Get Back

So its been a couple days, meaning I have catch-up to do.

Deut 30-34; Psalm 91; Josh 1-18. Just a few chapters.

“The LORD your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.” (Deut 30:10)

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (31:8)

“Is this the way you repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Isn’t he your Father who created you? Has he not made you and established you?” (32:6)

-> This reminds me of not just the Israelites but the human population, especially those who call themselves Christian. I, myself, am not excluded from this. Everyone needs a reminder to re-focus on what matters every once in a while.

“Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. 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.”

-> I feel like parents don’t realize how influential they are in their children’s lives. Your parents shape you in so many ways you can’t even imagine, parenting is a huge responsibility and it should be treated as such. Also, I would not say that I am a Christian simply because my parents are. Yes they were influential in exposing me to the beliefs of Christianity, but in the end it is my choice to decide what I believe and what I do with my life. You have to make your faith your own, whatever it is that you believe. If you believe that [insert blank] is bad, as a young adult/mature individual, it should not be because your parents believe that and told you so. It has to be because you have reasoned with it, struggled with it, looked at all aspects of it and come to the conclusion by yourself that you believe it and nothing can shake you from it. Even once you’ve decided that, its not going to be easy, people will judge you or argue with you on it; but when it has become your belief and not your parents’ then you will be able to stand your ground, if you so choose to. I have not chosen to be a Christian because my parents are, I have chosen it because that is what I believe. I am not perfect, I do not have my life perfectly put together, I have lots I need to work on. But I have chosen and am working on it.

“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. … There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” (34:7, 10)

-> In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says for us to not let others think less of us because we are young; but I think that should also apply to the elderly. Moses led them out of Egypt when he was 80! Just imagine your grandparents trekking around the desert for 40 years, leading Israel and having face to face conversations with God. We should not think the elderly have passed their prime, or that they have stopped growing in God. They have so much potential and I don’t think that should be forgotten or ignored.

Deuteronomy is finished.

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” (Psalm 91:2)

“If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:9-11)

“The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)

-> This is one of my favourites. One of many.

Also. Rahab is totally boss.

“Meanwhile the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” (3:17)

-> Don’t forget, they crossed the Jordan river during the harvest season where it was overflowing the banks. No biggie. Also, Israel was fairly huge at this point (hundreds of thousands of people), so it would’ve taken a long time for them all to cross. The priests would’ve been holding the Ark for a very long time, just a little bit of muscle required.

The Fall of Jericho – Joshua Chapter 6.

“The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!” (10:13-14)

The book of Joshua also describes the land allotted to each of the tribes of Israel.

She Came in Through the Bathroom Window

Deuteronomy 24-29.

“A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married.” (24:5)

-> Its like a combination of a honeymoon/pregnancy leave but for men. Actually kind of great.

“You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.” (26:17-18)

-> Its a two-way street, both humans and God are part of the relationship, both have to be an active part of it.

“Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you.” (28:10)

-> It isn’t just an internal thing, everyone should be able to see it externally or else you aren’t doing it right. If people aren’t able to notice something then what impact is God actually having on your life.

“If you do not serve the LORD your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you.” (28:47)

“The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” (29:29)

-> We are accountable for what God has revealed to us. That is a big deal.

Tomorrow Never Knows

Deuteronomy 21-23.

“If you see that your neighbour’s donkey or ox has collapsed on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbour get it back on its feet.”

22:4

-> Sounds like the story of the good Samaritan. Don’t look the other way, you are accountable for your actions or lack thereof.

When I’m Sixty Four

Deuteronomy 5-20. This has been a couple days coming.

“Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” (5:33)

First commandment (after the 10 commandments) is to:
”And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.” (6:5)

“Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.” (8:2)

“Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.” (8:5)

“But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations and decrees that I am giving you today.” (8:11)

“He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.” (8:17-18)

“He requires only that you fear the LORD your God and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.”(10:12)

-> Don’t forget this is in Deuteronomy, not from the new testament. How great is that?

“The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice and cling to him.” (13:3-4)

-> What would your test results look like?

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” (15:10-11)

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives.This way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.” (17:18-20)

-> This would revolutionize politics.

“As you approach a town to attach it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.” (20:10)

Two of Us

Numbers 31-36, Deuteronomy 1-4.

“You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the LORD, who lives among the people of Israel.” (Numbers 35:34)

“The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt. And you saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.” (Deut 1:30-31)

Deut 1:26-46 describes how the Israelites refused to enter the promise land because they were afraid of those who already lived there and did not trust that the LORD would be able to give it to them. But then once the LORD got mad that they were not trusting Him and banished them to 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites decided to go and try and take the land even though the LORD warned them he was not going with them, and they did not win. Its such a human reaction. We’re too scared to trust God and then once the plan is changed and we don’t like it, we try to force the original plan into action. Everything has to work according to God’s timing. Once the moment is gone and the plan changes, there is no going back.

