March 14

Deuteronomy 11-13
God understands our weaknesses better than we do. He emphasizes over and over that the Israelites are are to avoid even the appearance of following other gods. The one thing that God will absolutely not tolerate is our following or worshipping any other god. I really don't think He has ever, or will ever, feel any different about this crucial aspect of His peoples walk in the Lord. This is just as relevant for us today as it was to the ancients. We should stay as far away from any religion that doesn't have the LORD God as their god as we possibly can. There are even seemingly innocent practices that can lead us down the wrong path. For instance, Ouija boards, horoscopes, Yoga, and martial arts all have their foundations in religions that worship other gods. When we tamper with these things we are getting dangerously close to dishonoring God.

March 13

Deuteronomy 8-10
The Israelites are reminded of their past sins and God's mercy. Moses helps them to understand that whatever good they have in their lives is a gift from God; that even when they might say they have earned it through their hard work and skill, it is God who has given them the talents and abilities to make it possible for them to work and earn. He is giving them, and us, a less in humility.

It is easy, and oh so tempting, to take the credit for the many blessings we receive. I have boasted about my hard work to gain an education that made it possible for my wife and I to have more than our parents did. But, then I take a step back and give God all the credit for blessing me with a mind that is able to learn, and the resolve to put it to use. I thank God for putting the right people in my life who have influenced and encouraged me to use the opportunities before me. Without God's intervention, either directly or indirectly, I would be nothing, nor would I have gained anything. Praise be to God for the riches of His blessings in our lives!

March 12

Deuteronomy 5-7
The Israelites were encouraged to remember God's laws. He offered tecniques and strategy to help. They were to repeat them to their children at different times and places, on the road and at home. They were to write them on the walls, doorframes, clothing, and various places on their bodies. In this way, the children of Israel would be better able to remember what God felt important.

When I read this I can't help but think of my son and daughters. If you go into their house you are likely to find scripture references written on post-it notes in various locations throughout. You might find quotations written on the mirrors. Scripture is found framed and either hanging on the wall or sitting on a flat surface. It is not at all uncommon to see tidbits from God's word on clothing and hats. Symbols that point to Jesus are seen in and on various items. They even use more modern methods, taking advantage of technology, to put the Word out in front. It's very common to see them share a verse on Facebook and other internet related venues. They are simply living out what God had encouraged the Israelites to do. And, in so doing, they are blessing their children, each other, and countless others they come into contact with on a daily basis. God is blessing their lives, and I believe He will continue to honor their faithfulness to His word!

March 11

Deuteronomy 3-4
Moses is very adamant that the Israelites understand God's jealousy. They were going to be entering a land filled with nations that practiced idolatry. As they would take possession of these lands they were going to be impressed with the richness and beauty. God had already described it as a land flowing with milk and honey. Thus, they might be tempted to give credit for the lush surroundings to something or someone other than God. This makes God angry, because He alone is responsible for the benefits we receive from His creation.

In our modern times, with all of our sophisticated technological advances, the temptation is the same as it was for those ancient civilizations. In fact, I fear that much of our modern environmentalism is nothing more than a worshipping of the created, rather than the Creator. The presumption that mankind has god-like power over the earth is misplacement of faith in the One who has actual control. This is not to say that we should not take care of God's creation. However, in that care, we must acknowledge that He maintains control, and that He will do with His creation what He so desires, and that we have no power that can change what He sets in motion!

March 10

Deuteronomy 1-2
As we begin the last book of the Pentateuch, we find Moses giving a short recap of the last forty years after the deliverance from Egypt. There are a couple of points that really stick out to me. One small thing I picked up on is Moses blaming the Israelites for his not being able to enter the promised land. While it is true that had they not grumbled about their thirst there would have no occasion for him to strike the rock, that still doesn't relieve him of the responsibility of the decision. So, I guess I'm a little disappointed in Moses for shifting the blame. Yet, I'm not so that I wouldn't do the same.

The other thing that struck me is God's remembrance of Esau and Lot. Even though these two men had followed a different path, God still remembered them and blessed their descendants. There are a lot of unanswered questions in the Old Testament for me, but there is no question about God's faithfulness and love. He remains faithful, even when we aren't!

March 9

Numbers 35-36

Avenger of blood, what a term! I actually took some time to do a little research on this before making my daily entry. I knew that it was someone who carried out the execution of a murderer. I just wasn't clear on whom that someone was. It seems that the avenger is the next of kin. That's more responsibility than I would care to have. I wonder how modern day capital punishment would work if that was the manner used? I suppose that some murderers would go free, while others would not. I also wonder what it did, and would do, to, and for, the avenger of blood? Thank you, Lord, for removing the law from our lives. For, I must confess that I find parts of it to be distasteful, and a little barbaric. However, it will never be my duty or desire to question your will. Amen.

March 8

Numbers 33-34

As I read of all the journeys of the Israelites, I'm reminded of the journeys of our lives. My wife and I travel the country in a recreational vehicle. Before that, we traveled with a tent. It has been filled with adventure! We have seen and done more than most people do in a lifetime. We have truly been blessed.


But, this is not the journey I'm thinking about. The journey that I speak of is the one we must all take. Life takes us through valleys, across rivers, to the tops of mountains, and to many places we could not have imagined before we arrived. And, the most important aspect of our journey isn't our toothbrush, or our pillow, or the myriad of items we think we need, or will need. The one thing we need above all else, is a good map to keep us from getting lost. God's word is that road map, and the ones who use it will never get lost. These will find their way safely to the promised land!