Scripture:
Deuteronomy 26:8 and 18
And God took us out of Egypt
with his strong hand and long arm, terrible and great,...
And today God has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure just as he promised.
Observation:
Israel has been given a long list of do's and don'ts. In the instructions about offering sacrifices they are charged with remembering both God's fearsome greatness and His remarkable love.
Application:
I talked with a parent this week whose teen age daughter is in rebellion. He said, "I think she needs to understand the fear of the Lord and I think she doesn't begin to understand how much He loves her." In these verses, Israel is commanded to remember both. I think in my life I tend to embrace one end of the spectrum. I am surrounded by a dark cloud of overwhelming guilt and unworthiness as I consider God's terrible greatness or I walk along glibly choosing my own way knowing that a gracious and compassionate God has promised to forgive. God's directions show that one extreme is not the answer. I must learn to know Him in all His roles--mighty creator, fierce protector, compassionate father. To limit him to one role is to imagine the god-of-the-punishing-lightning-bolt which strikes without regard or a Santa Claus in the sky. My God is neither. He is strong to save, mighty in power. His arm is long and He strikes fear in hearts at the mere mention of His name. But my God is also kind and compassionate, gracious and good, unwilling that any should perish, offering salvation and forgiveness through His sacrifice. That's the God I worship and adore. That's the God I serve.
Prayer
Almighty God,
It's hard to even put into words my awe and my gratefulness. You have chosen me as your child, through no merit of my own, no deservedness. You, creator of heaven and earth, who put the stars in place, reached down to me! I am grateful.
Forgive me for the times I act as though You are only part of who you are, assuming forgiveness or weeping with guilt. Rule my life as Master, Creator, Savior, and Friend.
Amen.
Thursday March 13, by Keith
Title: I Get This One
Scripture: Deuteronomy 24: 5 “ If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.”
Observation: I have to be honest… today’s reading is both difficult to understand and frustrating (Deut. 22-24). The “laws” found in the Pentateuch are so different from our culture today they are hard to imagine.
One by one I read of these laws that do not quite make sense in my personal mind… until I get to this one in Deut 24:5. This one not only makes sense, I wish it was a law today. I would have loved to have spent the first year of marriage investing in it.
When I think about all of the confusing laws and practices, I am reminded that they are God’s Word. There is a precise reason God set those standards. He knew what His children needed and therefore set up boundaries so they would thrive. This one encouraging verse reminds me that although I don’t understand all of the law; there is a reason for them. They were given not to hinder Israel, but to protect them. They were not given out of hatred, but out of love. They were given to bring life, not death.
Application: Today’s law’s are much more simple. In fact, the temptation is great to sin because of the “lack of the law.”
One thing I do know is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. He sets the standard. His law says, “Love each other as I have loved you.” There aren’t a list of dos and don’ts. Just a command to live as he lived. Obey His commands.
So, which is easier: the Old Law or the New Law. This is not meant to be dwelt on. Rather, the Old Law supports the New Law. There is great freedom in Christ. A redemption that leads to new life and a new way of living.
Prayer: Father help me to know Your Words. Give me a greater understanding of Your ways. I trust you and I love You. Thank you for loving me today. Help me to love others as you love me. amen
Scripture: Deuteronomy 24: 5 “ If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.”
Observation: I have to be honest… today’s reading is both difficult to understand and frustrating (Deut. 22-24). The “laws” found in the Pentateuch are so different from our culture today they are hard to imagine.
One by one I read of these laws that do not quite make sense in my personal mind… until I get to this one in Deut 24:5. This one not only makes sense, I wish it was a law today. I would have loved to have spent the first year of marriage investing in it.
When I think about all of the confusing laws and practices, I am reminded that they are God’s Word. There is a precise reason God set those standards. He knew what His children needed and therefore set up boundaries so they would thrive. This one encouraging verse reminds me that although I don’t understand all of the law; there is a reason for them. They were given not to hinder Israel, but to protect them. They were not given out of hatred, but out of love. They were given to bring life, not death.
Application: Today’s law’s are much more simple. In fact, the temptation is great to sin because of the “lack of the law.”
One thing I do know is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. He sets the standard. His law says, “Love each other as I have loved you.” There aren’t a list of dos and don’ts. Just a command to live as he lived. Obey His commands.
So, which is easier: the Old Law or the New Law. This is not meant to be dwelt on. Rather, the Old Law supports the New Law. There is great freedom in Christ. A redemption that leads to new life and a new way of living.
