Deuteronomy 6

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/6.html

Love the LORD Your God

1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said. 20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

6:3 For a nation that had wandered for 40 years in a parched desert, a land flowing with milk and honey sounded like paradise. It brought to mind rich crops, rushing streams, gentle rains, and lush fields filled with livestock. The Israelites could have had all that 40 years earlier. Numbers 13 and 14 explain how the people missed their chance. Now Moses was determined to help the people avoid the same mistake by whetting their appetite for the beautiful land and then clearly explaining the conditions for entering the land.

6:4 Monotheism--the belief in only one God--was a distinctive feature of Hebrew religion. Many ancient religions believed in many gods. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of the whole earth, the only true God. This was an important insight for the nation of Israel because they were about to enter a land filled with people who believed in many gods. Both then and today, there are people who prefer to place their trust in many"gods." But the day is coming when God will be recognized as the only one. He will be king over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:9).

6:4-9 This passage provides the central theme of Deuteronomy. It sets a pattern that helps us relate the Word of God to our daily lives. We are to love God, think constantly about his commandments, teach his commandments to our children, and live each day by the guidelines in his Word. God emphasized the importance of parents' teaching the Bible to their children. The church and Christian schools cannot be used to escape from this responsibility. The Bible provides so many opportunities for object lessons and practical teaching that it would be a shame to study it only one day a week. Eternal truths are most effectively learned in the loving environment of a God-fearing home.

6:5 Jesus said that loving God with all of ourselves is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). This command, combined with the command to love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), encompasses all the other Old Testament laws.

6:7 The Hebrews were extremely successful at making religion an integral part of life. The reason for their success was that religious education was life-oriented, not information-oriented. They used the context of daily life to teach about God. The key to teaching your children to love God is stated simply and clearly in these verses. If you want your children to follow God, you must make God a part of your everyday experiences. You must teach your children diligently to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.

6:10-13 Moses warned the people not to forget God when they entered the promised land and became prosperous. Prosperity, more than poverty, can dull our spiritual vision because it tends to make us self-sufficient and eager to acquire still more of everything--except God. The same thing can happen in our church. Once we become successful in terms of numbers, programs, and buildings, we can easily become self-sufficient and less sensitive to our need for God. This leads us to concentrate on self-preservation rather than thankfulness and service for God.

6:24 Does the phrase "so that we might always prosper" mean that we can expect only prosperity and no suffering when we obey God? What is promised here is a right relationship with God for all those who love him with all their heart. It speaks of a good relationship with God and the ultimate benefit of knowing him. It is not blanket protection against poverty, adversity, or suffering. We can have this right relationship with God by obeying his command to love him with all that we are.

This chapter is so beautiful. Think of how great the love of our Creator is. He commands us to love him totally. But He also gives us freedom to do so by our own choice. So, how shall we truly love Him? Can we truly love what we do not know? It seems we should seek to know Him. Jesus gives us that ability by studying his life, his death, and his resurrection and ascension. We can when the Holy Spirit of Truth works in our lives and in our hearts and minds. When we seek the truth, we are seeking God. When we expose truth, God is working through us. If we do this genuinely and honestly and consistently, there is no need to fear. "Peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. My peace I give to you." (John 14:27). Peace is the prize.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for all of Your creation. Help us do Your work on earth. Keep our focus on You. Let us grow in relationship with You. Let our hearts and minds be filled with Your love flowing through us to others. May our love be expressed with justice and righteousness. Make us become more and more like Your children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=bOdymbiTIZ4

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 5

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/5.html

The Ten Commandments

1 Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our ancestors that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. 4 The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. 5 (At that time I stood between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.) And he said: 6 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 7 “You shall have no other gods before me. 8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 11 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. 16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 17 “You shall not murder. 18 “You shall not commit adultery. 19 “You shall not steal. 20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 22 These are the commandments the LORD proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. 23 When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leaders of your tribes and your elders came to me. 24 And you said, “The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them. 25 But now, why should we die? This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. 26 For what mortal has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and survived? 27 Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey.” 28 The LORD heard you when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, “I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. 29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! 30 “Go, tell them to return to their tents. 31 But you stay here with me so that I may give you all the commands, decrees and laws you are to teach them to follow in the land I am giving them to possess.” 32 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33 Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

5:1 The people had entered into a covenant with God, and Moses commanded them to hear, learn, and follow his statutes. Christians have also entered into a covenant with God (through Jesus Christ) and should be responsive to what God expects. Moses' threefold command to the Israelites is excellent advice for all God's followers. Hearing is absorbing and accepting information about God. Learning is understanding its meaning and implications. Following is putting into action all that we have learned and understood. All three parts are essential to a growing relationship with God.

