Overcoming Battles 03.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday March 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 17 -- 20 in your Bible to Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read and learn about idolaters; obedience to authority; offerings due priests and Levites; and heathen practices, the prophecy concerning the coming of Christ; and cities of refuge. Today's message focuses on God's promise to help us endure all battles and the coming of Christ.

God directed Israel to overthrow the kingdoms which were reigning in Canaan because of their abominable wickedness. No inhabitants of Canaan were to be spared to share the land of promise with Israel because of their sinful conduct. Israel was faced with the Canaanite armies who were far greater in numbers.

The Israelite soldiers thought they were powerless when Canaanite soldiers in speeding iron chariots attacked them. This is why the Israelites fled to the mountains where the chariots could not follow. However, all the miracles of their past should have caused them to believe that God was right there in battle with them and that they were safe. "When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (20:1-4). Israel was reminded not only of what God had done but what He would do.

The Christian life is a life of warfare. But we can be assured that God will not fail us nor forsake us. The God who saved us will empower us to overcome all evil, but only as we determine to be all that He created us to be. Only when the Israelites fought with all their might were they able to overcome their enemies. They illustrate our spiritual battles that can be won daily when we are determined to defeat the devil and all his deceitful deceptions.

Mose foretold the coming of Christ, "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;.....And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (18:15,17-19). Jesus said to His critics that Moses and the Scriptures bore witness of Him, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" (John 5:46-47)

Jesus declared to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it is a spiritual kingdom without end. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Moses, "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." (Acts 3:22-24).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Old Testament sacrifices which were made without blemish or defect (Deuteronomy 17:1). "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (I Peter 1:18-19).

Today's Psalm: 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with antoher day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Lord, there are times when all I feel is darkness, weakness and helplessness. Lord, forgive me for letting my cares and emotions control my actions rather than coming to You for help. Lord, watch over me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do, let me sense Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help me to have complete trust in You knowing that You are with me and protecting me through all my battles. Teach me Lord, to follow Your will and not my own and in doing so I will be blessed. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and weekend. Remember we begin Daylight Savings time this weekend so set your clocks 1 hour ahead of time Saturday night.

God Bless,
Christina

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