaders often question themselves and become discouraged when their people don’t follow. Perhaps God wanted Joshua to know that their coming apostasy was not his fault.

Read Deuteronomy 31:16-21.

Verse 19 gives a reason for the song that Moses is going to give to the people. (This is in chapter 32.) What is his reason?

Verse 20 reveals when the apostasy will happen. What will bring about the Israelite’s turning away from God?

Isn’t this the truth? When we are well taken care of, we don’t seem to seek the Lord as much. Where do you see this happening in your own life?

As the Judge in heaven, the LORD is establishing witnesses against the Israelites and their breach of contract. Who will be the witnesses?

Read Deuteronomy 31:23-30.

Let’s face it. We have the same problem as the Israelites. We put other things in front of God. We have idols. Webster’s dictionary defines idol as “an object of extreme devotion.” I completed Kelly Minter’s Bible study, No Other Gods, several years ago, and to my surprise, I realized I was my biggest idol. Me. I am extremely devoted to myself. In this culture that cries, “It’s all about you,” narcissism is the heart of most of the messages we consume. It is hard to resist the thought patterns that pull us away from God and toward ourselves. It is a subtle trick, easily disregarded and always dangerous.

There is another subtle trick lurking in the shadows that we need to be aware of as well. You know one of the things the LORD kept warning the Israelites about was the act of mixing other worship into their worship of Him. For example, God did not even want the Asher pole beside the altar in Deuteronomy 16:21. He knows that mixed worship will result in half-hearted worship, and eventually no worship at all.

Today, concepts from Buddhism, Hinduism, pantheism, and others are working their way into Christianity. One example is the idea of mindfulness. You see a lot about it nowadays. Headlines of magazines. Workshops in your work place. Schools teaching how to practice mindfulness as a calming and focusing technique. While the qualities of being calm and focused are needed, the practice of mindfulness is a Buddhist principle.

I’ve noticed that many people follow Mindful Christianity Today on Facebook. Their mission statement says, “Mindful Christianity is the spiritual discipline of paying attention on purpose with the goal of being acutely aware of experiencing Christ’s presence.” Paying attention to what on purpose? This is really a fancy word for “focus,” which is a key concept/practice in Buddhism. It is what you do when you meditate. Being acutely aware of experiencing Christ’s presence? This too is part of meditation, reaching the state of enlightenment or nirvana, which is difficult to explain in words, according to Buddhist followers. A sort of out-of-body, other-worldly experience where you become one with a presence bigger than yourself. Do right. Be good. Be useful. Don’t hurt others. Know the bad will end some day. It is a works-based religion.

So when Mindful Christianity Today posts things like “Once you’ve been in the dark, you learn to appreciate everything that shines,” it doesn’t sound unchristian. There are biblical concepts there – dark, light. You must measure this statement next to the Word of God. Does God say we will sometimes be in dark places? Yes. Our hearts are dark. Evil is dark. Darkness is the lack of the presence of God. Does scripture say “appreciate everything that shines?” Lucifer shines. His name even contains light (luc). Should we appreciate him? If we are talking spiritual darkness and spiritual light, the only light is that of Christ, the Word of God. 2 Peter 1:19 tells us to pay attention to the Word, which is “a lamp shining in dark places.” Everything that seems shiny to us is not necessarily the truth of God.

This statement does uphold the ideals of Buddhism: life has a lot of suffering, suffering will end, and keep an attitude of compassion. But, without a direct connection to Christ and God’s Word, this is not a Christian statement. It is just a feel-good thought. There is nothing wrong with that, but don’t let that feel-good thought be your focus for worship. If you do, you’ll be worshipping the creation instead of the Creator, and that is idol worship. That was the mistake the Israelites made; they mixed their worship of the LORD God with the worship of created things, until eventually they filtered God out and all that was left of their worship was an idol.

This is what broke God’s heart. This is what brought evil upon them and made His face turn away. God does not change. He still does not want mixed worship. We must be diligent to keep our focus on Him and on His Word, His truth. Don’t let the feel-good filtered words of the world blind you from the fullness of His character.

