Why I am I here in this place? Deut 26

There are two sides to the question. First is why am I in this physical place? The other has to do more with a state of being in what I am doing. These were two questions that Israel was to answer as they brought their offering to God. They were to say that God had brought them out of slavery to this promised land. They were to remember that their success was due to God alone. In return for all God had done, they were to worship God through their offering and obedience. Not only worship but celebrate his goodness with family, the Levites and even foreigners among them. Chapter 26 of Deut. is a good reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's deliverance and how He keeps his promises.

So today I acknowledge the path God has brought me on. God took me by the hand at a young age becoming my Savior and Lord. Through the years, I have seen his guiding hand directing me in one way and then another. God also has been faithful to never give me more than I can handle and to be a place of refuge when I am in a hard place. Now He has brought our family to a land that needs His light. We feel blessed by Him in this place as he provides for us physically, emotionally and spiritually through our friends and family at home and our team and fellow workers here. These are words I need to be reminded of especially after having a hard week or even month.

Dear God, Thank you for delivering me from sin into your kingdom. Thank you for your provision and faithfulness. May we see you work in this place. Amen

Not Random at all-Deut 23,24,25

As I first read through these three chapters of Deuteronomy, I thought about how random some of the laws seemed to be. After some thought, I realized that nothing with God is random. I may not know the purpose for the law that was given but God does. God is not random. He has a purpose and plan for everything. He thinks of details we would not think of. These chapters remind us that there are consequences to our behavior and God above all desires holiness in his people. He also reminded the people to remember they were once slaves in Egypt which should affect how they now treat others and why God has certain guidelines in place. It made me think of how I was once a slave to sin but God rescued me. Does this make me want to help and care for others more? I hope we as redeemed people do treat others in a more loving way because we have been redeemed.

Dear God, Thank you for your word. Thank you that you have a purpose in all that you do. May I be obedient to your word. Thank you for your redemption and help me to live as one who has been redeemed. Amen

Being a Good Neighbor- Deut 22

As I read Deut 22, I had to smile. All I could think about was this dog who used to live across the road from us. He was an escape artist. They had a fence around their yard but somehow he would always get out. His timing for escaping was always when his family was not home and I was on my way somewhere. My mind would have a battle. I would tell myself that he was not my responsibility and it might teach him a lesson to stay in the yard. On the other hand, we did live near a busy highway and they were our neighbors. I also thought about what I would want someone else to do if Buddy got out of our yard. So with the help of the kids, we would corner the dog and either get him back in his yard or keep him in ours until the family got home. A few years later, we were grateful for a lady who was not our neighbor who found our Buddy after he had gotten out of our yard. He had mostly like been hit by a car and was a little bruised. This lady took him to the vet and through a chip in the dog located and called us.

All this to say that Deut 22 talks alot about being a good neighbor by helping out when you see a need. The need could be a lost animal, broken down transportation, or even just putting in safety railings to prevent accidents. Of course, this chapter has other things to say about other subjects but all I could think about was chasing after that dog.

God's Heart- Deut 21

When we see God's heart, it makes us love Him even more. Hopefully our desire is to also have a heart like Him. Deut 21 does not even have the word heart in it but the law set forth in this chapter reveals what God cares about. First God desires justice when a murder goes unsolved. A ceremony is included here that gives the people an opportunity to declare their innocence, ask God to forgive their community for this sin, and also ask God not to charge them with the murder of this innocent person. Do I have a heart of justice? Do I pray for forgiveness for the crimes committed where I live even though I did not commit the crime? Next God shows his heart for those who are captives. In this case, captives who married their captors and then were rejected by them. God made provision to have these captive brides set free. Do I have a heart for those who are captive and rejected? Is there something I can do to help set them free? Last God shows his heart for the unloved wife and her son. During this time many men had two wives. Often one wife would be treated better and loved more than the other. But if the first born son was from the unloved wife, he would still receive a double portion. A man couldn't just decide to give the double portion to the son of the wife he loved more. Do I have a heart for those who are unloved and feel hopeless in their marriages?

As I look back on what I have written I don't have answers to my questions. I also wish there wasn't these problems to deal with. Ideally these problems should not be. There should not be murder. There should not be a wife who is unloved and rejected. God knows we are human and live in a fallen world but in this fallen world, God's love and grace can shine brightly and make a difference.

A Time to Fight and... Deut.20

Deut 20 begins with Moses telling the people not to be afraid when they go up against an army that is bigger than them because God was with them. Being God, He could win the battle with a few men or many. Take for example, Gideon as he fought with a few hundred men and just torches, clay pots and horns after sending many men home. God even gives exceptions to fight to men who are about to get married, have just built a house or vineyard and lastly if they are afraid. God loves life and wants us to experience that to the fullest. There is a time to fight and a time to let others do the fighting.

