Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land

Chapter 9

My daddy loves his fireplace. As I write this, he is 91 and is still chopping wood and building fires. He is slower than he used to be, his fires aren’t as big and roaring, and sometimes he has a hard time getting one going, but he loves it. He will sit back in his recliner, feet up, and say, “This has been a good fireplace. I’ve really enjoyed it.” To him, a fire means home and relaxation, comfort and contentment. When I go home and sit in front of one of daddy’s fires, that’s what it means to me too. This is not the kind of fire mentioned in Deuteronomy 9.

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 9:1-3.

How does God cross over before the Israelites?

Who will destroy and subdue the people in these cities?

Why is it important for the Israelites to know that it is God going before them that will bring their success?

God often gives us the image of a consuming fire when He speaks of His judgement. Deuteronomy 4:24 speaks of God being a consuming fire in His jealousy when His people worshipped other gods. Isaiah 30:27 and Isaiah 33:14 speak of God’s judgement as a “consuming fire.” Lest you think this image is only found in the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews included it in chapter 12: “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (v. 28-29).

All of these images of consuming fire are found as a result of judgement, judgement of a people who did not follow God, who “trampled under foot the Son of God,” and “regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified,” and “insulted the Spirit of Grace” (Hebrews 10:29). It isn’t politically correct to speak of God’s judgement nowadays. Most don’t want to hear about the powerful consuming fire that says, “VENGEANCE IS MINE. I WILL REPAY. . . THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE” (Hebrews 10:30). And yes, my Bible had that verse in all caps! No, we don’t want that God. We want the one who loves us and forgives us and overlooks our sin. That’s the God we want. The problem is . . . that isn’t the God of the Bible, not Old Testament or New.

How do you feel about God as Judge?

Why is it important that He is a judge?

Would you expect a judge in a court of law today to punish those who had broken the law? Why?

What would our society be like if judges didn’t punish, if everyone knew they could do whatever and never be punished?

If it is important to have a just judge who upholds the law in our society, wouldn’t it be important to have a God who is just as well? Explain.

Why does God let us see Him as this consuming fire, this God of judgement that will repay evil? The answer is two-fold. First, He wants us to know that He is in control and He deserves respect. Fair enough. After all, He is the creator of everything. Second, He wants us to know Him. How could we understand His forgiveness and grace and mercy if we had nothing to be forgiven from? It is our need for forgiveness and grace and mercy that makes us understand these characteristics in God. Without the need, we would never understand in quite the same way. Let’s see what the Israelites needed in the rest of this chapter.

Read Deuteronomy 9:4-29.

Moses was well aware of his audience. He uses the rest of this chapter to remind the Israelites of how UNrighteous they have been. They were a stubborn, rebellious people. They provoked God to anger with the golden calf so much that Moses had to plead and reason with God not to destroy them. Over and over they rebelled. Over and over they provoked the LORD to wrath. Sounds a little like someone I know. Me.

Can you think of any time you have rebelled against the Lord? Explain.

Moses would come before the Lord and plead for the Israelites. How did you work out your rebellion with the Lord? If you didn’t, now is a good time. Pray and talk to Him.

I love that God makes it so clear in Deuteronomy 9 that He was not acting on their behalf because of anything they had done. They were stubborn and rebellious. God made it clear that He was acting because of His faithfulness and what He had already promised to do.

I think this is so important for us to understand. So many people think that God won’t forgive them because of their past. “I’m not good enough,” they think. God would tell you: No. You aren’t good enough. No one is good enough. He saves you because it’s what He promised to do if you reached out to Him.

The Bible word for this is justification. Imagine a court scene where you have broken the law and are on trial. You admit your guilt and confess your sorrow over the wrong-doing. The judge looks at what you’ve done and passes a death sentence as payment for your actions. You know you are guilty. You know you were wrong. You know you deserve death. You don’t want to die, but you know. You hang your head in defeat and anxiety. The court room is silent as the sentence settles on you and you feel its weight. Then someone stands up. Jesus. He says to his Father, the judge, “Here. Send me. I’ll take the punishment for her.” The judge agrees and you are set free as Jesus is taken back in your place. It wasn’t anything you did that set you free. It was what Jesus did on your behalf that set you free. Because of his actions, you have been justified before the Almighty judge. This, my friends, is grace.