“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; but repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them; He will not delay with him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face.” (Deuteronomy 7:9-10)

Friends, pay attention! Don’t fall asleep. The enemy will use words to trick us, just like he tricked Eve in the garden with word play. As we grow closer to the ends of time, it will be increasingly important for you to be aware of the words people use, especially in connection with the Word of God. You will need to read the Word and be aware of what He says so that you can identify the subtle word play of the enemy that makes us believe lies. A one-world religion is prophesied for the end and mingling other religions with Christianity is just one way of diluting God’s truth and getting mind’s ready for what is to come. Don’t be like the five foolish virgins in Matthew 25. They fell asleep, didn’t prepare ahead of time by finding oil for their lamp, and missed walking through the open door. Be prepared. Know God’s Word. Teach it to your children. It will be the oil in your lamp when the world is dark. It will be the light that gets you to the open door to be with Him. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Love the LORD. Remember what He has done. Fear Him for He is awesome and powerful. Obey His word. Teach others. Be blessed.

Lesson to Remember: God gives us His Word to bring us strength and encouragement.

A Way to Walk: God’s Word is your lifeline. Choose life! Choose Him every day. Pay attention to the ways the world attempts to steal you away from Him.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30:

I have never been very good at making decisions. Having too many choices just increases the difficulty for me. My daughter has always been my deciding factor. Which pillow do I buy? What color looks best? Should I choose this dress or that one? Sara’s ability to pick just the right thing has been a blessing to me. Recently, however, she had a taste of my world. When trying to pick out colors to paint her new house, Sara was completely undecided. And do you blame her? Have you seen the color choices at your local home improvement store? Even after you narrow your thoughts down to grey or blue or green, you still have to choose which shade. It is a harrowing experience! But secretly, I’m glad to know it isn’t just me having all the trouble deciding. It did me good to watch her indecision. I am sorry, though, that I was no help!

Have you ever been faced with a decision that held many different choices? If so, when?

Do you like lots of choices, or are you more inclined to be overwhelmed by too many choices? Why is that?

Chapter 29 predicted that the Israelites would follow other gods when they entered the Promised Land. They would leave the LORD and worship other gods. They would suffer from the curses brought on by their wandering hearts. It was a downer chapter, but here we are at Chapter 30. Spoiler Alert: Restoration is on the way!

Read Deuteronomy 30:1-5.

Verse 1-2 starts with a “when” statement. Fill in the blanks of this summarized version.

When all these things have happened, the _________________ and the ______________, and you ___________________ all these things in the places where you are banished, and you _____________ to the LORD and _____________ Him with all your heart . . .

Verse 3 contains the “then” statement. After all of this has happened and they return and obey the LORD, what then will He do? (Look for 5 things.)

God promises restoration! After all of that, He guarantees He will take them back when they return to Him.

Read Deuteronomy 30:6.

The Covenant of Circumcision was given to Abraham in Genesis 17. God had promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, they he would be very fruitful, and that He was giving Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan. He promised to be their God. The sign of the covenant was the circumcision of all males. It was an outward sign of a physical promise. But this circumcision in Deuteronomy 30:6 is a promise of a spiritual nature. The LORD promises to do the circumcising in this case, cutting away all the things that cause us to love other things and chase after other gods, such as material and sensual things. They will only become idols in our lives.

When it came to these verses about circumcising the heart, my momma would always say, “It’s a bloody mess!” And she is right. Getting rid of all those deep-rooted things in our hearts that make us go astray is a bloody mess. (Said with my best British accent.) It isn’t easy, and it takes time for healing to happen. It takes time to have a heart for the Lord.

Look back at verse 6. What is the benefit of this circumcision?

Read Deuteronomy 30:7-9.

Where will the curses go when the Israelites return to the LORD?

List the things that God will cause to prosper in their lives?

What will the LORD do when all of this happens?

I’ve always loved the NIV picture in Zephaniah 3:17 of God rejoicing over Israel’s return and her triumph, which is found in Him: “The LORD your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Can you imagine the Lord rejoicing and singing over you? For some reason, we tend to have this image of God in our minds of a stoic, unemotional grandfather. But this isn’t Him at all! He is moved by our love and devotion, moved to sing. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to hear that song!

Read Deuteronomy 30:10.

List the two “if” statements found here.

If they return, all of these blessings will occur. What can you imagine will happen if they don’t return to Him?

Is He just in giving the curses if they don’t return? Why or why not?