The pastor of our church preached on this passage a few weeks ago. He talked about the need to not judge when people go home or move to another location due to fear or other reasons. He even gave an example of a time when he evacuated his family to a different city. Others couldn't believe he was doing that but it was the right choice for his family. When the danger was over, they moved back and resumed their ministry. God makes people differently. I can see that where I live. Some people ministering here have been through thick and thin and we learn much from their years of experience. Others like us are new and just figuring things out. A few come on short term trips where the husband comes leaving the wife and kids at home. It is good to know that God knows we are human and are vulnerable to fear. Yes, God says to not be afraid but He also takes us from where we are and moves us to where we need to be. For example, Simon Peter was afraid and denied Jesus three times but later in life had no fear as he faced death and was even said to be crucified upside down. This transformation did not happen overnight but was a process. Hopefully I can be more like Peter (which means the rock) than like Simon (which means a reed)

Dear God, Thank you for letting us be a part of your fight. We know in all things you will be victorious. May we not be afraid but remember you are with us. May we not judge when others are afraid and choose not to fight. May we have grace both for them and ourselves. Amen

False Witness- Deut 19

As I read about the justice system, God set in place for the Israelites I liked seeing the checks and balances he put in place. His goal was to protect the innocent. Sort of like today where in most countries, people are said to be innocent until proven guilty. The first check was in the provision of the city of refuge where a person could run if he had accidentally caused the death of another. Then there was the stipulation that a conviction could only be made on the word of two witnesses. If a person gave false witness and it was found to be so the false witness would get the punishment for the crime they had accused the innocent person of. Lastly if you go back to chapter17, the witness were to be the first to throw a stone if the punishment was stoning. It is one thing to tell a lie about someone. It is a more serious matter to throw a stone meant to kill at someone when they didn't do it. .This requirement hopefully made a person more honest in their witness.

We have a witness against us. He goes by the name of Satan or Lucifer or even the father of lies. He goes about accusing us. We can often hear the voice in our head telling us we aren't good enough. Or "I can't believe you did that." He accuses us before the Father of all and even to our face. Sometimes we are the second witness and start agreeing with his words. It is then we are defeated. But we must remember He is only one voice. There is another voice saying, "This is my beloved, she is forgiven. She is mine." It is this voice that we need to agree with. We have an advocate in Jesus as Satan goes up against us. Jesus will have the ultimate victory. Satan will be defeated and judged. We will only be defeated when we give in to Satan's lies and start accusing ourselves instead of falling at the feet of Jesus. We need to join hands with our Savior and proudly say, "We are God's chosen people bought with the blood of the lamb."

Dear God, May your voice ring loud in our ears as you remind us of your love and call us to live for you. May we stand firm in our faith against the wiles of the devil remembering that he will be defeated by your Son Jesus. Thank you for your forgiveness and making us your own. Amen

Tattoos-Deut 18

Even though Deut 18 does not talk about tattoos, it did make me think of a book I am reading called Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. In one chapter, Tim talks about how the bible does not say you should not get tatttoos as some propose it does. (For the whys and such, I will let you read the book.) Just when you think he is going to say so you should let your kids get one if they want, he tells the reader that he and his wife will not let their childern get a tattoo. The point was not tattoos. The point was how we can use the bible to say things it doesn't say especially when we take verses out of context. So if I don't want my children to get tattoos or do some other thing, it is important to discuss why that is so with our children and not just say the bible says we shouldn't. I was reminded of II Tim. 2:15 b where Paul encourages Timothy to "Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." As a parent, it is my responsibility to teach and train my children by guiding them with God's help in the way they should go. Part of that responsibility is using the bible as a guide for my parenting but not pounding it over their heads and telling my children the bible says things it does not say. Which leads me to Deut 18, in this chapter Moses talks about the requirements of being a prophet. The prophet would be raised up from among the Israelites and would be like Moses which I am assuming means like him in character and integrity. To say words that were not God's words was serious business and would result in death. The people would know if the prophet was a true one because his prophecies would come true. God wanted the prophets to speak only His words. Speaking the words of God was a life and death situation. As a mom, I want to speak the words of God to my children. May I do so in a way that is pleasing to Him who holds all things in His hands. I am not a prophet but am still responsible who how I use the word of God.