Read Ephesians 2:8-9.

How are you saved?

Why is it not because of something you have done?

Read Deuteronomy 8:14 from yesterday’s lesson.

How are Deuteronomy 8:14 and Ephesians 2:8-9 similar?


You need salvation because you are a sinner. You don’t do anything to earn it. Salvation is a gift. All you have to do is realize you need it, confess this to the Lord, then reach out and take the free offering of forgiveness purchased for you by the work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus did this freely for you. Why? Because He desires for you to be with Him. He has already accomplished all the work, paid for all your sin, and justified you before the Father. Now he stands there holding out this free gift. Reach out. Take it. He is faithful. He will do what He has promised.

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful.
A Way to Walk: Walk in faithfulness and thankfulness before Jesus. He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory because he accomplished what you could not.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as we walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8:

Imagine a place where the distractions of the modernized world are minimized because you cannot go where you’d like. No market visits. No entertainment. No work away from home. You’re stuck in a land where supplies are limited, food is short, drink is scarce. Sound familiar? Now imagine that you are told God put you there to humble you, to test you, to reveal what was in your heart, to reveal whether you would follow Him or not. Imagine!

The subtitle in my Bible for Deuteronomy Chapter 8 is “God’s Gracious Dealings.” Even though the Israelites were in the wilderness under these circumstances for 40 years, God was gracious to them. Let’s read and find out why.

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 8:1-5.

Verse 1 gives a “so that” statement. The Israelites were to carefully follow all the commandments so that ___________________________.

Verse 2 uses an important verb – “led.” Who was leading them and why is it important to know this?

In verse 3, how did God humble the people?

How was He also gracious and provide for them?

God gave them manna to eat, a food not known to them or their forefathers. This food came by God’s command to keep them alive. But it was not the manna that kept them alive, it was the Word of God that kept them alive. He wanted them to know that He was their provider. They needed to learn to rely on Him, not on what was around them. In the land they were about to inhabit, it was imperative they knew to rely on the LORD.
In verse 5, what are they to “know in their heart?”

Read Deuteronomy 8:6-14.

God reminds them to remember what He has done and who they are. He is about to give them a lot of things, all the things they’ve lacked in the wilderness and much, much more. They are about to be rich. But with wealth comes distraction.

What is the danger of multiplied possessions? (verse 14)

How does this danger apply to us today?

Are you guilty of not relying on the Lord, or not giving Him credit for your possessions? If so, consider how you might give Him honor for the things He has done for you.

Read Deuteronomy 8:15-20.

What is the warning at the end of the chapter?

You can’t say they weren’t warned. God clearly reasoned with the Israelites. He reasons with us as well, right there in His Word. I love that God reasons with us. He has given us a brain to think things through. We don’t just “believe” in ignorant bliss. No. He created us to logically reason; that is part of the image of God given to us.

The problem is that we allow our emotions too much control. Even Aristotle, in his ancient work title “Rhetoric,” pointed out that when given the choice to use logic or emotion to make decisions, most people will decide based on emotion. I think Jeremiah 17:9 says it best though: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” That’s true. Emotions stimulate and distract us even when we don’t realize that is what is happening. Anger. Love. Desire. Hate. Envy. Longing. The need for approval. Dissatisfaction. We are overwhelmed, seek to soothe and satisfy, then forget all we know to be logical and true. Our hearts become self-seeking.

That’s when the LORD sends us on a walk in the wilderness, a place where we must rely on Him to be our provider, a place where we can refocus our hearts on who He is and who we are called to be as children of God. I can’t help but wonder if that is exactly what is happening in our world today. Are we on a walk in the wilderness to help us remember who is our provider and savior?

Do you see the Church today refocusing their hearts on God? If so, how?

How might this time in the wilderness change the Church?