Is He just in giving us curses if we never choose Him? Why or why not?

Read Deuteronomy 30:11-14.

Is the commandment difficult, according to verse 11? Why or why not?

Paul does a great job explaining these very verses. Read Romans 10:3-13.

People try to establish their own rightness before God by obeying rules and expectations, by checking off all the little boxes but this is futile. Who is the end of all of these efforts?

What must we do to be part of His righteousness?

What is the difference between a man who practices righteousness based on the law and a man whose righteousness is based on faith?

What did you learn from verses 6-9?

What is important about the heart and the mouth?

What is important to remember from verses 11-13?

John 1:1-4 and verse 14 tell us that Jesus is the Word. He was with God in the beginning and was God. He became flesh and made his dwelling among us. He is near to us. He is in our hearts. He does help us obey. We have the One the Israelites didn’t yet know. Praise the Lord!

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

What two choices are set before the Israelites and before us?

Who did Moses call to be the witnesses for this covenant?

According to verse 20, what two things must you do to choose life?

Our God is a just God. He is also a God who loves His people. We see His justice and His love collide on the cross, for it is there that justice for our sins was paid in full, and it is there that the blood of our Savior was shed out of love for us.
He has made our heavenly inheritance possible, so when it comes to making choices, this should be a no-brainer. Choose life! You only need to do two simple things to make this choice: love and obey. That’s it. That’s all it takes. He has given you everything you need and He promises to be near. Love God. Choose life. It’s what you were created for.

Lesson to Remember: God restores.

A Way to Walk: Walk in love and obedience and with thankfulness to the Lord. All is not perfect here on earth, but we can begin the restoration process now by allowing His Word and His Holy Spirit to teach us. We can grow in sanctification knowing that our heavenly inheritance awaits.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29:

Covenant. Inheritance. Obey. Blessings. Curses. All of these words have been swirling together throughout the book of Deuteronomy. But the most important thing the Israelites needed to do was love the LORD with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Love is what makes it all possible. Love is part of the image of God we hold in our design. It is the part that will help us choose to obey the LORD, for when you love the LORD more than the world, you will choose Him.

Read Deuteronomy 29:1-4.


Who is listening to the words of Moses in this chapter?

In spite of all they had experienced, what were they still lacking?

The Israelites were still lacking a heart to know the LORD, eyes to see and ears to hear. They were spiritually blind to see what the LORD had done for them. We are on the other side of the cross and have the gift of the revelation of Christ. How much more have we been given in this knowledge! How much easier it should be for us to understand in our hearts our position before the Holy God and our need for redemption. In return for our repentance and our heart to follow Jesus, we are given a deposit guaranteeing what is to come, a pledge of our heavenly inheritance. We are given the Holy Spirit.

Read Ephesians 1:13-14.

What encouragement do you get from these verses?

We’ve read these verses before, but please read them again. Read Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Where does our new heart come from?

Whose spirit do we receive?

Why is it important that these things - our new heart and spirit – come from Him and not ourselves?

How does this make you more able to follow Him?

Read Deuteronomy 29:5-9.

What supernatural things sustained them in the wilderness?

What made them able to defeat their enemies?

Read Deuteronomy 29:10-15.

Who is making this covenant with the LORD?

Was anyone excluded? Why not, do you think?

What is God establishing on this important day?

Their identity was to be the people of God. The LORD would be their God and they would be His people. He was establishing a promise with them to protect them and provided for them beyond measure – IF they would follow Him and be His people. God was making the promise to the current generation as well as those in the future, for God is faithful and always upholds His promises.

Read Deuteronomy 29:16-21.

Were the Israelites ignorant of the dangers of idol worship practiced by the neighboring nations? Why or why not?

The assumption here is that if they know the dangers, then they will not participate. What do you know is dangerous, but still participate in?


Does participating in this pull you away from God, distract you from His truth? In what way?

What was the promise given to the Israelite who decided their peace came from other places, not the LORD?

Have you tried to find your peace in other places? If so, where? How successful were you?

Read Deuteronomy 29:22-29.

Moses knew the Israelites would not be able to follow the LORD without fault, so he assumed the curses would occur. Would the Israelites know why they were being cursed? How do you know?

