Skip to main content

March 4 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 63

We're winding down our reading in Deuteronomy.  The people have the law of God before them; they have a new leader commissioned over them.  God ensures them that they can bold and do not have to fear the people, and that, even though the Lord is sure they will turn away, there will be a way back to God's grace.

DAILY READINGS

Deuteronomy 30-31 & Psalm 63

DAILY NOTES

Deuteronomy 30:1-5

  • A foreshadow of what to expect from the people.
  • Although God has outlined the curses that the people will face if they turn away, God promises to receive them again and return them, assuming/knowing they will be exiled.
Deuteronomy 30:6
  • Again, we see that what matters most to God is that the people love God will all their heart.
Deuteronomy 31:1-3
  • Moses prepares the people to cross over without his leadership.  They can be sure of God's presence and victory.
Deuteronomy 31:7
  • Joshua is recognized as the next leader of the Israelites.  Moses' command is to be "strong and bold."
Deuteronomy 31:10-13
  • It is prescribed that the law shall be read in its entirety every seven years.  It isn't just a reminder, it is a new invitation for new generations to hear the words and obey the commands of God.
Psalm 63
  • God's presence brings security and protection to the psalmist.  So, the psalmist blesses God, worships God and seeks God.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

We've been singing for a long time.  

Deuteronomy 31 introduces a final song of Moses; Moses and the people sang once they crossed the sea.  Now, as Moses' time is coming to a finish, he is instructed to teach people this song.  Interestingly, the song is to be a witness against the people.  They will sing the reminder of their infidelity to God.  

That's not exactly what we think of when it comes to our singing.  We like to sing songs about faithfulness, God's power and new life.  

Pay attention to the worship songs you sing.  Do they do more than affirm faith?  Do they witness against you?  Do they help you not only praise God, but also recognize your need for God?

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey.  That's what we're reading about today.   Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam.   DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself.  The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation.  Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam.  Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam.  He will only say what  God tells him to say.  That is, there's no money back guarantee.  Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more