On a personal level, I have been on some walks in the wilderness. Looking back, the strange thing to me is that I didn’t even know I needed a walk. I wasn’t obviously doing some outward thing that screamed I needed to reign in a certain sinful behavior. My walks were all about heart issues that I’m sure only the LORD noticed. He saw some pride in me and we walked through it. He noticed some areas where I was trying to be in control, and He forced me to let go and rest in Him.

While some of my walks have been difficult and several have been life changing, I would not trade my walks in the wilderness for all the silver and gold in the world. Why? Because the steadfast presence of the LORD is so very real to me now. The love and affection He has for me is almost tangible. I know Him in ways I could have never known otherwise. My walks have been for my good and His glory.

The caveat here is that I walked with Him. I sought Him out. I searched for Him . . . and He led me through the wilderness. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I had traveled alone. Not here, that’s for sure; not in the blessed place of it is well with my soul.

When have you ever walked through the wilderness?

What did you learn about God?

What did you learn about yourself?

Our walks are discipline from a loving Father. They are meant to help us remember who we are in Him, and remember that He is our provider. God is good. He will give us what we need, which is not always what we want. But like the Israelites, we must heed the warning: do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments lest you perish because you would not listen.

Love Him. Remember. Fear. Observe. Teach. Be blessed because of your walks.

Lesson to Remember: God is our provider.
A Way to Walk: Remember your walks through the wilderness and hold tight to the lessons you learned there.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7:

I just finished watching the news. It was all about the coronavirus, the possible death toll, the news that the next two weeks are going to be really bad. Warnings are everywhere. Uncertainty weighs heavily on everyone. How will this work out? When will it end? Will my family and loved ones be okay? How will I keep my children sheltered and safe and unaffected as much as possible? When the future is ominous, our fears can take over. That is what happened to the Israelites when they first attempted to enter the Promised Land. Their fear of the unknown won their hearts instead of their fear of the LORD who was guiding them. Chapter 6 ends with the reminder that God had reminded the Israelites to observe His law, to fear Him, and this would be for their survival in this land they were about to enter.

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 7. Make a list of the warnings and the blessings as you read.

In verses 2-3, Moses gives a list of “shall nots.” What would these things prevent from happening? (Look in verse 4.)

Verse 6 tells why? Why are they to follow these commands?

There were so many blessings listed. Which blessing from the LORD is most interesting to you? Why?

The last images in this chapter are another warning. This warning is about bringing the graven images of false gods into their homes. It would be a snare to them, a trap they couldn’t escape. Moses told them, “You shall not bring an abomination into your house . . .” (v. 26). Our homes are where we live, where we dwell. The things in our home are personal to us. To bring a graven image into their home would be mean they liked it or wanted it or both. This would trap them.

I started wondering . . . what do we bring into our homes that is an abomination to God? We don’t have graven images of other gods, I don’t think. But if our worship begins in the heart, begins with our love for God, then what do we have that might trap us and keep us from following God? Music? Television? Movies we watch? Secret things on a glowing screen? What is in our homes?

Is there anything in your home, close to your heart that is taking you away from the Lord? If so, pray and ask the Lord for help removing this idol.

Read verses 6-10 again.


The Israelites were not blessed by God because they had done anything special or were large in number. No. They were blessed simply because God chose them and had promised their forefathers. They were blessed because He is God, He is faithful, and He is full of lovingkindness. The same is true for us. God chose us out of love and faithfulness. He delivered us from sin and bondage and death. He calls us to a life focused on Him, but it requires we fight the cultural distractions thrown at us from every angle. He promises to be with us, to bless us. If we walk away, we are still chosen; He is still faithful. We have simply decided we like the distraction more than the blessed truth. Have we walked away from God's lovingkindness? Is He trying to bring us back? I can't help but wonder.

There is a line from the song “Highlands and Heartache” that says, “There is no less God within the shadows.” This is true. Even when we choose the darker path, God is still there in our midst. He is still here among us with the virus, as well. Why? Because He is who He says He is. . .and we are His. He wants to bless you, but He requires that you follow Him. Can you hear him whispering in the dark, “Oh that they had such a heart in them . . .” Come out from the shadows. Set your eyes on Jesus, and walk with Him through the land He has given you.