Dear God, Thank you for your word and how it guides us in our lives. Give us wisdom and insight into how to correctly explain your word to our children. May our children come to love your word and learn from it themselves. Amen

Guidelines Fit for a King

I had a day last week where I woke up with just enough time to exercise or do what we call at our house my God time. I chose to exercise. It ended up being one of those mornings where the blender bottom was not on tight so I ended up with a big mess. The electricity went out right when I was going to blow dry my hair. My ride was 30 minutes late and I was late to my first day of meetings at a new job. Upon arriving at the meeting, a tragedy in the community was being discussed. It was a day I wished I could just turn around and go back to bed. I had made a wrong choice. If I had chosen to spend time with God, I am sure all of the above would still have happened but my state of mind would have been much better. My response hopefully would have been a little gentler. I would have been able to laugh with my daughter when she told me to just be happy rather than give her one of those looks like I can't believe you said that. I may have still wanted to go back to bed but it might not have felt so dramatic.

In Deut. 17, God knew that one day Israel would want a king so he gave them the guidelines for the king. The king is to not have too many horse or wives. He must not have too much wealth for himself. Lastly he is to copy this body of instruction and read it daily. By doing this, he will learn to fear God by his obedience to these guidelines. It will also keep him from becoming proud and thinking he is better than his subjects. Most of all it will keep him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. If it was important enough for a king to be in God's word daily than it should be for me also. Time with God gives us a proper view of ourselves and helps us obey even in the small things. It is not a formula but a relationship. It is a time of worship not just going through the motions. For some people, morning time will be the best time to spend with God as it is for me. Other people will take advantage of their children's nap time or right before they go to sleep. The important thing is that we as God's followers are sitting at his feet each day.

Dear God, Thank you for your word. Thank you that you enjoy having us sit at your feet daily. May we have a right view of ourselves and a high view of you. May we follow you in each area of our lives no matter how small. Amen

Party Time Deut 16

In chapter 16, the Israelites were told they were to celebrate three different festivals-Passover, the Festival of the Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters. The Passover was God's way of helping the people remember their salvation from the Egyptians and a foreshadowing of the Messiah to come. The other festivals were also God's built in reminder for the people to stop and remember how God had provided for them in the past and that year. They were to celebrate. In vs 14, it even says the Festival of Shelter was to be a happy time for all. We have a God who likes for us to celebrate especially when we celebrate God's blessings to us and give Him the credit for the successes in our life. After reading this chapter, it reminded me that I need to not just go through the motions on holidays but to take time to reflect and celebrate God's goodness including my family in the process. This chapter also highlighted the importance of giving God the credit for all the blessings He freely gives.



Ramadan starts this week where I live. Many people will be fasting and seeking God. Some will be going through the motions and others will be truly seeking. At the end of the month of fasting there will be three days of celebration when families and friends will gather, eat lots of food and celebrate the holiday. Would you pray with me that God will speak to those who are seeking during this time and that God would bring them healing through Jesus? Pray also for opportunities during the three day celebration to get to know the people better.



Dear God, Thank you for make time in our lives for holidays. May we use those times to celebrate you but also to rest and deepen relationships with friends and family. May you prepare us for the ultimate celebration in heaven when we celebrate the ultimate victory of the Lamb over all evil. Amen

The Poor-Deut 15

What would our world be like if just within our own countries we released people of their debts every 7 years? Deut 15 talks about the practice of releasing the debts of your fellowman every 7 years and if they are slave to you to also release them after 7 years. First of all, there would be more hope and less despair. If a person was in debt, he would have hope that it was not forever. Just think of the people today who are slaves in a financial sense. I think we would also feel more accountable to help others make wise choices financially. How many loans these days are given when the lender knows many of the people can't afford what they are buying? Credit card companies might be a little wiser on limits they put on their cards.

Another topic in this chapter is the poor among the Israelites. In verse 4, Mose says that there should be no poor among you. Wouldn't we like that? But then in verse 11, it says there will always be the poor. There should not be any poor but there will always be the poor. I guess that is the more realistic picture in a fallen world. So what do I do? Since there will always be poor, should I just do nothing or should I take the view that I can do something to help? I hope I am living out the later view. In our information society, we are easily bombarded with calls for help from both near and far. When I go to the bazaar, I am approached by beggars wanting money. What do I do? Where do I give? I am not sure the perfect answer to that question but here is what our family is doing. I don't give money on the street but will give a piece of fruit or bread if I have just bought some. If I gave money to one, I would be surrounded by many more and it would not be a safe situation. In place of this, our guard has a cup with coins in it to give to those who come to our gate. He is a local and so has a better sense then I do of whether the request is valid. We have also chosen to invest in projects that help the poor by providing food and education. We trust that the money is being used wisely and invested in the people they are serving. Lastly we have locals who are apart of our lives that are often in need. We are blessed to be able to help them when we can whether it be providing them work or some other way. The poor is an issue I still need to pray about and see if I am doing what God wants me to do. I also need to be listening to God's voice and give as He directs. The poor may always be with us but maybe because of the love of God's people there can be less poor in this world.

