Author: judyinthesky91

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 10

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Read Deuteronomy 10 – THEREFORE, CHANGE YOUR HEARTS AND STOP BEING STUBBORN. :16 That is from the New Living Translation… Most other versions say CIRCUMCISE THE FORESKIN OF YOUR HEART, and when I read it that way it went a bit over my head.  I think the NLT captures the meaning without losing me on a rabbit trail of circumcision.  Our chapter illustrates that the LORD’s great love and mercy allows for second chances, changed hearts, and that is the main point of every person’s life… CHANGE YOUR HEART AND STOP BEING STUBBORN!

In our last chapter, Moses broke the tablets of the ten commandments, as Israel broke the law with their idol worship.  Then he prayed for Israel and the Lord gave mercy.  Now, the Lord has commanded Moses to carve out two new tablets, and make an ark to hold them.  God hand wrote the ten commandments once more on the new tablets… he listened to Moses pleas and gave Israel a second chance. (:10)

Verses :12-13 hold the answer to the aged old question, “What does God want from me?”  Beloved, fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Will you be able to do this perfectly? NO, but strive to.  You will not meet God’s standard of perfect holiness on your own; you need a Savior.  Apart from Jesus, even a humanly good person falls desperately short.  Beloved, understand that the law shows you your need for a Savior.  The law condemns, but Jesus redeems!  Hallelujah for God’s great mercy and love – John 3:16-17 says it all!  

The last verse in our chapter :22, reveals that God keeps his promises.  He promised Abraham that he would make his offspring as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) while he and his wife were childless – and now they are indeed as numerous as the stars of heaven.  

Beloved, in what way is Jesus speaking to your heart?

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 9

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Read Deuteronomy 9 – Today is the day.  Before you go forward, remember that every lesson that has brought you to this moment is because the LORD is your God.

Beloved,  as you read this passage consider the two layers.  On one layer,  Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they cross into the Promised Land that the LORD will hand them.  The other layer is to read this passage as a model for your own life.  Remember you are under the LORD’s care and control.  A healthy fear of the LORD, and surrender of any pride that would usurp Him is the right way to live.

In verse :4 the Israelites were clearly warned not to brag about their righteousness as the LORD brings them victory against the Anakim giants and their fortified cities.  And the LORD is doing this because of the wickedness of these nations, and His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not because of any earned merit on the part of Israel.

They are reminded of their stubbornness and some of the poor choices they have made that provoked the LORD to anger (:6-25).  Likewise we should never get ahead of ourselves.  God’s Word says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”  Romans 3:23-24

Moses’ prayer in :25-29 changed the LORD’s wrath over the golden calf incident.  Look closely at the prayer as a model for your prayers.  Moses humbles himself, laying prostrate for 40 days before uttering a word.  He exalts the LORD; he reminds Him of the great things He has done because of who He (the LORD) is!  Moses reminded God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Beloved, when you pray, get your thoughts quiet and focused before you celebrate the holiness of the Lord your God.  Thank Him for all He has brought you through.  Remind Him of the promises found in His Word, and then humbly present your petitions.  Pray like Moses.

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 8

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Read Deuteronomy 8 – Remember that it is the LORD who provides.  Do not lose your way on the stumbling blocks of pride.  The LORD cautions the people to be careful and obey all the commands he is giving them today.  And He gives a reason why:  “Then you will live and multiply, and you will enter and occupy the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” :1

He goes on to say their time in the wilderness was a time of testing, when God humbled them by letting them hunger, then feeding them manna.  He taught them that “man does not live by bread alone; rather we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” :3

Jesus used this verse when Satan tempted Him to turn the rocks into bread just as we are wise to use Scripture to stand against the attacks of the enemy. (see Matthew 4/Luke 4)

God explains that He acts as a parent disciplining a child, for your own good. :5

Beloved, each of us is wise to note the danger of good times, when life is abundant.  This is a gift from God, but a lack of gratitude makes us easy prey for pride to steal our hearts away.  Why don’t you offer a prayer of thanksgiving today, remembering all the blessings God has given you.

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 7

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Read Deuteronomy 7 – Remember who God is, all that He has done,  and all that He expects of you.

