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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 20, 2023 13:47:40 GMT
Day 51 (Numbers 33-34)
Chapter 33:55-56 55“‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. 56 And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.’”
God told the people to drive out the inhabitants; he also told them what would happen if they did not drive them all out. And yet they did not do as He said. I wonder how many times the Lord has spoken to us. and then we’ve either done it half way or done it our way. (with bad results.)
God sets boundaries for reasons we do not always understand. As He set the boundary of Israel He did so fulfilling the promise He had made. A blessing to His people Israel.
2/20/23
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Post by pastor on Feb 21, 2023 14:49:50 GMT
February 21, 2023 Numbers 35-36
First off Moses lays out the rules for the Levites, since they have inherited no land, God provides for them cities throughout all of Israel so that they may be spread out through the land to care for and teach the people. This way no matter where you lived you always had access to a priest to inquire of God for you, or to sacrifice for your sins so you would be forgiven.
Cities of refuge was a new concept at the time, in those days if you killed a person, their family not only had the right but the duty to avenge the death, even if it was an accidental death and you did not mean to do it. God makes it clear the difference between murder, and what we would call manslaughter or accidental killing, and provides a place for the one who accidentally killed somebody a place to flee where they would be safe from the family avenging the death.
Notice however even if you got to those cities you would still be tried before the priest, and if it was found that you had murdered, you would be handed over to the avenging family. If it was found to be accidental you would be cleared but with certain conditions. You could not go home until whoever the high priest was when you were tried died, then you were free. Also during the time the high priest lived, even if you were found innocent you could not leave the city of refuge or the family of the dead man could find you and kill you. Strange to our ears but that kind of justice and mercy upon some who accidentally killed someone was new.
Another new thing which was carried over until the time of Jesus and even to today is that you cannot be convicted on the witness of only one person. There had to be more than one witness and more proof than just one man’s word. This protected the poor, and innocent, against those who would falsely accuse them for their own profit, or purpose.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 21, 2023 17:57:15 GMT
Day 52 (Numbers 35-36)
Well we have come to the end of Numbers.. I guess our number came up…Haha Pastor pretty much covered Chapter 35. So in Chapter 36 we see that the tribe of Manasseh was concerned about losing land if the daughters of Zelophehad married outside the tribe/clan. God said that they could marry anyone they chose as long as they marry within their father’s tribal clan. So the land would stay in the tribe.
2/21/23
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Post by pastor on Feb 22, 2023 17:54:48 GMT
February 22, 2023 Deuteronomy 1-3
They stand before the promise land, and Moses delivers several speeches or sermons to them. He begins with reminding them of all that they have been through.
He reminded them that God had promised them the promise land, all they had to do was enter it and take possession of it. But they rebelled “But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, "The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.” Deuteronomy 1:26-27
Can you believe it after all the miracles they had seen, after God had cared for them again and again, and “carried them as a man carries his son” (1:31) , they believed God has brought them out of Egypt just to destroy them? Yet how many times do I think God has evil plans for me, that when I encounter problems and pain I think God is punishing me, God is out to get me? When we learn that everything from God’s hand, even problems and pain is meant for our good. When will we learn to trust God in all things?
I noticed twice (1:37 & 3:36) Moses blames the people for his not being able to go to the promise land instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. How easy it is to blame others for our sins, fears, and problems, instead of taking responsibility for them.
God begins to get them ready for the battles ahead by having them defeat Sihon the Amorite and Og of Basham, do you remember their original complaint that the Promise Land was full of giants and fortified cities and they would not be able to overcome them. Notice in Deuteronomy 3 how Moses list all the fortified cities that they took as well as defeating Og, whose bed was 131/2 feel long. God is showing them that there is nothing that can stop them when God is with them. What battles with giants and fortified cities do you face? Do you believe God can overcome the giants and cities in your life?
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 22, 2023 18:29:53 GMT
Day 53 (Deuteronomy 1-3) The beginning of Deuteronomy Moses recounts the journey in the wilderness. He reminded them how they had not trusted in God and went their own way. And he reminded them of what was the price for their rebellion. Notice that God had blessed Esau and Lot’s descendants, both were considered to be the land of Anakites (considered giants). That would mean that God was the one who had conquered the land. City by city the kingdoms fell before the Lord as God led His people. And God gave this land to the tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh as their inheritance. We often need to be reminded of the many blessings we receive from God as well as the times we do not fully trust in Him.
2/22/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 23, 2023 14:33:28 GMT
Day 54 (Deuteronomy 4-6)
Chapter 4: 7-9 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
If only this nation followed the word of the Lord and obeyed all His laws and decrees. Would the other nations look on us in awe and wonder? Would they desire to know our God as well? Now think, instead of our nation, make it about ourselves. If only I followed the word of God and obeyed all His commands. Would others look at me and desire to know the God that rules my life? Hmmm… if only.