Moses ends with some amazing wisdom: “The secret things belong to the LORD, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (v. 29). God does not always give us the specifics we sometimes want. What should I do? How do I serve? What is my answer? What will happen? But He does give us exactly what we need to find and follow Him. He gives us enough light for the step we are on. And more than that, He promises He is with us and for us.

I’ll have to be honest, as a writer, I have been worried about all the negativity in this book. The more I wrote, the more I repeated the downfalls and sins of the Israelites, the more I repeated the curses, the more I worried that you would become uninterested. Who wants to hear about curses over and over?

I marinated on Chapter 29 for a while because I didn’t know what to say that might encourage you because the truth is we are sinners – all the time. We are just like the Israelites turning away doing our own things, find our satisfaction, provision, and promises in other things. Even after we are saved, we still turn away. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this whole thing isn’t all about the sins and faults of the Israelites; it’s about God’s long-suffering love for His people. Can you imagine His frustration? Just when the hearts of one sinful generation get it right, the next one comes along and goofs it up. And who is still there – hand out-reached, heart full of love, inviting His people into His promises? Our heavenly Father! Year after year. Generation after generation. Millennium after millennium. Steadfast. True. Merciful. Ever-loving. Our God!

I cannot resist His faithfulness. Oh, how sweet He is! In the midst of my own sin, His love and mercy call to me. I want to run to Him, be pulled into His sweet presence, and dwell there forever. After all He has done on my behalf and all He wants to do in the future, my heart is the least I can offer Him.

If you have been feeling disenchanted with the sin cycle of the Israelites and the curses brought about by it, know this: our God is a master at restoration. The sin cycle, with all of its curses, brings His people back to Him. Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, our father is waiting there for our return, ready to place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and embrace us with a hug. And even though we’ve been disobedient, he says in his long-suffering love, “I’ll always take you back. Welcome home.”

Lesson to Remember: God is long-suffering.

A Way to Walk: Work to love God with all your heart. When you goof up, repent and try again, but just because we are forgiven and God is long-suffering does not give us the right to abuse His forgiveness or patience with us. In fact, continual purposeful sinning may be a sign that you are not saved and do not have the Holy Spirit in you to help and guide you. If that is the case, then you need to go back to the beginning and reconsider salvation and what it means to have faith, then repent and follow Jesus. Ask the Lord. Ask a Christian friend. They will help you.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28:

My mom had always wanted to build and live in a log cabin. I think it was her pioneer roots that fed this hope of hers. Her family traveled the Oregon Trail in covered wagons, staked out land in the Oklahoma Land Grab. They were people who built things from the ground up. So one day, she and my step-father bought a little 3 acre plot of land and started building. They did as much of the work as they could by themselves: sheet rock, painting, installing cabinets. Binkey (my step-father’s nickname) even installed hardwood floors from planks of wood he had been saving: wild cherry, oak, and even tiger’s eye maple. It was a cozy little house made out of love. When it was all finished, Binkey built mom a koi pond in the front yard. He placed a concrete edge around it and in the edge, penned in mountain rocks, he wrote “Blessed Hope.” That was the name they gave their little piece of property. It was two-fold in meaning, I think. They felt blessed in the fact that their hope to build this little bit of heaven on earth actually came to fruition. They also loved the Lord and held a hope of the blessings to come in heaven.

I rode by “Blessed Hope” the other day, just to see what it looked like years after both Momma and Binkey have gone to the real “Blessed Hope.” The house looked well taken care of. The beautiful flower beds and Binkey’s garden were gone, but the yard was green and groomed. The “Blessed Hope” marker was gone too. I’m sure whoever removed it had no idea what it meant. But I know. And I also know the hope of the blessings that await us in the LORD. He has written them out plainly for all to see. He has repeated them over and over for us, for we are forgetful creatures. He has also clearly stated the curses that await for those who do not obey. Chapter 28 gives us the details of both. There is a lot of reading today. Let’s see what God says.

Read Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

These verses promise blessings. What are the “if” statements that stipulate the blessings?

Read Deuteronomy 28:3-8.

If you could pick a word to sum up the blessings, what word would you pick: nothing, something, everything? Why did you choose this word?

Read Deuteronomy 28:9-14.

What else did you learn about God’s blessings?

What stayed the same?