5:7 A god is whatever people put first in their lives. Some people literally worship other gods by joining cults or strange religions. In a more subtle way, many of us worship other gods by building our lives around something other than the one true God. If your greatest desire is for popularity, power, or money, you are devoting yourself to something other than God. To put God first, (1) recognize what is taking his place in your life; (2) renounce this substitute god as unworthy of your devotion; (3) ask God for forgiveness; (4) restructure your priorities so that love for God is the motive for everything you do; (5) examine yourself daily to be sure you are giving God first place.

5:8, 9 How would you feel if someone took a picture of you, framed it, stared at it a lot, showed it to others, but completely ignored the real you? God does not want to be treated this way either. He wants a genuine relationship with us, not merely ritual. He wants us to know him. God knows that if we put anything other than him at the center of our lives, we will not reach our potential and become all that he wants us to be.

5:11 We are familiar with the sin to be avoided in this commandment, that we should not misuse the name of the Lord by saying it in an empty or worthless way. But there is also a good work that is commanded: to use God's name to praise him and ascribe to him glory. This is the opposite of misusing his name. While you might be able to keep yourself from swearing, how have you done at finding time to praise God and honor his name?

5:16 Obeying our parents is our main task when we are young, but honoring them should continue even beyond their death. One way to honor parents is to provide for them in times of financial need or when they are ill and unable to care for themselves. Perhaps the best way to honor them is to pass on their godly values to our children. Honoring involves all that sons and daughters do with their lives--the way they work and tal, the values they hold, and the morals they practice. What are you doing to show respect to your parents? Are you living in a way that brings honor to them?

5:17 "But I don't murder people," you may say. Good. That fulfills the letter of the law. But Jesus explained that hateful anger breaks this commandment (Matthew 5:21, 22). Have you ever been so angry with someone who mistreated you that for a moment you wished that person were dead? Have you ever fantasized that you could do someone in? Jesus' teaching concerning this law demonstrates that we are capable of murder in our hearts. Even if we are legally innocent, we are all morally guilty of murder and need to ask God's forgiveness. We need to commit ourselves to the opposite of hatred and anger--love and reconciliation.

5:21 To covet is to desire another person's prosperity. We are not to set our desires on anything that belongs to someone else. Not only can such desires make us miserable, they can also lead us to other sins such as adultery and stealing. Envying others is a useless exercise because God is able to provide everything we really need, even if he does not always give us everything we want. To stop coveting, we need to practice being content with what we have. The apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of contentment in Philippians 4:11. It's a matter of perspective. Instead of thinking about what we don't have, we should thank God for what he has given and strive to be content. After all, our most important possession is free and available to everyone--eternal life through Christ.

5:29 God told Moses that he wanted the people to incline their hearts to fear him--to want to respect and obey him. There is a difference between doing something because we want to. God is not interested in forced religious exercises and rule-keeping. He wants our hearts and lives completely dedicated to him. If we love him, obedience will follow.