I believe we have free choice and free will, and that God gives us opportunities where its up to us to take them. Yes, God is outside of time and knows how everything will happen; but I believe He also knows what we will choose. Its kind of like if you offered me dark chocolate or broccoli; I will choose the chocolate every time, its just who I am. I believe that since God knows us completely, he knows how we will react to the situations we are faced. I do not believe that there is someone pulling strings and controlling us, I don’t believe we are forced to do things. I think we also forget about the broken world we live in and that because it is broken, there are issues that we will have to live with. But also, that there are still cause and effects that come along with everything.  Its kind of like if you jump off a cliff, you have to deal with gravity, its part of this world. God doesn’t want to hurt you, God does not want bad things to happen to you. But God can make ALL things work together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28 semi-summarized). There is potential for good behind everything, sometimes it just takes a hell of a lot longer to find the good behind the hurt.

“The LORD your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.” (Deut 4:24)

He wants to be in a relationship with you, He is jealous for YOU. This blows my mind. I don’t think I fully comprehend it or all it entails.

“And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” (Deut 4:29)

This verse reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11-13 [“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.If you look for me whole-heartedly, you will find me.”]. I love that Jeremiah 29:11-13. It spoke to me directly when I needed it.

“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. For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.” (Deut 4:30-31 NIV)

This makes me think of a friend of mine. It would be my verse of encouragement for them. The LORD loves you, and will not abandon you; He is watching over you and keeping you safe.

Paperback Writer

Numbers 14-15, Psalm 90, Numbers 16-30. In that order.

Yes it has been a couple days…blame it on the midterms.

“The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty.” (14:18)

“The LORD will abandon you because you have abandoned the LORD.” (14:43)

-> This is the LORD’s punishment on the people of Israel, there are consequences to our actions.

“Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the LORD and are subject to the same decrees.” (15:15)

-> How cool is that?

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses.

“Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. 12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. 13 O LORD, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” (Psalm 90:11-14)

“Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD my God.” (22:18)

22:21-41 –> Balaam and His Donkey.

“Then the LORD gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves you beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.” (22:28)

“I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.” (22:38 & 23:12)

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (23:19)

“In summary, the registered troops of all Israel numbered 601, 730.” (26:51)

-> That is a very large amount of people. Especially to be travelling in the desert together.  Oh, and that’s not even including the Levites, which was another 23, 000.

“Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives.” (27:4)

RESPONSE: “If a man dies and has no son, the give his inheritance to his daughters.” (27:8)

-> How great is that? In that era, that would be so countercultural.

Joshua, son of Nun, becomes commissioned to be the next leader of Israel, to replace Moses.

“A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.” (30:2)

Think for Yourself

So I thought that I would be a day behind because I kind of didn’t get around to doing this blog yesterday, BUT since its a leap year the readings for Feb 28/29 are grouped together. So great.

Numbers 11-13.

So the Israelites start complaining that they want meat and that they have had enough of the manna that God provides for them daily. So God gives them meat, on his terms.

“And say to the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow you will have meat to eat. You were whining, and the LORD heard you when you cried, “Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will have to eat it. And it won’t be for just a day or two, or five or ten or even twenty. You will eat it for a whole month until you gag and are sick of it. For you have rejected the LORD, who is here among you, and you have whined to him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” “ (11:18-20)

Its so easy to forget everything that God does for us, and blesses us with. So easy to get complacent with what we have and then start to feel we have an entitlement to things which are actually blessings that we don’t deserve. God does not need us, He does not have to make us happy, His life is not radically changed by us. WE are the ones who need him, our lives revolve around him, we are the ones who depend completely on Him. How quickly we get that mixed up, or forget that. No one is entitled to hot water and internet and money; God promises us that He will provide for our needs if we rely on Him, needs not wants.

Our culture is so frivolous and extreme. The amount of money spent on things that are not vital to anyone’s well being is absolutely sickening. The amount of money simply spent by people attending Disney world is incredibly, it’s like $80 for one day; and there are thousands that go each day. That doesn’t even begin to account for the money spent to create the actual park. I understand that the parks had a huge impact on Florida’s economy and provide numerous jobs, but is there no other way? Is there no way to take some of that money and donate it? Its not exactly the way business works to give away your profit, but still. That’s not even the tip of the ice berg. If we used the money spent on advertising, or even just signs we could feed the world and have clean drinking water. When you think about it that way, its kind of disgusting.

And we take it all for granted. We live in such an affluent culture, we have so many blessings and provisions, yet we complain about the silliest things. I don’t know how God does it. Loves us even though we are selfish, spoiled brats; and its not like I’m innocent of any of this, not even close. We need to be counter-culture, we almost need to be everything our culture is not and to not be everything our culture is. Do you know how hard that is? Being “unique” is almost a trend now, but no one’s really “unique” because its like the same kind of “unique”; its so stupid.

Also, I heard Lady Gaga’s song Born This Way this morning; and I actually love that song. Those that know me, know I am not a Lady Gaga fan, like that’s not exactly my style. But I love the message that the song portrays and the lyrics of how God made us the way we are and we are perfect that way, like how great is that. If only all media had that message for everyone.