Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.”

Judges 13

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.” v8

What a remarkable story of the birth of Samson - and how his parents experienced an angel of the Lord prophesizing Samson's birth.  Much like Mary with the angel Gabriel (see Luke 1), Samson's parents submit to this plan in humility and go one step further - asking the Lord to guide them as they raise Samson into who God intends him to be.

I have often prayed this same prayer and often neglect to say this prayer thinking I can be doing something absent any prayer - what arrogance and foolishness!  Also sinful...

All of our plans must be directed by the Lord. 

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Psalm 16:9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me - You guide me through good times and bad and without Your light I would be lost.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God who loves me as You do (beyond comprehension).  I worry and I am full of arrogance.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed.

Judges 11

After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. v39

Jephthah the Gileadite makes a vow to the Lord that "[i]f you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” (v30-31).

The Lord indeed gave the Ammonites into Jephthah's hands (v32) and so Jephthah is compelled to fulfill his vow to the Lord - however, upon his return home Jephthah finds that for him to fulfill his vow he must sacrifice his daughter (v35).  

Of note here is that not only is Jephthah willing (v35, 39) to submit to the Lord in fulfillment of the vow but so is his daughter (v36-39).

My takeaway here is that our relationship with the Lord is the most important relationship in our life - above our marriage, and all others in our immediate family.  Much like Abraham, we must be willing to put the Lord first.  Jesus submitted to His Father...

This is a tough pill to swallow but God must come first and if it is God's plan to take our children, spouse, etc. we cannot stop God's plan anyway.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has saved me and molded me into more of the man You desire for me - I have experienced Your grace, patience, compassion, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith and put You first.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.       

Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.

Judges 9

Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. v56-57

Sin separates us from God - and we face other consequences...not only in this world but also in Heaven when we meet Jesus face to face.

We should all be thankful that we have Jesus Christ who provides reconciliation to God through the cross.

God does not want us to be without Him - just like He did for Adam and Eve, He provides second chances (although not always).

Although we have these second chances, God wants us to repent which means to turn to Him and away from sin.  This means growing in our relationship with Him.

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God[.] Hebrews 6:1

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - slow to anger and abounding in love...indeed!  I am grateful for the second chances You provide through Your Son.  Yet I am undeserving as my worry continues.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

Judges 6

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” v15-16

The story of Gideon is one with several messages including the message that God is with all of us, including the least of us and even those who commit grave sins (i.e. Moses, Paul, etc.).

God has a plan for all of us, and we can draw encouragement from how He uses all of us for His purpose.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have seen the work of Your Hands in my life and I am amazed at what You have done...and grateful.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Please forgive me for me worry.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the land had peace forty years.

Judges 5

Then the land had peace forty years. v31

In the book of Judges, the Israelites do as we all do...we do "evil in the eyes of the Lord". Thankfully, God has raised up for us a Savior in Jesus Christ who nailed all of our sin to the cross so that we would not be caught in the cycle of sin and shame and sin.  

We must be humble and allow Jesus to work in and through our lives - to be transformed to be more like Jesus.  

As I posted yesterday, we may not like what God is doing in our lives but He is always present with us, by our side, working in and for us, refining and training us.

Lord Jesus, please take my life and make me more like You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are my God. I am Your child.  I desire to be more like You.  I want to please You and glorify You.  Thank You that You loved me enough to not only adopt me as Your child but that You would go to the cross for me.  Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for my harsh words and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did. The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua.

Judges 2

I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did.  The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua. v22-23

Bad things happen in the world because of sin; since the Fall, we no longer live in perfect unity with God.  However, God sent his Son so that we may reconciled to God. As is the case here with the Israelites, God either causes or allows things to happen for his purpose. 

We must all be aware for what God is doing in our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has refined me, trained me and made me more like You.  Thank You Jesus - it has not been a straight path or an easy one but You have always been with me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such God - I often neglect You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land.