God knows about why some of us resist being manipulated into belief in something. He knows about our reluctance even more fully than we do. He also knows our breakthrough moments, even if they have not yet come. True love cannot be fake. And, as the study note writer wrote, "If we love him, obedience will follow." It is way cool to experience this kind of growth personally.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your enduring love and guidance. Thank You that You are constant throughout all the upheavals of time. Thank You for Your patient tolerance as we grow in understanding and relationship with You. You know each of us uniquely and completely. You know all our relationships with others and the interconnectedness we have with each other and with those who came before us and those that will follow us. It just boggles the mind--the mind that You examine and know. Thank You for searching our hearts with and on purpose. We grow when You do. Help us to keep our covenants with You completely. In Jesus' holy name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ESmuG_5MOiw

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 4:44-49

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+4:44-49

Introduction to the Law

44 This is the law Moses set before the Israelites. 45 These are the stipulations, decrees and laws Moses gave them when they came out of Egypt 46 and were in the valley near Beth Peor east of the Jordan, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon and was defeated by Moses and the Israelites as they came out of Egypt. 47 They took possession of his land and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. 48 This land extended from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge to Mount Sirion (that is, Hermon), 49 and included all the Arabah east of the Jordan, as far as the Dead Sea, below the slopes of Pisgah.

There are no Study Notes for these verses. But there was an introductory paragraph, as these verses begin the next section, which my study Bible titled, "B. PRINCIPLES FOR GODLY LIVING: MOSES' SECOND ADDRESS (4:44--28:68). Here's what it says:

After reviewing the history of Israel's journey, Moses recounts the Ten Commandments and the other laws given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. He urges them to obey the law and reminds them of the consequences of disobeying God's laws. The Ten Commandments and all of God's laws point out to us where we fall short and show us how we should act as God's people.

After seeing Sound of Freedom yesterday, it brings home the importance of having a moral compass. God doesn't leave us in chaos. He provides guidance if we would only recognize it and apply it to our thinking and living. Oh. Sometimes just an exhale will do for words.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for all those working to do Your will here on Earth. Thank You for Your guidance in the Ten Commandments. Thank You for our salvation through Your Son, Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled them. We fall short. But You still guide and show us mercy and love. Keep us trying, Lord, to follow You. Help us help You save Your children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=hDQCJnXU108

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 4:41-43

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+4:41-43

Cities of Refuge

41 Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan, 42 to which anyone who had killed a person could flee if they had unintentionally killed a neighbor without malice aforethought. They could flee into one of these cities and save their life. 43 The cities were these: Bezer in the wilderness plateau, for the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites.

No Study Notes given for these verses.

To me, these verses point to God's mercy. It shows that His judgment understands far more than we can even fathom, because of His nature, His abilities to be Allknowing and truly just, with perfect justice. Again, He searches the heart and examines the mind, and knows His own. Then He sets aside a place for them to live. How merciful is our God.

Our merciful Father, thank You for Your divine understanding and justice and mercy. Thank You that You forgive. Let us be honest in our failings, and let us repent sincerely. Draw us back to You. Thank You for the promise You gave us that You have a place for us. Help us rest in that peace You give to us. Thank You for true freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=h8uKldEUrPE

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 4:32-40

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+4:32-40

The LORD Is God

32 Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? 33 Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? 34 Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? 35 You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other. 36 From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire. 37 Because he loved your ancestors and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, 38 to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today. 39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. 40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.

Study Notes:

4:32 How tempted we are.to look everywhere else but to God for our guidance and leadership! We trust medical doctors, financial advisors, and news commentators, but do we trust God? Get God's advice first (4:39, 40), and recognize his authority over every dimension of life.

4:40 Was Israel guaranteed prosperity for obeying God's laws? Yes--but we have to look carefully at what that means. God's laws were designed to make his chosen nation healthy, just, and merciful. When the people followed those laws, they prospered. This does not mean, however, that no sickness, no sadness, and no misunderstandings existed among them. Rather, it means that as a nation they prospered, and that individuals' problems were handled as fairly as possible. Today God's promise of prosperity--his constant presence, comfort, and the resources to live as we should--extends to all believers. We will face trials; Jesus assured us of that. But we will avoid the misery that directly results from intentional sin, and we will know that a great treasure awaits us in heaven.

