Deut 32-34; Psalm 13; Luke 13

“Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say! Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Song of Moses gives a brief history of Israel and reminds the people of their sins so that they don’t repeat them. But, it also gives a hope that only comes from trusting God. Sometimes I can look back in regret and get stuck. That’s just where Satan would want me. So that I am ineffective for God’s Kingdom. I have to trust that God can use even my mistakes for good. His plan is bigger.

”Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This passage takes me back to a sermon I heard where the pastor said that one of biggest sins in the Bible is forgetfulness. And I am so forgetful. I pray that the Holy Spirit would renew my mind in God’s truth. And recall God’s goodness.

”For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes. He let them ride over the highlands and feast on the crops of the fields. He nourished them with honey from the rock and olive oil from the stony ground.“ Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭9‬-‭10‬, 13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am thankful for a God who provides. The Bible study book that I’m reading defines God’s Providence as derived from the Latin word providere, which means “to foresee.” It says that God uses certain people to fulfill special roles in His plan and purpose . God chose Moses, just like he chooses me to carry out his purpose.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35 NLT

Jesus grieved over Jerusalem because of his love for them. I pray that I would drop to my knees and grieve over sin before I pass judgment. That I would have the compassion of Jesus.

“But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.“ Psalms ‭13‬:‭5-6 NLT‬‬

Dear Father, Your words bring life. Thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for your faithfulness. I praise You for who You are. Amen.

These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”“
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭47‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Amy(amyctanner)

Num. 30-33; Psalm 35; Luke 3

“These are the stages of the people of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their companies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron…On the day after the Passover, the people of Israel went out triumphantly in the sight of all the Egyptians, while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had struck down among them.” Numbers 33:1-3 ESV

God was faithful in leading his people through the wilderness. I think on my own story and God’s past faithfulness. Just like the Israelites, there is rarely a straightforward path toward triumph. It’s in the deepest valleys and rough terrain that I can feel God’s presence with me.

“And you shall take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it.“ Numbers‬ ‭33‬:‭53‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God fulfilled his promise to deliver his people and to provide for them. This is such encouragement when I start to lose hope in the waiting.

“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV

The ultimate promise and prophecy is fulfilled through John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. He is my hope and treasure.

“Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.” Psalm‬ ‭35‬:‭9‬-‭10‬, ‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Just like I experience spiritual warfare, David had enemies after him. I often have to remind myself that I’m in a spiritual battle. Why should I be afraid? Jesus has the victory.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for coming and for dying on the cross for my sins. Thank you that you never leave me. I praise you for who you are. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

Proverbs 31; Eccles. 1-2; Matt. 14

“She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.” Proverbs 31:13-20 NLT

What work has God called me to do? He not only cares about what I do, but my heart in the process. I recently listened to a sermon from Holly Furtick that was brought to my mind after reading this passage. She said that being tired and weary is not an excuse to stop doing the work that God ordains. But she said to, “Be strong and do the work. The only way to get stronger is to get up. The strength you need for tomorrow is in the work you do today.” If I’m obedient even when I don’t feel like it, God will bless it.

“So what do people get in this life from all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.” Eccles. 2:22-25 NLT

My work is so much more meaningful when I find purpose in it. Whether it be serving my family or making art, I desire to be a beauty bringer, inspire others , and cultivate hope. Ultimately, it’s all about glorifying God. And whatever I do, I do for him. When I lose sight of that perspective I can become grouchy and complacent.

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. “Bring them here,” he said.” Matthew 14:18 NLT

I am reminded that God multiplies what I give to him. How many times have I said, “But I only have….” So much time, this much money, no energy left, etc. I need to surrender it to him. He can do more than I can imagine. And more than what my human mind can think up.

“Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31 NLT

Dear Father, Forgive me for when I doubt, You are good. Thank you for your constant care and provision. And that You are strong when I am weak. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

Numbers 8-11; Acts 16

God is on the move. It’s easy to see in these chapters: Cloud by day. Fire by night. Provision. An earthquake and prison doors flung open. Reading all this–a page turner, miraculous, and so marvelous that it all happened. God is great.

²³ And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”

Numbers 11:23, ESV

Moses, who had been through so much, even then wonders how the Lord will provide. Thank you, Lord, for remind me of these page turning, miraculous marvels of history.

I can look back on my life and see you at work. Things that seemed miraculous to me and to know that it was from you.

Is the Lord’s hand shortened? No. Not then. Not now.

He is trustworthy and faithful.

Courtney (66books365)

Deuteronomy 23:15-27:10

In “miscellaneous laws,” I catch a glimpse of His heart.

For mercy and protection of others.  “If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master. ¹⁶ Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.” (Deuteronomy 23:15-16, NIV)

Honor and glory. To honor your body and your life as a way of honoring God. “No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute. ¹⁸ You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.” (Deuteronomy 23:17-18, NIV)

Kindness. Kindness within the family of believers. “Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. ²⁰ You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deuteronomy 23:19-20, NIV)

Integrity, following through, trustworthiness. “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. ²² But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. ²³ Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23, NIV)

I’m learning that when I listen to others, I learn so much about them. What fires them up. What they value. Where their heart is.

When I read through the Bible, do I rush to get through a passage? Do I skim for a key word? Am I looking for something for me? Something happens when I slow down; when I start a passage over because I know I was rushing; when I sit with the language and listen. Am I looking for a tidy checklist, or am I looking for His heart?

The Old Testament becomes so fresh when I sit and listen. I learn so much about God. What fires Him up. What He values. Where His heart is.

Father God, I don’t want to walk away from my time with you not learning more about you. I’m trying to be a better listener. I’m learning to shush my voice so I can hear you. What if I were to give you the silence and the space to tell me what you want me to know, instead of filling it with noise (people’s opinions, debates, commercials, music, or my own assumptions)? You are so patient with me. Thank you.

Courtney (66books365)