Read Deuteronomy 28: 15-20. Make a list of the curses as you read.

Did you notice the “if” statement that started this list of curses?

Why do you think Moses keeps repeating this?

If you do this ______, then the LORD will do this ______. That is how this section is set up for us. A person’s actions were in the verses you just read. Now we are about to read the consequences of those actions. You might want to look for the words “the LORD will” to help you find the list of consequences.

Read Deuteronomy 28:21-68. Be prepared for some gruesome consequences. Make a list of consequences as you go, or underline “the LORD will” in your Bible to help you find them easily.

“What terrible things the LORD outlines in chapter 28.” That is what I wrote at the top of my page in my Bible. And do you want to know what is even worse? They all happened. Even the cannibalism happened during a siege on Israel. You can read about it in 2 Kings Chapter 6 starting in verse 24. The Israelites moved into the Promised Land, became distracted by the things around them, complacent in their wealth, and they forgot about following the LORD. All of the curses came upon them. It makes me so sad to know that man can fall to such depravity. I am no exception. I can fall just like the Israelites did. So can you.

You know, I’m not sure how much clearer God could make things for us. He tells us over and over who He is and what He wants. He gives us warnings and promises of blessings. He illustrates with examples, images, metaphors, parables, and just plain words. He tells us He loves us, wants us to be with Him, and gives us glimpses of the beautiful things to come. But He also shows us the curses that await for those who dare to hate Him, who dare to create their own god and follow a lie.

Why, oh why, would we not listen to Him? Why would we ever disregard the words of the Creator of the universe? And, if we do believe Him and if we do want to follow Him, then why would we do it half-heartedly? And why would we NOT share what we know with those around us?

I cannot think of any reasonable answer. I cannot think of any excuse we have for not listening, obeying, or telling others. None. And yet . . . we don’t. We get wrapped up in our own mini-worlds, our own desires, our own thoughts, and we disregard our Creator and our Savior.

And yet . . . He still reaches out to us. He still offers to forgive our wayward hearts. He still wants to pull us close, protect us, provide for us. He still loves us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” – a blessed life with Him for all eternity (John 3:16).
God is faithful. His Word is true. And His promises are sure. He has promised both blessings and curses, but he has done everything possible to ensure you are blessed beyond measure besides forcing you to choose Him. He will not make you. You must choose!

Choose now! Acknowledge that you are a sinner, you have not obeyed, and you need His forgiveness. Ask Him for it. He will forgive you, for this is His promise. Amen! Then go and commit your life to Him, or recommit, if you know you have been unfaithful in your walk. He is our blessed hope! Love Him for He loves you. Remember what He has done to save you and protect you and provide for you. Fear Him as your faithful and true and sure Creator and Savior. Obey Him out of thankfulness and respect. Then go out and teach others what you know about Him. Bring Him glory and be blessed! Amen!

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful and true.

A Way to Walk: Live out each day with the resolve to be faithful to Him. When you goof up, and you will, ask for forgiveness, do what you can to right the wrong, and go forward in the confidence that you are His child, loved and cared for by Him. Be thankful!

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27:

I love a to-do list. There is nothing as satisfying as looking back at a long list of things I need to accomplish and seeing them all crossed off. But my romance with my to-do lists is not always a happy ending. More often than not, I over estimate and load too many things on my daily list. Then I feel disappointed in myself for not getting everything completed, and go into loser mode. Loser mode is never good. In fact, it is a curse that I cannot escape alone. My husband knows me well and is great at freeing me from the loser grips. He is such a blessing.

Blessing and curse. Deuteronomy 11 spoke of the blessings and curses that the Israelites were to place on two separate mountains - the blessing on Mount Gerizim, the curse on Mount Ebal. Today’s reading expands on the curses first mentioned in chapter 11. They are somewhat like a to-do list, or a NOT to-do list. So, I can totally empathize with the problem that will spring from this list.

Read Deuteronomy 27:1-4.

What were the Israelites to build when they first entered the Promised Land?

What were the lime-coated stones supposed to have written on them?

What was the reason for doing this?

Do you sometimes need a visual to remind you of things, like a to-do list, or a witty saying on the wall that keeps you focused?

If you were going to give yourself a visual reminder of something the LORD is placing on your heart and mind right now, what would it be?