Whenever I begin a new journal, I recap what led me to Jesus, so that whomever should discover it in years or lifetimes to come, would have an understanding as to my relationship with Him. It renews my joy to look back at the Lord’s hand over my life. 

Moses is doing very much the same now for the Israelites, in preparation for entering the Promised Land. Moses gives the Lord’s very strict instruction concerning the seven nations who occupy the land.  The Lord gives a few ‘why’s’ for the people as well. 

First,  in :6 FOR YOU ARE A PEOPLE HOLY TO THE LORD YOUR GOD. THE LORD HAS CHOSEN YOU OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLES ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH TO BE HIS PEOPLE, HIS TREASURED POSSESSION. 

Beloved, we believers are also the Lord’s treasured possession. Do you treat yourself as one who is treasured by God Almighty? You are representing your Heavenly Father in all you do and say.  It is a great blessing as well as a responsibility to live as one who loves and belongs to Jesus. 

Scripture goes on (:7-9) to elaborate the point that this is because of who God is and His faithfulness, and not because of their merits. This message was for the Israelites, but it also serves us well to remember we belong to Jesus, not by our merit but because He loved us first. (See 1 John 4:19 for more on this) 

Our chapter includes some great promises for the Israelites (:12-24) as well as the command to destroy all the peoples God hands over to them, and explains another ‘why’: FOR THAT WILL BE A SNARE TO YOU. :16b 

Beloved, we live in a time of relative peace and this may be hard to understand. Yet for us,  because of Jesus, our command is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – and love our neighbors as ourselves.  Part of this is to purge all unrighteousness from our lives.  The Lord wants zero sin to blemish you, no immorality, no drunkenness, slander, idolatry, lies or deceit. (See Galatians 5 for more) And He tells you this so you will not be snared as well.

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 6

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Read Deuteronomy 6 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ” :5 Beloved, all things fall into place as you obey this wonderful command.  Jesus sums up all the laws under this as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22, Luke 10).  

The Lord also reminds the Israelites they are moving in to houses they did not build,  drinking from wells they did not dig, etc (:10-12) and He cautions them to always remember it was the Lord who delivered them from slavery in Egypt into this life of plenty. 

Beloved, be very careful with the success and prosperity the Lord blesses you with.   It can be so easy to take credit and take your eyes away from Jesus.  Remember and talk about the good things God has done in your life and teach it to your children. So often the next generation gets lost as they grow up expecting the life they had without understanding these things stem from walking closely with God…. In other words,  getting the number one commandment right.

Beloved, as you read, consider what a love letter these commandments are.  If you feel so much as an inkling of shame for falling short, change your dialog to one of confession, celebration and joy – Jesus paid your debt.   You have a Savior and Redeemer in Him.  

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 5

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Read Deuteronomy 5 – The ‘good person test’… Moses repeated the ten commandments that were given to him on Mount Sinai in Exodus 20.  This always bears repeating.   These are the commandments and they require perfect obedience.  

I don’t measure up.   I strive to, and I miss the mark.  This is the law,  Beloved.   Do you need Jesus? Praise the Lord,  I certainly do!  And Hallelujah for Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners!  

Apart from Jesus,  under the law,  not one of us measures up.   Examine these ten commandments today, and revisit what the law requires. Thank the Lord in prayer, ask for help in areas you fall short.   Pray for wisdom and guidance that you may walk closer to your Savior each and every day. 

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 4

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Read Deuteronomy 4 – Hear it. Know it. Do it.   The Lord is giving instructions through Moses. 

Verse :2 is where most organized religions and all belief systems outside of Christianity mess up.   As humans we want to make our mark, traditions are added, legalism is infused,  but the LORD is clear:  DO NOT ADD OR TAKE AWAY FROM WHAT GOD COMMANDS. 

America would be well served to remember,  repent and cling to verses :7-8. 

The Lord issues a strong warning against idolatry (:15-20). Beloved,  idolatry can slip in so easily… It can be fame,  fortune, cars,  clothes,  food,  even good things like your children or charity if your pride in them goes above your love for Jesus…. Anything you hold in esteem and leave God out of is dangerous territory.  And notice :19, the Lord includes the worship of His creation, the sun,  moon and stars,  in things we are not to bow down and serve. 