Love. Remember. Fear. Observe. Be blessed. That is God’s plan for us.

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful
A Way to Walk: Be aware of the things you let enter your home that take you away from Jesus. Remove those things. They are a snare to you.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6:

My husband likes to do his homework before making a big purchase. Take our refrigerator, for example. He received lots of advice from friends and YouTube and family members. In fact, he spent hours and hours reading and listening to what others had to say before he made a decision. When we finally arrived at the store, I had a choice between two refrigerators because those were the only two that met his mechanical expectations. I’m just sayin’ . . . It was a good thing I liked one of them. God gave us a mind to think things through and reason them out for things like refrigerator purchases, but more importantly so that we can reason out our thoughts about Him.

The Israelites are perched on the edge of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy. They are about to enter into a place that will offer all kinds of advice on how to do things even if they aren’t seeking to know. God knows they will need some clear directions on how to follow Him. They will also need to know the benefits. God’s simple directions and benefits are outlined by Moses in Deuteronomy 6.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 6, and as you read make a list of things the Israelites were told to do, were told NOT to do, and the rewards promised.


Have you ever baked a cake? What is the first ingredient, the one you start with? Flour, of course. Then you add milk and eggs and flavorings. If you did not have flour, you would not end up with a cake. Milk and eggs and flavorings alone would make something totally different. A custard maybe, but not a cake.

There were many things God told the Israelites to do, but they all hinged on one main ingredient. Without this, their worship would not be the same.

What was the first thing the Israelite’s were supposed to do? Look in verse 5.

It all starts with love! Love is the key ingredient for all the rest to happen. There are four words for love in the Greek language, and each has slightly different connotations. Eros is used for romantic love. Philia is used for brotherly love between peers. Storge is used for a parent’s love for their child. Agape is used to describe the love of God.

We tend to always think of love as a feeling. This feeling of love comes with baggage. It is sometimes based on need: intimacy, companionship, and/or support. When someone needs these things, you give your love. Earthly love is also based on returns. Will you get intimacy, companionship, or support in return? If so, you may offer your love for this payment. Lastly, our earthly love is based on worth. Is the object of your affection worth your love? If so, you will give it.

Agape love, the love that first comes from God, doesn’t just feel; it is an action. It is defined as “an intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion; a selfless, purposeful, outgoing attitude that desires to do good to the one loved” (Wilkin 34). Agape love does not need anything; it does not want anything in return; it does not count the worth of the one being loved. Agape love gives affection and devotion regardless of whether love is deserved or will be returned. This is exactly how God loves us.

<i>Read Romans 5:8.
How is this a love of will and not a love based on need, reciprocity, or worth?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
These verses are often read at weddings. Why do you think people want these verses read at their wedding?
How do these verses highlight God’s love for us?

Read Luke 6:35.
How is this an example of agape love?

Read Matthew 22:35-40.
How are we to love the LORD our God? How are we to love those around us?

This is known as the Great Commandment. Our obedience to everything God has called us to do is built on agape love for Him and for others. Like a cake without flour, without love, we do not get worship of the one true God. Without love, our obedience is for nothing.

God had good things in store for the Israelites. He placed a clear plan in front of them. Love Him. Remember what He had done. Fear Him. Observe His laws. Teach the children. Be blessed. This pattern was designed to preserve them. Seems simple enough, right? But in a world full of distractions, it is very difficult. Today is no different.

Love-Remember-Fear-Observe-Teach. Do we do this today for our Lord? Do I do this? What happens if we don’t love Him? What happens if we forget? What happens when we don’t regard Him as holy, don’t follow Him? What happens if we neglect to teach our children about Him? What happens when we forget that we were slaves to sin, that the Father sent His son to do a mighty work on the cross, and bring us from a world of captivity and death into eternal life? What happens?

“Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever” (Deut. 5:29).

It all begins with the heart. Have you searched the Lord enough to find Him the object of your agape love? If not, it isn’t too late. The pages of His Word are full of His glory. And He is always listening when you call on His name. Take the time to build a heart for your Lord. All the rest will follow.