Prayer: Father help me to know Your Words. Give me a greater understanding of Your ways. I trust you and I love You. Thank you for loving me today. Help me to love others as you love me. amen
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 by Bob
Title: Faith in Christ
Scripture: Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Observation: Throughout Paul’s ministry we find that he was continuously persecuted by zealot Jews who detested the sect called The Way (Acts 24:14). Now in this passage we read that even some of the Jewish Christians persecuted Paul about the importance of following their long established Jewish traditions. But Paul would stand firm about where to place their trust. Paul realized that following the law to attain justification was not what God sought. Paul recognized the importance of placing his faith on one thing alone, the Son of God!
Application: In our culture today successes and achievements are based on the works we perform and the laws that we keep. In our society many boast about their accomplishments, whether secular or spiritual. But as Christians we need to do just the opposite; we need to submit ourselves to Christ, and to live by faith in Christ. This lifestyle transforms our hearts into one of humility and gratitude in the ‘one’ who deserves the honor and glory, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I attempt to achieve selfish praise through my own merits. Help me to remember that all good comes from you, and you deserve the honor and glory. Help me to base my faith and security on you alone. Lord, finally give me the courage to stand firm against those that might persuade me to rely on my own strength.
Scripture: Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Observation: Throughout Paul’s ministry we find that he was continuously persecuted by zealot Jews who detested the sect called The Way (Acts 24:14). Now in this passage we read that even some of the Jewish Christians persecuted Paul about the importance of following their long established Jewish traditions. But Paul would stand firm about where to place their trust. Paul realized that following the law to attain justification was not what God sought. Paul recognized the importance of placing his faith on one thing alone, the Son of God!
Application: In our culture today successes and achievements are based on the works we perform and the laws that we keep. In our society many boast about their accomplishments, whether secular or spiritual. But as Christians we need to do just the opposite; we need to submit ourselves to Christ, and to live by faith in Christ. This lifestyle transforms our hearts into one of humility and gratitude in the ‘one’ who deserves the honor and glory, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I attempt to achieve selfish praise through my own merits. Help me to remember that all good comes from you, and you deserve the honor and glory. Help me to base my faith and security on you alone. Lord, finally give me the courage to stand firm against those that might persuade me to rely on my own strength.
Monday, March 10th, 2008 by Randy
Title
Give us your poor!
Scripture
Give generously to him (the poor) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
Observation
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God told them to help the poor. In fact, his desire was to have no poor among his people. Deuteronomy 15:4 says “However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” It could not be a land of promise unless even the least was satisfied.
God told them not to resent the needy, but to embrace each one with loving generosity. There is a Biblical principle that basically says we can only receive as we give. It here in this verse! God gives this promise to the giver. “Then, because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Wow!
Application
Sometimes I feel my giving is like my praying, I need to do more. It is too easy for me to rationalize away the poor and needy –after all, is it not their fault they’re in this situation? As I look around our community who do I need to help? It doesn’t always have to be physical poverty. This includes all kinds of hurts, emotional, relational and spiritual. How can New Hope Church be more generous? Are we entering a new phase in the life of our Body where God is giving us a new vision and desire to serve others? I hope so! What can I do to help someone in need, even today?
Prayer
Father, I want to help those in need. Forgive me for my selfishness. Sometimes I get too busy and preoccupied to see the needs around me. I want to be more genersous and giving. Fill me with your Spirit. Help me to reach out to others in your hame. AMEN.
Give us your poor!
Scripture
Give generously to him (the poor) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
Observation
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God told them to help the poor. In fact, his desire was to have no poor among his people. Deuteronomy 15:4 says “However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” It could not be a land of promise unless even the least was satisfied.
God told them not to resent the needy, but to embrace each one with loving generosity. There is a Biblical principle that basically says we can only receive as we give. It here in this verse! God gives this promise to the giver. “Then, because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Wow!
Application
Sometimes I feel my giving is like my praying, I need to do more. It is too easy for me to rationalize away the poor and needy –after all, is it not their fault they’re in this situation? As I look around our community who do I need to help? It doesn’t always have to be physical poverty. This includes all kinds of hurts, emotional, relational and spiritual. How can New Hope Church be more generous? Are we entering a new phase in the life of our Body where God is giving us a new vision and desire to serve others? I hope so! What can I do to help someone in need, even today?
Prayer
Father, I want to help those in need. Forgive me for my selfishness. Sometimes I get too busy and preoccupied to see the needs around me. I want to be more genersous and giving. Fill me with your Spirit. Help me to reach out to others in your hame. AMEN.
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