The problem with to-do lists is that when they sit there too long with things left undone, I tend to not see them. Oh, I guess I see them, but I don't pay attention to them. They are just part of the scenery. I think this is true for a lot of things. I live in a beautiful city with landscapes and iconic scenes that people long to see in person, but I drive right past them without a second thought. They are just part of my every day view therefore nothing special. Knowing that is how people tend to be, this lime-coated pillar with God's Law written on it will probably lose its visual value over time. If we are not careful, the same will be true about God's Law for us: it will lose its value in our every day world. And that little thing God just placed on your heart, it will fade too - if you let it. We will need to be intentional about remembering the things the Lord has called us to do, and not allow them to be swallowed up in the rush of life.


Read Deuteronomy 27: 5-8.

What else were they to build?

What were the specific instructions for this altar?

This is what was done at Mt. Sinai 40 years earlier. The people gathered in celebration of the covenant with God, and they offered peace offerings and thanksgiving to the LORD. So, they were to do this again when they entered the land God had promised to them. Both were celebrations of deliverance - one from Egypt and one from the desert. They commemorated the fulfillment of God's promises to them. We should remember too - remember the day we were saved, remember what Jesus did for us, remember how we felt. It is good to remember for if you don't remember you will forget and if you forget you will not be as thankful or as obedient and the love for your Lord will grow cold. Love. Remember. Fear. Obey. Teach.

Read Deuteronomy 27:9-14.

What was special about this day?

What was required of the people?

In what way would the curses be announced to everyone?

Read Deuteronomy 27:15-26.

When you read the curses, what things stuck out to you? Why?

Were there any new items on this list that had not been mentioned before?

Would you place the new item in the category of respect toward God or respect toward fellow man?

What is said at the end of each announced curse?

What does “Amen’”mean?


Amen! We say it all the time. At the end of every prayer. When we agree with someone. So these Israelites were saying “Amen” to all of these curses that were being pronounced over them if they did not obey. “We agree. Bring it on,” was essentially what they were saying. I can’t even imagine! Can you? They must have felt very sure of themselves. But then again, so do I sometimes, and I still fail, and not just with my to-do list.

Years ago, I had this little ongoing conversation with the Lord about “Amen.” I never ended my prayers with it. I wanted to leave them open-ended, like my conversation was always open with Him. “They can put it on my tombstone when I die,” I would tell the Lord, because then it would be over and I would be with Him.

He let me go on like this for a while, but then He started working on my understanding of “Amen.” One day I was prompted to look the word up in the dictionary. Webster’s says, “to express solemn ratification or hearty approval.” Okay. I understood that. Then I looked it up in my Vine’s Bible Dictionary. Oh! It is so much more than “the end.” In the Old Testament, the word “amen” is a transliteration, which means that the Hebrew letters are replaced by similar sounding English letters. Hanukkah is a transliterated word as well. But as languages go, sometimes there isn’t an equivalent word in another language. For example, our word for love is pretty generic. We can love our husband and love pizza with the same word. In the Greek, there are multiple words for love so that you can be specific: agape, eros, philia, storge.

The meaning of the word “Amen” can be seen in Deuteronomy 7:9: “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful [the Amen] God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments. . .” The transliterated "the Amen" was replaced with "faithful" because that makes more sense to us in English. The idea is that God is faithful and you can count on His word to be true.

You see this same concept again in Isaiah 65:16: “Because he who is blessed in the earth, will be blessed by the God of truth [God of Amen]; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth [God of Amen].” The phrase God of truth is literally translated God of Amen. He is the very God, the true God, and you can depend on what He says. He is faithful.

After knowing this, how do you feel about the Israelites saying “Amen” at the end of all of those curses?

Has this changed your thoughts about the word we place at the end of each prayer, maybe even thoughtlessly? If so, what has changed?

Read Psalm 111:7.

How is “Amen” translated in these verses?

Read Hosea 5:9.

How does “Amen” fit with a warning?

Read Revelation 3:14.

Who is the Amen in these verses?

If you aren't sure, the next verse will help. Read 2 Corinthians 1:19-20.

Who accomplishes all the promises of God?