Dear God, Thank you for your heart for all people. Give me a heart for those less fortunate. Give me wisdom on how and where to give. May I be generous in my giving as you were generous in giving us all things including your Son. Amen

Restrictions-Deut 14

I live in a culture where what you eat and cleanliness are big issues just as they were for Israel. It was what set them apart as holy before God. Deut. 14 tells about what animals are clean and which are unclean. Since we don't live under the law, it would be easy to just write off this chapter as not relevant to today. A footnote in my husband's bible reminded me otherwise. We may not have dietary restrictions as the Israelites did but God does want all areas of our lives to be holy. What does that mean? I am not sure. I Corinthians 6:19 reminds me that my body is a temple of God. For me, it means trying to take good care of that body by eating right, getting enough sleep and hopefully getting in some exercise. I also find it important to keep my mind active and to always be learning. It means feeding my mind good things and being selective about what I read and see. In terms of where I live, it also means living with a grace filled attitude and showing respect for the restrictions here. Though our family does eat bacon on occasion, I would not offer it to a local here or eat it in their presence. Also, my daughter and I dress appropriately with head coverings and long pants and sleeves when outside our compound. Our dress does not make us holy before God but does in this culture reflect that we are women who submit to God. As I read Deut and all its rules, I realize that just as Israel needed Jesus to come and save them so do the people where I live. May they see that God's grace alone will make them holy not all the do's and don'ts.

Dear God, Thank you for your provision in all things. May we realize that all your rules have a purpose not only for the times of the bible but for today. Show us your way. Be with the people here who seek you through their actions of washing, eating and dress. May they see you are a God of grace who loves them and wants them to be your children. May my actions and words draw them closer to you and not farther away. Amen

Twit Link

A good word for today at Lysa TerKeurst. Convicting but good.



Blessings,

TJ

Just One Thought-Deut 13

Okay this one is quick and to the point. Deut 13 talks about what to do when prophets, family or anyone leads people astray from following God by worshiping idols. My one thought was by my example, am I leading others toward God or away from God?

Dear God, Help me to be a light for you in all things. May You work in me drawing others to You. Amen

Worship- Deut 12

When I think of the Israelites' sacrificial system, I think of it as a serious and solemn affair. But then my focus is usually on the sacrifices given as a result of sin. I am sure it had solemn and serious moments but according to Deut 12, the giving of the sacrifice and offerings was to be a celebration. Deut 12 talks about all the sacrifices and offerings given not just those seeking atonement for their sins. The sacrifices and offerings could include first fruits of the harvest, a firstborn lamb, or even their tithe. God had a plan for their worship. They were to go to a place that God had chosen. A place where His name would be honored. At this place, they were to come from all over Israel to worship God and give their offerings and sacrifices. It was to be a family affair and also include the levites who had no land inheritance because God was their inheritance. It was to be a happy occasion. Verse 7 says,"There you and your families will feast in the presence of the Lord your God, and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because the Lord your God has blessed you." God did not want the Israelites mimicing the worship of the people around them. Instead He wanted them to follow His instructions as they celebrated in His presence.

I am no expert on worship but here are a few take aways I see for me. Just as the people of Israel gathered in the place God designated for them to worship, it is important for me to gather with other believers and worship together. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." I am still getting use to the church where I live and sometimes I think it might just be easier to worship at home. It might be easier but then I would miss out on what God has planned. I also might miss out on having the opportunity to encourage others. Next, the people gave and celebrated in God's presence. As I worship, it is important for me to give my focus to God, reflect on His blessings and rejoice that He is God. I need to celebrate with Him. Another take away is the importance of worshipping as a family. Sometimes I find this one challenging. It is important to have worship time as a family whether at home or at church. The home time takes discipline and planning. For us, it is very much a work in progress. At church, the kids stay with the parents for the first part and then have the opportunity to go learn a lesson at their level. I like this balance. Even then it is nice to have a service where we are together for the whole service. Last week was communion. We took the opportunity to stay together the whole service. I enjoyed doing the responsive reading with my kids and sharing the bible with my son as we looked at the verses the pastor was talking about. It was good to celebrate communion as a family and also good training for the kids. Lastly Deut 12 makes clear the importance of worshipping God how He wants to be worshipped. How we are to do that I do not know. I do know my focus is often on how I want to worship and what is good for me. That focus I can change as I seek to worship God as He wants to be worshipped.

Dear God, Thank you for worship. Show me how I am to worship you. Help me be consistent in worshiping with my kids. May you be glorified in all we do. Amen