Deuteronomy 13:1 - 14:29
A couple of things really stick out here to me. First is the idea of no other gods. God keeps drawing their memory back to when He alone delivered them from their bondage. Again, through the harsh consequences is a God so desperate for His people to be holy and with Him. He again and again, and again, reminds them that it is He alone, with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, that delivered them and set them free.
What also jumped out at me is God's focus on tithing. It's so important! So many Christians in the church today are missing out on the fullness of God's blessing because they just aren't committing their finances to His care. It's SO hard sometimes to write that tithe check when you think of all the other things you could be doing with the money, but the blessings and miraculous provisions of God far outweigh the earthly pleasures!
Luke 13:1-30
I really appreciate the simplicity of verses 18-21. You hear people all the time suggesting that things don't happen because their faith just wasn't big enough. Do they not understand that a mustard seed just ain't that big?! God is trying to make it as simple as possible for us, because He, better than anyone, understands our faithlessness. Just have a little faith, and see how it grows!
Proverbs 9:1-12
The fear of the Lord. That's something I've been pondering lately. When I think about fearing such a kind God, one that we often picture sitting with children and lambs, it's hard to associate that with fear. But I've been drawn back to the passage of scripture when the God wants to speak to the Israelites. They purify themselves and meet at the base of the mountain. God comes as fire, dark clouds, thunder and lightening. They were afraid! That's the mighty God we serve--a God so powerful, He alone holds the ability to save us. To fear Him is the beginning of knowledge. To understand the consequences of what we've done and to accept His mercy is the beginning of knowledge.
A couple of things really stick out here to me. First is the idea of no other gods. God keeps drawing their memory back to when He alone delivered them from their bondage. Again, through the harsh consequences is a God so desperate for His people to be holy and with Him. He again and again, and again, reminds them that it is He alone, with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, that delivered them and set them free.
What also jumped out at me is God's focus on tithing. It's so important! So many Christians in the church today are missing out on the fullness of God's blessing because they just aren't committing their finances to His care. It's SO hard sometimes to write that tithe check when you think of all the other things you could be doing with the money, but the blessings and miraculous provisions of God far outweigh the earthly pleasures!
Luke 13:1-30
I really appreciate the simplicity of verses 18-21. You hear people all the time suggesting that things don't happen because their faith just wasn't big enough. Do they not understand that a mustard seed just ain't that big?! God is trying to make it as simple as possible for us, because He, better than anyone, understands our faithlessness. Just have a little faith, and see how it grows!
Proverbs 9:1-12
The fear of the Lord. That's something I've been pondering lately. When I think about fearing such a kind God, one that we often picture sitting with children and lambs, it's hard to associate that with fear. But I've been drawn back to the passage of scripture when the God wants to speak to the Israelites. They purify themselves and meet at the base of the mountain. God comes as fire, dark clouds, thunder and lightening. They were afraid! That's the mighty God we serve--a God so powerful, He alone holds the ability to save us. To fear Him is the beginning of knowledge. To understand the consequences of what we've done and to accept His mercy is the beginning of knowledge.
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