Beloved, non- believers will suggest the Bible is a book of rules and no fun.   I pray as you comb through you will see God’s immense love and protection…. Somewhat like parenting and traffic laws protect us,  every “Do not” is there for your good and God’s glory. I have a favorite quote by Pastor John Piper, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. ”  I pray you delight in His Word and statutes! 

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 3

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Read Deuteronomy 3 – “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5  In our chapter, Moses speaks of learning this lesson.

The Lord assured them of victory over the land of the giants; they conquered all sixty towns, fortified cities and villages, belonging to King Og, the last of the Rephaites (:3-11).  This repeated mentioning of the conquering of the Rephaites stresses that Israel’s original fears that kept them from the Promised Land for 40 years, were unfounded.  Truly, as Romans 8:31 says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  

Beloved, are there any giants in your life, keeping you from all that God has for you to do, to receive, to glorify Him by?

The Lord gave the conquered lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh with the stipulation that they must leave and cross the Jordan with their brothers until all of the land of Israel was secured (:18-20).  Although God permitted that the women, children and livestock could stay behind while only the fighting men left.  I learned in a deeper study of Joshua that this took about 7 years, and I am reminded of our military, who leave families behind to serve God and country.

Beloved, you may be called to go and you may be called to stay behind, either way you are called to PRAY, covering those on the fighting lines with spiritual protection and fortifying those left behind with all that is needed to endure and thrive in the absence of their loved one.

Moses pleaded with the LORD to cross the Jordan (:23-25).  The LORD could not allow it, but He did permit Moses to go up to Pisgah Peak, where he could lay eyes on all that the LORD would give to Israel.  

Beloved, sometimes God says no.  Notice that Moses remained faithful, even when he did not get what he hoped for, as you should too.  Remember, God is good all the time, even when He says no.

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 2

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Read Deuteronomy 2 – Hindsight is a wonderful thing.   Moses continues speaking to the Israelites about the wilderness years.   The Lord instructed them when it was time to move on and how they were to treat the neighboring regions.  They were to use utmost respect when it came to Esau’s descendants in the land of Seir, and with the  Moabites in the land of Moab.  These were people the Lord had established and He was not giving the Israelites a foot of their land (:5, :9).  

We discover an element of mystery as the giants of old are mentioned…. The Emites, the Anakites, the Rephaites, the Horites, the Zamzummites and others.  The bible doesn’t say much about them beyond this,  and we certainly don’t see them walking around today. 

Moses covers a 38 year period from the time they left Kadesh-Barnea until they entered the Zered Valley.  He explains that is how long it took the generation of fighting men to perish (again, that is the group who we learned about in yesterday’s chapter 1).

They were to continue Ar, dealing fairly with the Ammonites as to not provoke war.   Are you catching the way the Israelites are being obedient to the Lord now?   There were over a million Israelites by estimates… the numbers were in their favor, but because God said Don’t,  they didn’t. 

At last,  the Lord told them to go to Heshbon, as He was giving that land to them. The Lord hardened King Sihon’s heart against Israel.  War was waged and land was conquered.

Beloved, hindsight can tell you so much about the Lord. You can see your answered prayers, yes’s and no’s. You can see His love, protection and mercy. What does the summary of His hand over your life include? 

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 1

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Read Deuteronomy 1 – welcome to the 5th book of the bible!   You’ll find it between Numbers and Joshua in the Old Testament.

We start off with a call to remember, as Moses instructs the Israelites during the 40th year of what should have been an 11 day journey from Egypt into the Promised Land (:1-3).  Early in their Exodus,  the Lord commanded them to go in and take possession of the land He was giving to them,  but they rebelled because of their fear.  The only two that would be permitted to enter would be Joshua and Caleb, as well as the children, who were too young to be held accountable when their parents choose fear over obedience. Now Moses is reminding them of this so they will be prepared once they enter. 

As you read,  look for Jesus, he spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan and He fought him off with God’s Word from Deuteronomy.  Look for verses you can use to fight the spiritual forces of evil as you navigate life.

Beloved,  Deuteronomy will prepare and remind you to walk closely with the LORD your God.  I’m excited for all we will discover.