Let that soak into your brain for a second. . . Jesus is the “Yes” to every promise of God. Think about all the promises God has made just in the book of Deuteronomy – promises to bless, provide for, protect. Jesus is “the Amen,” the faithful, the true. He fulfills all of these promises as well as all of God's promises throughout the Bible. Think about all the promises of curses we just read. The final curse is for anyone who does not uphold all of the law given that day. That is impossible. No one can could possibly do everything right all the time. We are sinners at heart. Our to-do list would be left undone because we aren't able. We would be cursed, no way around it because God is faithful to His word. He is the Amen.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Who was the one to accomplish the impossible?

Jesus was the only one able to NOT receive the curses promised by our true and faithful God. He is the only sinless man.

Now back up and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

What are we in Christ?

How does God view us when we are in Christ?

Because of this great trade, our sin for Christ’s sinlessness, we are righteous before a holy God. We are sinless. The curse that should have been on you is not. What should be our response?

Do you purposefully work to tell others about Christ out of thankfulness for your curse being removed?

What is the thing that holds you back the most?

God is faithful. He will do what He has promised. His word is true. And Jesus is that word. He is “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness.” He stands and offers you a blessing instead of a curse. Won’t you take it, and then go and share His good news with others?

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful and true.

A Way to Walk: Tell others about Jesus so they too may be new creations, reconciled to God. This will bring Him glory!

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26:

It's that time of year again! Time to sign my annual teacher contract. Every year I must sign the contract the district offers to me in order to teach again the next year. My contract is somewhat vague. It states the school I’ll be teaching in, but then reserves the rights to move me other places if needed. It outlines some duties, but then adds the “anything else I may be asked to do in order to help the school function” clause. I’ve always felt the contract was more for the district than for me. Yes, I get my job, but the terms do not guarantee me anything other than a job.

The contract God makes with the people of Israel is not so vague or one-sided. Deuteronomy 26 ratifies the Sinaitic Covenant between the LORD and the second generation of Israel to escape Egypt. They accept the terms by acknowledging the LORD is their God and promise to obey Him and listen to His voice. In return, they will be His people, chosen above all other nations, they will receive His blessings, and will be a witness to His glory to all the other nations. Let’s see what Moses reminds them of as the outline of the laws comes to a close.

Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11.

What does the word “when” in the first verse imply? Is their entry into the land guaranteed?

What does the LORD ask them to do with the first fruits of the land?

What are they to confess in front of the LORD?

Why do you think the LORD would ask this of them?

Have you ever considered giving the first fruits of your labor to Him? Why or why not?

How often do you take the time to confess to the LORD that He is your provider and has placed you in a land of abundance in comparison to the world around you?

If the Israelites are a physical picture of our spiritual nature, what spiritual abundance have you received from Him?

Do you labor to make His name, His glory known to those around you? Why or why not?

Read Deuteronomy 26:12-15.

God makes sure which people are taken care of during the 3rd year?

Verses 13-14 are confessions to the LORD, to all He has commanded. The confession includes two important things required of them: “I have _______________ to the voice of the LORD my God”, and “I have ___________________________ that You have commanded me.”

Verse 15 asks for a blessing from the LORD. What is the blessing?

How does this verse also confess of the LORD’s faithfulness?

Read Deuteronomy 26:16-19.

How are they to do these commands?

List the things the Israelites have declared to do as their part in the contract.

List the things God has declared as His part of the contract.

Has God declared you to be His? If so, when and how?

The Israelites were acknowledging the relationship they had with the LORD. All healthy relationships have a give and take to them, and verses 16-19 clearly show this. Have you ever considered your relationship with the Lord in this way? If so, how? If not, why not?

With these things in mind, if you could change some things about how you hold up your end of your relationship with the Lord, what would you change?

Treasured possessions. Set high above all others. Praise. Fame. Honor. What more could they have wanted? This is a good deal! It is a beautiful contract between the God of the universe and His chosen people. In the beginning, God had entrusted His creation to mankind to oversee, to take care of it, to protect it. God wanted communion with mankind as His creator and giver of good gifts. If you remember, in Genesis, God would come and walk with Adam and Eve in the garden. He was their God and they were His people. This is still His desire, and we see it throughout scripture.

Read Jeremiah 24:7.

Read Jeremiah 31:33.

Read Ezekiel 11:20.

Read Ezekiel 14:11.