Judges 1

But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land. v27

God desires the Israelites to take all the land given to them and to drive out those inhabiting the land - yet Israel's obedience is partial.  God wants 100% obedience - yet since the Fall this is impossible so God sent Christ for us.  Although Christ knows we cannot be 100% obedient He does desire us to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul and mind (see Matthew 22:37-40)....not some of our heart, soul, and mind but ALL.

There are consequences in this world (Ananias and Sepphira, The Rich and Kingdom of God) and in Heaven for those who are partial in their devotion to Jesus.

Jesus, help me devote ALL of my life to You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gave everything to me (Your life!) so that I could be spared the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

 

Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.

Joshua 24

Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel. v31

If you experience the Lord, you will serve Him - that is my takeaway from the above.  As a father, I worry about whether my own sons will have faith.  Yet my focus should not be on my worry but on my own faith and if I focus on my faith, God will transform my heart and life and my sons should experience the miracles of transformation in my life.

I must be a light - Lord, please help me be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World and the Heavens - the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings.  Without You, nothing would exist.  I know You sustain me, and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - I must dedicate and devote my life to You.  Yet I often worry instead.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you....You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua 23

Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you....You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. v13-14

Joshua is getting old and offers both words of warning and encouragement which serve all of us well.

1. We must be careful not to conform to the patterns of this world - Paul offers this same warning (Romans 12:2) as does Peter (1 Peter 5:8)
2. Remember all that God has done - for all of His children and specifically for you.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You have created the heavens and the earth, and everything in them, and You are perfect in all ways.  You chose to give up Your one and only Son - Jesus Christ - so that I could be free from snare of sin and have everlasting life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such incredible gifts.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, and the leaders returned to Canaan from their meeting with the Reubenites and Gadites in Gilead and reported to the Israelites. They were glad to hear the report and praised God. And they talked no more about going to war against them to devastate the country where the Reubenites and the Gadites lived.

Joshua 22

Then Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, and the leaders returned to Canaan from their meeting with the Reubenites and Gadites in Gilead and reported to the Israelites. They were glad to hear the report and praised God. And they talked no more about going to war against them to devastate the country where the Reubenites and the Gadites lived. v32-33

The Jordan separated the 12 tribes and the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of the
Manasseh built an altar to the Lord on the east of the Jordan - seemingly duplicating the one altar to the Lord that already existed west of the Jordan.  This of course raised suspicions within the tribes of the west.  Yet once the western tribes determined the motives or heart condition of the eastern tribes - suspicions were dampened.

There are many occasions in our life when we question ourselves or others about obedience to God's commands.  While our actions are important, our internal heart condition is more important because our heart condition is the source where everything flows.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 

Spending time with God daily and with the Word transforms our hearts and lives to be more like Him (see also Romans 12:2).

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has given me faith and through that strength, peace, hope, encouragement, direction, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Joshua 21

So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. v43-45

Just as I posted yesterday, the Lord is faithful.

I know there are times when things are difficult - I have experienced these times.  God does not promise that things will be easy or that you will not have trouble.  On the contrary, God tells us that we will have difficulties:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

When we have these difficulties we can hold onto God's many promises, including:
He will never leave or forsake us
As we suffer, our faith is refined

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

God is good and while we may experience difficulty, God does not change and He is always faithful. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me and always faithful!  Thank You Jesus for Your many promises and for being faithful to all of Your promises.  I am not worth such love and faithfulness. I worry - often.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.

Joshua 14

So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. v14

God is faithful - every one of His promises comes to pass.  For Caleb, the land inheritance promised him in Numbers 14:24, 30) is finally his - 45 years later.

Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!  I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

 

Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. v10-13

While we wait we often believe that God has forgotten His promise to us or that He has forsaken us but we can rest assure that He has not and WILL NOT.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

 

God always keeps His promises.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great and faithful God, one whose promises always come to pass.  You are true and faithful - while the world is not.  Thank You for Your faithfulness and love.  I am not worthy of such love. I often place too much faith in myself or I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.