Lesson to Remember: God desires good for you

A Way to Walk: Love the Lord. Remember what He has done for you. Fear Him, for He is the living God. Observe His commandments and follow Him. Teach your children to do the same.







Wilkin, Jen. In His Image. Crossway: 2018 ,p. 34.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5:

The key word for Deuteronomy 5 is “Listen.” Moses recounts the giving of the 10 Commandments and what they said. He also remembers the people’s reaction to the voice of God. As you read today, pay attention to the commandments and their reaction.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 5: 1-21.

In verse 6, how does God introduce Himself? What do His actions reveal about Him?

Verses 7-21 list the 10 Commandments. Write a brief list so you can remember them.


The 10 Commandments are hard to follow. And just when the Jewish people thought they had it under control, Jesus made it even more difficult. In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus reveals it isn’t the action that makes one guilty, it is the heart. About the 6th law, not murdering, Jesus said, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty . . .” (Matthew 5:22). About adultery, the 7th law, Jesus says that anyone who looks with lust as already committed adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). It is your heart that makes you guilty before the Lord, not your actions. Ouch! If it is about the heart, we cannot win. Our hearts are full of desire – desire that leads us astray. So, if we cannot follow the Law, then why did God give us something we couldn’t do?

Read Romans 3:20.

What is the purpose of God’s Law?

God didn’t give the Law so that we could follow it. He gave the Law to show us we couldn’t, to make us look to Him for help. God’s Law points us to the need for a savior. It points us to Christ.

Read the Romans Road to Salvation. Read each verse in order: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13.

We cannot perfectly observe the Law and secure our own salvation. God knew we couldn’t, so He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to secure it for us. Praise God! He did it to show us His glory! He did it for us! If you have not ever accepted this free gift, let me just say that it is the most important thing you will ever do in life. No other decision is this important. Nothing. Ever. Is. More. Important. Don’t delay! Pray. Admit the things that are on your heart, for surely there are things swirling in your mind right now. Confess them to the Lord. Ask for forgiveness. Tell Him you want this life He offers. He isn’t hard to find. Remember: You will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart.

My prayer is that you took the time to do that.

Read Deuteronomy 5:22-33.

Can you imagine! The people stood at the foot of the mountain and heard God speak. Fire and thunder and clouds. I wonder what it sounded like. I wonder if I would have been just as scared as they were. What about you?

It reminds me of the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with the living God. (You can read it for yourself here.) In Isaiah 6, Isaiah is brought before the LORD’S throne in a vision. He sees the Almighty God, his robe filling the temple, the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, the whole world is full of His glory” (v. 3). Smoke rose and the foundations shook at the LORD’S voice. Isaiah immediately goes face down. Bam! I don’t think he had a choice. I think it was an immediate natural reaction. When the Creator of the universe speaks, you move. Isaiah’s first thought is his mouth. I don’t know what he had been saying, but it must have been sinful. I find it interesting that in the presence of the LORD, Isaiah’s sin is the first thing on his mind. He immediately confesses: “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (v. 5).

There he is, face down, confessing his sin to the face of God. And what happens? The LORD sends a burning coal from His altar to touch Isaiah’s lips and cleans him. “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.” God declares (v. 7). Isaiah does nothing to earn forgiveness. All he does is confess. It is the same with us. The LORD provides our forgiveness through Jesus. All we need to do is confess.

Like Isaiah, has God ever made you completely aware of a specific sin? If so, what was your reaction?

What do you imagine it will be like to stand in front of the living God?

What will you tell Him when you see Him?


God is powerful, for sure, but He is also loving. God’s sweet voice is clear to me in verse 29. Listen and hear His longing for you: “Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!” Did you hear His love? Powerful and loving. That is God.
God loves you. He wants you with Him. He wants it to go well with you

He longs to be your God and He longs for you to be His. It has been His plan all along, and He has made the way possible through Jesus. Won’t you bow before Him and let His sweet voice fill you up?

Lesson to remember: Salvation comes from the LORD
A Way to Walk: Confess your sin. Seek the LORD. Thank Him for salvation.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as we walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4:

The first 3 chapters of Deuteronomy are an introduction in this farewell speech. You can hear the transition into this next section at the beginning of chapter 4: “Now, O Israel, listen . . .” Moses will remind the Israelites of his laws. Watch for what they are supposed to do and what God did.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 4.