This is a good reminder to keep with us as we go view Sound Of Freedom. God is in control. God is Allknowing and sees the sins in the hearts. He "searches the heart and examines the mind to reward a person, according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve" (Jeremiah 17:10). We may be foolishly untrustworthy. But God is steadfast and true. There is no other more worthy of trust.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your blessings today. Thank You for being with our loved ones as they work throughout this day. Thank You for Your work through them. It is a marvelous comfort to know that You are truly the One we can rely on. Thank You for Your healing power that You give to us. Help us recognize it and give You praise as we heal. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Td1IbQnVQqw

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 4:15-31

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+4:15-31

Idolatry Forbidden

15 You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, 16 so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, 17 or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, 18 or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. 19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. 20 But as for you, the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are. 21 The LORD was angry with me because of you, and he solemnly swore that I would not cross the Jordan and enter the good land the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance. 22 I will die in this land; I will not cross the Jordan; but you are about to cross over and take possession of that good land. 23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. 25 After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time—if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God and arousing his anger, 26 I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed. 27 The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. 28 There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. 29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him. 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Study Notes:

4:19 God was not excusing the other nations for their idol worship. He was simply saying that while judgment might be delayed for those other nations, it would be swift and complete for Israel because Israel knew God's laws. We must remember that idol worship was not just keeping statues around the house--harmless lumps of clay, wood, or iron. It was the commitment to the other evil qualities, beliefs, and practices the idol represented (such as murder, prostitution, cruelty in war, self-centeredness) or to strengths and attributes of mankind, the animal kingdom, or the orderliness of stars that were revered without reference to God who created them. Because God had so clearly revealed himself in Israel's history, the Israelites had no excuse for worshipin anyone but the true God.

4:24 God is a consuming fire. Because he is morally perfect, he hates sin and cannot accept those who practice it. Moses' sin kept him from entering the promised land, and no sacrifice could remove that judgment. Sin kept us from entering God's presence, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin and removed God's judgment forever by his death. Trusting in Jesus Christ will save you from God's anger and will allow you to begin a personal relationship with him.

4:24 Jealousy is a demand for someone else's exclusive affection or loyalty. Some jealousy is bad. It is destructive for a man to get upset when his wife talks pleasantly with another man. But other jealousy is good. It is right for a man to demand that his wife treat him, and only him, as her husband. Usually we use the word jealousy only for the bad reaction. But God's kind of jealousy is appropriate and good. He is defending his word and his high honor. He makes a strong, exclusive demand on us: We must treat only the Lord--and no one else in all the universe--as God.

4:29 Do you want to know God? God promised the Israelites that they would find him when they searched with all their hearts and souls. God is knowable and wants to be known--but we have to want to know him. Acts of service and worship must be accompanied by sincere devotion of the heart. As Hebrews 11:6 says, "Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." God will reward those who pursue a relationship with him.

Praise God that He draws us back to Him! This world needs the strong magnetism of God. As scientists are so enamored with their new discoveries and what can be done with them, I sit here in awe of the magnitude of God in the nano and beyond all. And to think God cares so much for us that He gave His Son, and sent His Holy Spirit to be with us--to draw us back to Him in true freedom, by our own wise choices. Oh may we treat the discoveries we make with the proper reverence due their Maker.

Almighty Creator of All, thank You for Your everlasting, all-consuming power. Thank You that You prevail. Guide us through this week enfolded in Your strength and protection. Lord, we lift up Your children to You. We also lift up all those working to do Your will here on earth. Bless them all with all Your goodness. In Jesus' holy name, Amen.

A Song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy6AOGRsR80

Bonus Song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JofeXe2hinw

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 4:1-14

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+4:1-14

Obedience Commanded

1 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. 3 You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did at Baal Peor. The LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, 4 but all of you who held fast to the LORD your God are still alive today. 5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7 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? 8 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? 9 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. 10 Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” 11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 And the LORD directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

Study Notes:

4:2 What is meant by adding to or subtracting from God's commands? These words were the word of God, and they were complete. How could any human being, with limited wisdom and knowledge, edit God's perfect laws? To add to the laws would make them a burden; to subtract from them would make them incomplete. Thus the laws were to remain unchanged. To presume to make changes to God's law is to assume a position of authority over God who gave the laws (Matthew 5:17-19; 15:3-9; Revelation 22:18, 19). The religious leaders at the time of Christ did exactly this; they elevated their own laws to the same level as God's. Jesus rebuked them for this (Matthew 23:1-4).