Joshua 8

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them. v34-35

Just as God is perfect, the Bible is perfect - as is God (see also John 1).  God wants us to read the whole Bible and KNOW it.  We must not to add to or subtract from it - it becomes important for many reasons, including that it enables us to put on the full armor of God.  Most importantly, when we know the Bible we know God.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, and Your Word is perfect and I am blessed to have Your Word where I can spend time with You, understand more about You and Your will for my life.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such blessings.  I am harsh with my words and thoughts.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

Joshua 7

Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since. v25-26

Achan disobeyed Joshua's instructions - relayed from God - to handover all plunder from Jericho to the treasury (see Joshua 6:18-19). What is important here is how both Rahab are in focus and in contrast to one another - Rahab's family is spared for working on behalf of the Lord and Achan is not because of his sin.  God wants us to know how he rewards faithfulness to Him while He also wants us to know how there are consequences from sin.  Throughout scripture we see the impact of sin:

The Fall
The Flood
Sodom and Gomorrah
David
Solomon
Ananias and Sapphira

Sin ALWAYS has consequences.  It is important for us to remember this.  When we know that sin always has consequences, we can better appreciate what Jesus has done for us.  

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are a God full of compassion and patience and grace - my sin continues yet I know You died for me so that I would not be a slave to my sin and so I could have eternal life with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Joshua 5

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. v15

As Joshua takes over leadership from Moses and as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he encounters an angel of the Lord who will command the Israelites into battle with Jericho.  The angel speaks to Joshua and commands reverence - or "profound adoring awed respect".  God commanded this of Moses as well when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush.

The question is - when are we NOT to feel as if we are standing on holy ground.  Since God created the Heavens and the Earth and everything in it and He is in everything and holds everything together (Colossians 1) - we should be in reverence ALL of the time.  God is everywhere and in everything.

 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Paul also claims that we are to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Reminder that we exist to glorify God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created the heavens and the earth and everything in them and You created me in Your image and then rescued me from the pit by nailing Yourself to the cross - to free from death and from being slave to sin.  Thank You Jesus!  The greatest gift of all time...I am not worth such a gift.  I am hard on others...too hard.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. v9

In the first nine verses of Joshua, the Lord tells Joshua to strong and courageous three times (v6,7,9), including verse 7 where Joshua is told to be "[b]e strong and very courageous".   

God wants Joshua to be strong and courageous because He will be with us wherever we go (v9).  We are also to be strong and courageous because there is temptation and sin in the world and we will face difficulties.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

God give us His Son, the Holy Spirit, His Word, faith, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ who pray and support us, etc.  With all of this we have the armor of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who protects us and keeps us strong during times of difficulty - You are our Rock.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Deuteronomy 34

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. v10-12

As I close the chapter of Deuteronomy and reflect on Moses - indeed Moses' greatness is surpassed only by Jesus.  The question in my mind becomes, what is to become of us?  God has a plan for all of us (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29).  God gives us the Holy Spirit - which is a mighty power indeed.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Ephesians 1:18-21 

 

So if God has a plan for us and He gives us this mighty power - we should have confidence and aspire to do great and hard things - right? 

 

I believe so. 

 

Lord Jesus - help me understand the great power that You have given me and help me aspire to do great things in Your name.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has defeated sin and death on my behalf...and given me this same power so that I can glorify Your Name.  I am blown away by what You have done for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts.  I am often harsh with my words. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.

Deuteronomy 32

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. v46-47

God's word IS our daily bread - without it we lack sustenance.

[M]an does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - giving me many, many second chances - You are SO patient!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts because I fail to give others such second chances.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. v3-4

As a follow up to yesterday's post, in Deuteronomy, Moses writes a song that chronicles the story of the Israelites as the Lord led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land and as the Israelites turned from the Lord on so many occassions.  

We must worship the one and only true God - for He holds us and everything else in His hands.  We should live in reverent fear of God.

See now that I myself am he!
    There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
    I have wounded and I will heal,
    and no one can deliver out of my hand.