Moses uses deductive reasoning throughout Deuteronomy: if you do this, then this will happen. He doesn’t use the words if. . . then, but will often use “so that.”

What is the deductive statement found in verse 1?

In verse 6-8, why are the people to follow God’s laws?

Truly the 10 Commandments were unlike any ancient laws ever written. They ensured safety and equality for all. They were, in fact, the most socially equalizing law in ancient history. The king was just as accountable as the poorest person. Many of our modern governments, including the American Constitution, were set up based on the ideas held in the 10 Commandments. Why were these laws so different? Because God made them. They were not man-made laws.

Moses reminds the people of God’s law because this is the thing that will set them apart from all the other nations. God gave them the Law. They heard His voice. He rescued them. He helped them overcome. He was giving them valuable land. He promised to be with them. God deserved their obedience. He is God in heaven above and the earth below; there is no other!

Oh, but we are easily distracted creatures. It doesn’t take us long to seek other things. For me, I am distracted in two ways: spending time with God and following Him. My to-do list and people keep me from spending time with Him. This was especially true when I had little kids, but it is still something I struggle with now. I try to set aside time each day for Bible study, but dishes in the sink, a full basket laundry, and even my husband home from work can redirect my attention away from the Lord and my intended plans.

My own selfish desires keep me from following Him. When my heart begins to focus on something that isn’t of God, I begin to rationalize it. “Well just this once,” I think, or “It isn’t really that bad,” or “God doesn’t specifically say not to do this.” Have you ever heard that song from the band Creed, “One Last Breath?” There is a line that says, “Hold me now. I’m six feet from the edge and I’m thinking, maybe six feet ain’t so far down.” What’s six feet down? A grave! The speaker is in the death grip of sin and rationalizing it. Six feet ain’t so far down. Have you ever been there?

Read James 1: 12-15.

Does God tempt?

Where does temptation come from?

What natural image does James use here to paint a picture of the way sin grows?


Sin is personified as being born. Verse 15 might use the words “conceived” and “gives birth” to describe the process of sin. The image implies time. There is a waiting period between conception and birth. The thing conceived needs time to grow. This is where we rationalize, in this gestation period. Your desire entices you to sin. You think about it for a while, rationalize it. Then you do the thing. That gestation period is the place where you stop the sin. Don’t allow your own thoughts to lead you astray. Counter them with God’s word, with prayer. Don’t let them grow so big that you can’t win.

When the two-way distraction of not spending daily time with the Lord and allowing my desires to rule work in tandem, it is a recipe for disaster. Why? Because my time with the Lord is how I counter those negative thoughts. If I’m not doing anything to counter them, then I am surely going to fall. You will too. This is where most people goof up. They think they can do it alone. They think they can stay focused on Christ without staying in His presence. They think they can walk up to their overwhelming desire, and choose to walk away on their own.

In what ways have you rationalized a particular sin?

Did it come at a time when you were not spending daily time in His word and in prayer?

Can you think of some ways to fight sin during that gestation period? List them.

Read Deuteronomy 4:25-31 again.

Don’t you find it interesting that Moses predicts the Israelites will fall away from God? There was no if. . . then statement given. It was “When you act corruptly . . . and make an idol.” When not if. We will fall as well, but the promise of verse 29 reveals God’s character: when you fall, you will find God IF you search for Him. Our God is there for us. He promises forgiveness and compassion, but it is up to us to seek Him.

Pray. Ask for forgiveness. Repent.

Seek the LORD and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and soul.

Praise the Lord! He’s not that hard to find.


Lesson to remember: God can be found; He is compassionate.

A Way to Walk: Prayerfully consider how you are distracted from God and how you rationalize sinful desires. Ask God for help and develop a strategy for overcoming your sin pattern. Search for Him.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: Remembering God's plans prevail

Moses continues his introductions by remembering some important battles.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 3:1-11.


Moses begins by recounting some of the battles they fought and won. He tells of how mighty the warriors were, how fortified their cities, and how “utterly destroyed” they were because God was with the Israelites.