Loving Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may be a reflection of your great love and mercy. Use these hands that you gave me to reach out to my brothers and sisters. And let my lips proclaim the glory of your goodness. Grant me a grateful and loving heart Lord, that I may serve you in truth and love. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
2/23/23
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Post by pastor on Feb 23, 2023 14:42:04 GMT
February 23, 2023 Deuteronomy 4-6
I love the book of Deuteronomy because it is so clear. It speaks to us today as well as to the people back then.
In chapter 4 it first reminds us that it is by living in the way of God, to walk by the Spirit in obedience to God’s Word that the world will see Christ. (Matthew 5:13-16). We are the light to the world.
Verse 9 is a warning for all of us, to diligently keep the Word of the Lord. Paul tells us the same thing in Romans 12:11. We are to constantly be on guard watching that our zeal and fervor for the Lord does not fade.
In verses 25-26 Moses lays out their fate if they do not follow God. Verse 26 was fulfilled when the Assyrians destroyed the northern 10 tribes (the country of Israel) and scattered them so far apart that they were never heard of again. (Most likely they intermarried with the local people and lost their identity) In verses 27- 31 we see the outline of what will happened to Judah (southern two tribes) they will be scattered (deported) and this happened when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. They were force to serve other gods yet they repented and came back and 70 years later under Cyrus they came back to Jerusalem. (the books of Ezra and Nehemiah) How can a book that was written a thousand years before these things happen be so accurate? Only because it is the Word of God Himself.
In chapter 5:4 Moses reminds us that our history is not just history it is our personal story. God does not make His covenant with our fathers but with us. Our faith cannot be just our father’s or mothers but ours personally.
In chapter 6:4-5 is the Shema what every Jew had put on His doorpost, (If you pay attention when you come in my basement front door you will see one on it) This was to remind them every time they went in or out who was there God and they were to love Him with all of their heart, soul, might.
Verses 6-9 teach us how we are to be raising our children, constantly talking to them about Jesus and why we serve Jesus and what it means. To ingrain in them from little on that they belong to Jesus and Him our lives are meant to be lived for Him and serving Him, not ourselves.
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Post by pastor on Feb 24, 2023 14:23:31 GMT
February 24, 2023 Deuteronomy 7-9
In Chapter 7 we read “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 7:6-8
These words are just as true for us. God has chosen us. Jesus reminds us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16 What a wonderful reality you have been chosen by God to be a people holy to the Lord, chosen to be His treasured people. This is who we are.
Moses reminds them in Chapter 8 that God will discipline them just as a father disciplines his son. We are reminded of the same thing when we read, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Hebrews 12:5-7 God does not change just like in the Old Testament God disciplines us today for our own good, not to destroy, or cast us off, but to draw us closer to Him and see clearly our dependence upon Him.
Also in Chapter 8 Moses reminds them again of something we need to remember daily. (read verses 12-14, and 17-18). We must never think of the things that we have as something we have gotten for ourselves, for it is God who gives, and when we think that what we have done has gotten us where we are, our hearts are proud and we reject God. So often I hear when I talk to people about tithing 10% they reply I cannot afford to give away that much of my money, I feel sorry for them for they really think they have done it, and it is there money instead of God, how they miss out on the joy that comes when we trust God and see Him work.
Again in Chapter 9 verses 4-5 Moses reminds them do not think that any of this is because you are a good person, that you are so faithful. For that is not the reason God has done this but solely out of His love for you. Again today we read the same “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3 A powerful reminder to us all.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 24, 2023 18:16:44 GMT
Day 55 (Deuteronomy 7-9) The following verses stood out to me… {For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.}
We have been set aside by God and for God. He chose us out of all the people in the world, He chose us. And calls us a treasured possession. That blows my mind. God, the creator of all things, not only created me but calls me a treasure. WOW!!!
{Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. }
So it is out of love that I strive to honor His name by observing His commands.
{You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.}
All the things I do, all of my accomplishments are by the hand of God. He enables me to complete my tasks. He gives me the physical ability and knowledge that is needed. I praise the name of the Lord my God for He provides for my every need.
2/24/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 25, 2023 16:40:07 GMT
Day 56 (Deuteronomy 10-12)
{Chapter 10:17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. }
Too often we try to make “deals” with God. “God if you will do this or that.. I will..” But God doesn’t work that way. Either you obey or you don't. He is not going to buy your obedience.
{Chapter 11:1, 9 Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. and so that you may live long in the land the Lord swore to your ancestors to give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. }
God has shown us His love and mercy; so out of this love we show Him glory and honor by obeying His laws and commands.
{Verses 19-21 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.}
For some reason I love this. Teach your children well. For me there is nothing as important as teaching our children about God.
