Submission to God 03.01.08

Hello MyFriend/Guest,

It is Saturday March 1, 2008 and today we are beginning the study of the Book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. The Book of Deuteronomy contains 34 chapters and was written by Moses to the people of Israel in order to restate the law to the new generations of Israelites born since Mt. Sinai. The intention of this book is to show God's people that obedience brings blessing, but disobedience brings judgment. In today's study we will read about Moses' review of the past 40 years; the command to leave Mount Sinai; thier refusal to enter into the promised land and 38 years of wandering. We will learn of the blessings in store for us by submitting to God's will.

It has been 40 years after Israel's first generation left Egypt, about 2 million Israelites are now at the border of the promised land.The first generation has died, except for three men, Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 — 4:43), Moses reminded them of what God commanded. "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. (There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.) And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;" (Deuteronomy 1:1-3).

Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. The adult Israelites who had left Egypt failed to recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites. As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, they failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness. The new generation also would now be tested.

We too can choose to be like the majority of Israelites who found fault with everything, or we can choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.

Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible to help others spiritually for they have not made Christ Lord of their lives. But all Christians are responsible to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. It takes all of us working together to win the world for Christ.

Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Moses, who spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD commanded (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28).

Today's Psalm: 18:44
"As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Grant us the opportunity to share your truth with someone today. Holy Spirit, prepare the way in the person's heart, and give us the worlds to speak. Give us the courage to set aside our reservations of what the person might think. Their relationship with you is more important. Fill us with your love, and let that be pervasive in our conversation with this person. Help us to just love them unconditionally, and let the concept of the love of Jesus be like coming up for air after an eternity under dark waters. Thank you, Jesus, for our salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name....Amen

Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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