Why do you think Moses reminds them of these stories?

Can you think of a “battle” the LORD has helped you fight in life? Explain.

Do you take the time to remember what God has done in your life? Why or why not?

What would be the benefit of remembering?

I have a friend who has a prayer journal. Each day she writes down people and situations she has prayed for and what they needed. When the prayer is answered, she goes back and crosses it off with a little note of how it was answered. It has been very rewarding for her to physically see how many prayers God has answered in her life.

I have another friend who has a jar of rocks. Each rock has something written on it, something that reminds her of the things God has done in her life. It is a memorial of God’s work. When she needs to be reminded, she dumps out the rocks and reads through them. It builds her up, strengthens her. This physical reminder gives courage and reassurance when she needs it.

Wouldn’t it be a good thing to stop and remember what God has done in our lives? The river of life buries our memories on the bottom as the current of daily activities rushes over. Taking the time to pick up those moments, bring them into the light, and roll them around in our minds would be so fortifying. Maybe He has helped you defeat big giants like King Og, with his 13 ½ X 6 foot coffin. Remembering that would make the little thing in front of you seem like nothing.

What can you do to remember the battles God has fought and won for you?

Read Deuteronomy 3:12-22.

This section is a summary of what happened in Numbers 32. Before they even entered the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the lush lands good for livestock west of the Jordan and petitioned God for the lands there instead in the Promised Land. They had lots of livestock and thought this land looked great. God agreed to this petition, but made them promise to go and fight first, then they could return to this land.

Don’t you find it strange that they hadn’t even seen what was in the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey, the good land the LORD was giving them, and they were okay to settle outside the land? It reminds me of what C.S. Lewis says: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Isn’t that the truth? We are far too easily pleased! God has good things for us but we are impatient and settle for the first thing we see that looks like something we might want. We settle outside His promises for us.

Have you ever settled for less than you know God has for you? Explain.

If you are in a situation right now where you might be tempted to settle for less, pray and ask God for guidance and understanding of what He has for you.

Read Deuteronomy 3: 23-29.

The contrast here is interesting. The tribes of Reuben and Gad stayed outside the Promised Land by choice, settling for less than God had for them. Moses stayed outside because of submission to God’s will. He followed the LORD’s will for him. Moses obviously wanted to go into the Promised Land. He pleaded with the LORD, but God said no. He did allow Moses to go up on the mountain and look into the land, but made it clear that Joshua would lead them the rest of the way.

Can you imagine being in Moses’ shoes? Oh, the longing he must have felt. But, He did not try to disobey. He accepted it. He was a humble man. Humility before God is being able to accept and follow His word, submission, if you will. Sometimes submission comes in the form of doing something you don’t want to do. Sometimes it is not doing something you do want to do. Either way, submission to God’s will is often difficult, but always a blessing in the end.

Why do you think Moses submitted to the LORD’s plan?

Years ago, I had a situation in my life that had me on my knees, crying in prayer. It was by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to walk through. Day after day I went to the Lord in prayer begging for relief. One day, I just decided I would stay put until I got an answer to my pleas. I don’t know how long I sat in prayer, going through my Bible, reading out verses to the Lord, things He had promised to do in His word, but at some point, I knew He heard me. There was a sense of peace, a sense of He was going to work it out, a sense of get up and go because it is done. I walked away with that peace that passes understanding.

Let me just say, it got worse before it got better, and it is still not resolved. But, I have peace about it. I know the Lord is working on it. I may not ever see the finished product this side of heaven, but it is coming. Why did Moses obey the LORD’s command to not go? Because he and the LORD had worked it out. He had that peace that passes understanding. Even though Moses longed and pleaded for it, He knew that God was in control, and Moses was good with that.


Is there an area of your life in which you need to submit to the LORD’s plan?

Find time to pray and work it out with the LORD. He will give you the peace that allows you to be in one accord with Him.


CHARACTER OF GOD: God’s plans prevail

CHALLENGE: Identify areas of your life where you need to submit to the LORD’s will. Work this out with the Lord by prayer and through His word.