I lift my hand to heaven and solemnly swear:
    As surely as I live forever,
when I sharpen my flashing sword
    and my hand grasps it in judgment,
I will take vengeance on my adversaries
    and repay those who hate me.
I will make my arrows drunk with blood,
    while my sword devours flesh:
the blood of the slain and the captives,
    the heads of the enemy leaders.” v39-42

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.  1 Peter 1:17

Lord Jesus, please help me respect who You are and live my time in reverent fear and help me worship only You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are - creator of the heavens and earth and everything in them.  You hold the world in Your hands - yet because You loved me You came for me as a child, as a man, then suffered and died for me...even though You lived a perfect life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I fail to be all who You intend for me.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’

Deuteronomy 31

They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ v16-17

We often question why bad things happen in this world - for example, as Hurricane Irma bears down on FL - many people speculate on the reasons why.  

We should not be surprised because sin has been with us since the Fall.  We no longer exist in harmony with God as we did in the Garden.

God tell us that we WILL have trouble.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

ALL of us sin:
Romans 3:23
1 John 1:8

This said - HOW God works is a mystery.

We don't need to understand why God is doing what He is doing - but we DO need to understand that God is always at work for His glory and His purpose.  See also Colossians 1:

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You create good experiences and difficult experiences - in all You are at work.  We know You love us - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for my lack of grace for others.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31

Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” v7-8

While these words are spoken to Joshua, they are intended for all of us (Moses says them in front of all of the Israelites - v7).  There will be times in our lives, many times, when we believe tasks ahead of us are difficult.  When we feel called by God - we should be strong and courageous as Moses wanted Joshua to be as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

These words are not only spoken to Joshua, but also by David to Solomon - see here. 

Understanding God's will for our lives is something all of us must do - we are created to glorify God - how is God's plan for us.

Jesus, please help me understand Your will for my life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, and I have seen with my own eyes what You have done - in my life and in the life of others.  Thank You Jesus for all that You have done for me and that You love me - even though I am broken.  I am not worth such love.  I get angry too quickly.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.

Deuteronomy 26

He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. v9-10

Giving back to God is critical - see other posts on this topic. 

We cannot claim that whatever wealth we enjoy is ours - wrong!  We are custodians of God's wealth and it belongs to Him for us to invest on His behalf.  When He asks us to tithe we give back to God what is His.  We demonstrate humility and dependence on God for our daily bread.

We should not worry about money - God tells us not to worry.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Matthew 6:26

In the same chapter in Matthew, Jesus also teaches us that money can become an idol - yet another reason why giving back to God helps us focus on God and not money.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Lord Jesus, please help me be obedient with my tithe and to be a cheerful giver.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth the love and compassion You pour out for me.  I continue to lust in my heart - please forgive me!  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

Deuteronomy 24

Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this. v17-18

As we continue to have an intense debate over immigration in our country - we can all agree that we should care for those who struggle due to difficult circumstances.  Moses reminds us how the Lord rescued the Israelites from bondage and we should all remember how Jesus came to rescue each of us and commands us to love others as He loves us (John 13:34).

Lord Jesus, help me love others as You love me.

My Prayer: Lord, I know You love me - You provide for all of my needs and I am not of want for anything.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Deuteronomy 20

Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” v3-4

The enemies in our lives are many including Satan.  We need protection and God provides such refuge - He will fight with and for us.

See also:
Exodus 14:14
Deuteronomy 1:30 
Deuteronomy 3:22 
Joshua 23:10 

Thank You Jesus!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides and protects.  You also teach, encourage, heal, guide, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  You are my all and all and You demand my attention - yet I am often distracted and I neglect my relationship with You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.

Deuteronomy 15

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. v7-8

Moses expands on the commandment for us to care for those in need:

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. v11

Paul echoes this commandment:


Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Paul emphasizes how we should "freely" give - as our heart condition towards money and wealth is important:

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor[.] Psalm 112:9

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

Our heart condition is softened and molded through a relationship with Jesus, and by meeting with Him daily (Romans 12:2).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - I love You.  You have watched over our family during a time of mourning and You have my mom and Your arms.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings as I often hold onto my money and am tightfisted. I am also harsh with my words. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.