4:8 Do the laws God gave to the Israelites still apply to Christians today? God's laws are designed to guide all people toward life-styles that are healthy, upright, and devoted to God. Their purpose was to point out sin (or potential sin) and show the proper way to deal with that sin. The Ten Commandments, the heart of God's Law, are just as applicable today as they were 3,000 years ago because they proclaim a life-style endorsed by God. They are the perfect expression of who God is and how he wants people to live.

But God gave other laws besides the Ten Commandments. Are these just as important? God never issued a law that didn't have a purpose. However, many of the laws we read in the Pentateuch were directed specifically to people of that time and culture. Although a specific law may not apply to us, the timeless truth or principle behind the law does.

For example, Christians do not practice animal sacrifice in worship. However, the principles behind the sacrifices--forgiveness for sin and thankfulness to God--still apply. The sacrifices pointed to the ultimate sacrifice made for us by Jesus Christ. The New Testament says that with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Old Testament laws were fulfilled. This means that while the Old Testament laws help us to recognize our sins and correct our wrongdoings, it is Jesus Christ who takes our sins away. Jesus is now our primary example to follow because he alone perfectly obeyed the law and modeled its true intent.

4:9 Moses wanted to make sure that the people did not forget all they had seen God do, so he urged parents to teach their children about God's great miracles. This helped parents remember God's faithfulness and provided the means for passing on from one generation to the next the stories recounting God's great acts. It is easy to forget the wonderful ways God has worked in the lives of his people. But you can remember God's great acts of faithfulness by telling your children, friends, or associates what you have seen him do.

It is important that we don't forget God's laws. We are to honor him, honor our mother and father, and honor each other (including our rights and gifts from God). We should recommit ourselves to this honoring. What better way to display honor than by obedience to God's laws by becoming more Christlike each day? Can we do it? Will we? Will we teach the children this too? I see evidences of it. And the stories of it shared here on GAW give me hope.

A Reminder: https://www.biblestudytools.com/exodus/20.html

Our Lord and Father, thank You for forgiveness of our sins. Thank You also for Your laws that clearly define them for us. Thank You that Your laws are true--everlasting and immutable. They provide a firm foundation, along with Your Son and His offer to save us from our sins. Thank You that there is still purpose in obedience. We are better to each other when we follow Your laws. Finally, Lord, thank You for keeping us alert to those who try to replace You. Let us keep You as our primary recognition. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=MwAZKQ2b_rU

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 3:21-29

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+3:21-29

Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan

21 At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” 23 At that time I pleaded with the LORD: 24 “Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? 25 Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.” 26 But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the LORD said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.

Study Notes:

3:21, 22 What encouraging news for Joshua, who was to lead his men against the persistent forces of evil in the promised land! Since God promised to help him win every battle, he had nothing to fear. Our battles may not be against godless armies, but they are just as real as Joshua's. Whether we are resisting temptation or battling fear, God has promised to fight with and for us as we obey him.

3:26 God had made it clear that Moses would not enter the promised land (Numbers 20:12). So God told Moses to commission Joshua as the new leader and encourage him in this new role. This is a good example to churches and organizations who must replace their leaders. Good leaders prepare their people to function without them by discovering those with leadership potential, providing the training they need, and looking for ways to encourage them.

God provides for continuity of leadership. Isn't it cool to watch God's work in this regard even today?!? We see great contrasts in the battles occurring these days. We see stuff that is absolutely counter to God. And we see individuals stepping up at all levels to uphold God's presence in and sovereignty over these situations--in families, in schools, in churches, in neighborhoods, communities, states, and nations. One true leader will lead forever. We should keep our focus on Him--God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit of Truth.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine ways that You continue Your work through the generations. Thank You for Your divine justice, and for keeping Your promises. You are true and trustworthy. We praise You for the simple and absolutely marvelous ways You work to expose the evil to be overcome by good. Give us the energy and glimmers of hope needed to fight the battles day by day. Strengthen Your warriors, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 3:12-20