{Proverbs 22:6 Says: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.}
2/25/23
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Post by pastor on Feb 26, 2023 1:14:35 GMT
February 25, 2023 Deuteronomy 10-12
The Lord set His heart on you and has chosen you above all people. These words were said by Moses to the Jews. These words are words that God says to us today, I have set my heart on you, I have chosen you, I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Moses then tells them to circumcise their heart, in other words get rid of any thing that takes your eyes off of God, get your eyes off of obeying Him. What in your life do you need to circumcise?
I set before you today blessings and curses life and death. Truly that is what God has set before us, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.” John 3:17-18 Our relationship with God is life and death, it is not an incidental matter.
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Post by pastor on Feb 26, 2023 11:00:18 GMT
February 26 Deuteronomy 13-14
Chapter 13 starts out with a warning about false teachers leading the people away from God. Notice that God says even if they do signs and wonders, they can still be leading people away. How do we know if what they have done is from God and we should listen to them, God answers, if they lead you away from God, from the true teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for us. Listen to Paul warn the Galatians. I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! Galatians 1:6-8 We must stay true to the Word of God no matter what we see or hear. That is why it is so important to know what you believe and why you believe it, so that you can tell the difference between the true Word of God and those who would distort it and lead you away.
Chapter 14 Starts out reminding us of our identity. We are sons of God, that is who we are and that is why we do what we do. We have been chosen, cleansed and redeemed so we are to live out who we are. Who are you? You are a child of God.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Feb 27, 2023 14:13:04 GMT
Day 58 (Deuteronomy 15-16)
Chapter 15 & 16
Moses is reminding the people of Israel about the commands God has given them. And we should remember to treat our brothers and sisters fairly and with compassion. Chapter 15:19a {Set apart for the Lord your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks. } God is requiring the firstborn, the first fruit, To remind us to put God first. He is to be the first in everything, the first in our lives.
Chapter 16:17 {Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.}
Here tithing is explained clearly. Out of the blessings God has given to us, (and God has given us all things), we give back to Him.
2/27/23
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Post by pastor on Feb 27, 2023 16:01:03 GMT
February 27, 2024 Deuteronomy 15-16
In chapter 15 it talks about those who have sold themselves into slavery or as bond servants. That on every 7th year they shall be released. Even if they have sold themselves at 6 ½ half years on that 7th year every Jewish person shall be released. What a powerful reminder of God’s great gift of freedom from the Egyptians that would be. What a celebration would take place in those families when their brother, sister, mother, or father was restored to them. Why do they do it, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed. How do we celebrate our release not every 7 years, but every day, every morning as the Scriptures declares “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23. For us every day is a celebration, every day we are released from our bondage of sin, every day we are made new, every day let their be joy in our heart.
God speaks about the poor, first He tells them that they are to be open to the poor and give them whatever they need. (This is harder today I think because even what we call poor in many cases have more than they need. Yet there still are many who have almost nothing and we need to care for them.) But notice verse 10 we are to give freely never begrudgingly because when we give freely God will bless us. (The New Testament teaches the same thing read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
God comes back to those being released and tells the people that not only on the 7th year do you release your fellow Jews but when you let them go you are to give to them liberally. You are to give to them out of your flock, out of your grain, and out of your wine, which were the very staples of their life back then. Why again because the Lord has blessed us, and liberated us. When the Jews left Egypt they left with gold and silver and the riches of Egypt, God provided them all. “The Israelites acted on Moses’s word and asked the Egyptians for silver and gold items and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor with the Egyptians that they gave them what they requested. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.” Exodus 12:35-36
If we stop and count what God has given us, it is not to hard to give liberally to God’s house, God’s family, and the needy.
Finally in chapter 15 there is an interesting section on those who do not want released. If they are happy serving their master, then they were to pierce their ear, so that everyone would know that they have chosen to give their life to serving their master. Have you made that choice? What in your life shows that you have chosen to give your life to serving your master? Your clothes, Your attitude? Your time? Ear piercing has become a form of art and individual expression, maybe we should bring it back to what it was meant to be a visible sign that I have given my life to my master. (Just a thought)
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Post by pastor on Feb 28, 2023 14:52:08 GMT
February 28 Deuteronomy 17-20
God will not put up with worshiping anything else but Him. It was interesting how many times He says to do this so that all of Israel will fear the Lord.
God knew that the day would come when Israel would want a king, and be like other nations. (This happened in 1 Samuel), so He sets down rules for Kings, they were broken immediately by David, and Solomon, and we will read the consequences of that later. What struck me is “don’t go back to Egypt to get horses, you are not to go back that way again”. Egypt represented slavery, and evil to the Jews and yet they turned back to them in the future. How often do we return to our past instead of trusting God with our future?
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