Read Ezekiel 37:23 and 27.

2 Corinthians 6:16.

Hebrews 8:10.

What is it that God desires?

What is preventing this from happening?

I know those verses were repetitive, but I wanted you to see how much the LORD repeats himself. Over and over we see God’s ultimate desire running throughout scripture. God wants us to be with Him. So what happened? The problem occurred when man took His eyes off of the creator and began to question His good gifts. When Eve was tempted in the garden to look at the forbidden fruit, when she questioned that God was keeping something good from her, decided that it looked fine, even though God said “Don’t,” and then ate the fruit . . . and when Adam, as protector of the land and protector of the order God had established, allowed Eve to eat without stopping her or shooing the serpent away, and then he ate of it too, the communion with God was broken. Mankind had turned from God, listened to a liar intent on destruction, and judged for themselves what they thought was right.

Honestly, it sounds a lot like today. Instead of listening to the good things God has for us in His word, we listen to the world’s distorted lies wrapped in emotionally pleasing packages, then we judge for ourselves what is good and right. We turn from God, then get mad at Him for all the bad things that happen. Like a spoiled child who wants everything their way, we can’t see the benefits of listening to the wisdom of a parent. We don’t want to follow rules. We want to do it our way, then expect to be blessed on all levels.

I can certainly look at my own life and see places where I listen to the world and my own desires more than I listen to my Lord. How I spend money is one example. Establishing a budget that includes a tithe takes thought and planning. I remember well when the Lord started working on my heart in this area. I was a young married woman. We didn’t make much money and lived pay check to pay check. I could not afford to tithe regularly. But the Lord would not let me use this as an excuse. Through scripture, He prompted my heart to give what I could until I could get my finances straight. I was encouraged by the account of the widow’s mite, though it was small, her heart for the Lord was big. That little bit of money was just as important and even more precious to the Lord than the rich man's bag of coins. So each week I would give what I could, even if it was just $5. Then I worked on paying some things off and rearranging my budget to allow for a more appropriate tithe. Here is the thing: it isn’t about the money. It’s about your heart. Is your heat for Him? That is what matters.

And it isn’t all about money and tithing. Do you honor the LORD with your time through discipling others or teaching or leading? Do you honor Him with your mind by renewing your thoughts with His truth in Bible study and prayer? Do you honor Him with your words, your attitudes, your praise. Do you honor Him with thanksgiving?

Where is the Lord prompting you to do a better job with your offerings to Him?

It’s important to stop now and pray about it. If you don’t, you might let the moment slip by and you will lose some resolve, peace of mind, or instruction the Lord wants to give you in this area.

What things can you do to be more intentional about your offerings and obedience to Him?

All of these things are offerings to the Lord. All of them are acts of obedience. They are your opportunity to give back to the Lord who has given you so much. We really need to stop looking at the things we do for the Lord as expectations or demands on His part, and start viewing them as our gifts back to Him. He has done so much for us. The least we can do is give something in return.

Truly, this world is full of distractions to draw our attention away. If we want to worship the Lord, follow Him, or even just offer back our thanks to Him, we will need to be intentional. It won’t happen automatically. One of the most important intentional things you can do is study His word. Spending time in His truth renews your mind. It give you a solid rock to stand on. It builds your strength to stand firm and be courageous. It nourishes your heart and mind to love, remember, fear, obey, and teach.

God’s promises given at the end of Deuteronomy 26 were meant to encourage the Israelites. As a Christ-follower grafted into His family tree, they can bring you encouragement as well. Along with being a treasured possession set high above, you are also “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

This world is far from the perfection God desired in the beginning, but one day He will make it perfect again. In His good time, it will happen. He will make all things new for His people. He will right the wrongs, wipe our tears, and destroy death. He will declare, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them” (Revelation 21:3). I don’t know about you, but I am longing for this day – a day when all will be perfect and I will be with my Lord. Come, Lord Jesus!

Lesson to Remember: God desires to be our God, and He is faithful in His part.

A Way to Walk: Be intentional about your gifts to the Lord. Whether it is spending time in His word, managing your finances, discipling a new Christian, being a Godly mother, something else, or all of the above, all of these things are an opportunity to give back to the Lord who has been so good to you. Do it with thanksgiving in your heart and on your lips.