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+3:12-20

Division of the Land

12 Of the land that we took over at that time, I gave the Reubenites and the Gadites the territory north of Aroer by the Arnon Gorge, including half the hill country of Gilead, together with its towns. 13 The rest of Gilead and also all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh. (The whole region of Argob in Bashan used to be known as a land of the Rephaites. 14 Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maakathites; it was named after him, so that to this day Bashan is called Havvoth Jair. ) 15 And I gave Gilead to Makir. 16 But to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave the territory extending from Gilead down to the Arnon Gorge (the middle of the gorge being the border) and out to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Ammonites. 17 Its western border was the Jordan in the Arabah, from Kinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea), below the slopes of Pisgah. 18 I commanded you at that time: “The LORD your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of the other Israelites. 19 However, your wives, your children and your livestock (I know you have much livestock) may stay in the towns I have given you, 20 until the LORD gives rest to your fellow Israelites as he has to you, and they too have taken over the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. After that, each of you may go back to the possession I have given you.”

No Study Note For This Section.

This section had no study note, which is notable. The division of the land was done by God through Moses, but all the Israelites fought together for each territory. While some rested and settled all the wives, children and livestock into the God-given land already taken, the rested ones went on ahead to take over the remaining lands the Lord had given. God gives rest and emphasizes unity and working together. He clearly shows that the men provide the place for the women and children and livestock. The roles were clear. We would do better today, it seems, if we had more clarity in our roles--and we can if we ignore the chaotic influences and focus on God's way, the Truth.

Our Lord and Savior, we come to You today with thanksgiving that You provide us a land of freedom to live in. Your freedom is an individual freedom that recognizes the importance of each role in family, community, and nation. Your wisdom given to leaders is what makes lands and peoples great. The more the leaders and the peoples reflect Your laws, Your principles, and Your nature, the greater they are. Oh Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit of Truth that reminds us of Your teachings. Keep us aware fully of Your presence through Your Holy Spirit. Don't let us be confused or misdirected by chaos. Keep our focus on You. We pray, gratefully, Jesus, in Your name. Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=4ick9MhtdhY

Have a blessed day.

Deuteronomy 3:1-11

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+3:1-11

Defeat of Og King of Bashan

1 Next we turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan with his whole army marched out to meet us in battle at Edrei. 2 The LORD said to me, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.” 3 So the LORD our God also gave into our hands Og king of Bashan and all his army. We struck them down, leaving no survivors. 4 At that time we took all his cities. There was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take from them—the whole region of Argob, Og’s kingdom in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and with gates and bars, and there were also a great many unwalled villages. 6 We completely destroyed them, as we had done with Sihon king of Heshbon, destroying every city—men, women and children. 7 But all the livestock and the plunder from their cities we carried off for ourselves. 8 So at that time we took from these two kings of the Amorites the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge as fakmr as Mount Hermon. 9 (Hermon is called Sirion by the Sidonians; the Amorites call it Senir.) 10 We took all the towns on the plateau, and all Gilead, and all Bashan as far as Salekah and Edrei, towns of Og’s kingdom in Bashan. 11 (Og king of Bashan was the last of the Rephaites. His bed was decorated with iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide. It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

Study Note:

3:1-3 The Israelites faced a big problem--the well-trained army of Og, king of Bashan. The Israelites hardly stood a chance. But they won because God fought for them. God can help his people regardless of the problems they face. No matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem, remember that God is sovereign, and he will keep his promises.

It seems that God reminds us over and over throughout time not to be afraid of great obstacles. He can overcome them all. It is also interesting that He instructs us when and where to fight. But only if we are attuned to His instructions. What a confidence boost to be lead by the Almighty Creator of All! What a glorious privilege to know that His plan is playing out before us--His plan of grace and justice. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for leading us through great barriers and helping us to overcome obstacles. Thank You for Your divine protection over our loved ones as we obediently fight for You. Oh that we would not be shy, but testify boldly like those softball girls shared yesterday. What an unexpected blessing they brought to the sports viewers. We praise You, Lord, for the wisdom You provide in unexpected ways. Lord, be with us during these days. We know You are omnipresent and sovereign. Have mercy on us. Keep our focus on You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7HSdeeCm8_g

Have a blessed day.