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How to be Fulfilled in Your Work– 1 Chronicles 28:20

May 4, 2012 in 1 Chronicles, 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Success, Workplace with 3 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”   –1 Chronicles 28: 20

Wow!

In this one verse David gave us all we need to be fulfilled in our work!

I know I keep quoting the Truth Project, but one of the most powerful lessons in that series was on our heavenly Father’s view of work.  Today’s culture thinks work is just something you do so that you can get money.  Most people endure their work so they can enjoy their week-ends.  We mistakenly quote Genesis 3:17 and say work is a curse; when in fact it was the ground that was cursed, not work.  As Dr. Tackett says, “creative labor is a glorious privilege.  The creativity of man, while subject to the effects of the fall, is a mirror-image of the creativity of God.”

In Exodus 34:21, we are told that we are to work for six days and rest for one.  I believe we are suppose to enjoy our work so much that we’re tempted to do it seven days a week, hence the need to command us to rest one day a week!

And guess what?

There’s no mention of retirement in the Bible!

You’re probably thinking, “Dianne, you are crazy!  There’s no way I could feel that way about my job!”

Let’s think about today’s scripture passage; here are a few of the jobs these folks were given by God through Moses: Gatekeepers, treasurers, administrators, the King’s army and tribal leaders.  None of these jobs sound particularly exciting to me, but David didn’t ask if it sounded fun; he said, just do it!   But David did tell them how to do it…it’s interesting that most of his instructions dealt with attitude rather than aptitude.

Attitude                                                                 

  • Be Strong
  • Be Courageous
  • Don’t procrastinate, do the work
  • Don’t be afraid
  • Don’t be discouraged
  • Don’t worry about God failing you
  • Do not fear being abandoned by God

Aptitude

  • God will give you the skills and the ability to do the job correctly.  Yes, God provides supernatural ability to do secular jobs; this “anointing” isn’t just for preachers!

There is one more thing we need to remember that isn’t mentioned in this verse, but it’s critical to understanding how the Israelites did this difficult work with the right attitude—they saw great value in what they were doing; they were building the Living God’s temple!

I think this is the key to having the attitude about our work that is pleasing to God.

I know we don’t have the opportunity to build the temple for the Lord but

there is eternal value in everything we do

if we look for it.

If you don’t see it in your work ask the Holy Spirit to show you.

 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. –1 Corinthians 10:31

 May you be blessed in your work!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 29: 1-22, 1 Kings 1: 1-53

I’m Determined NOT To Be a Barzillai–2 Samuel 19:34-35

April 30, 2012 in 2 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Faith, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Success with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21: 1-22; 1 Chronicles 20: 4-8

Today I got a glimpse into my future and it wasn’t pretty!  My Grandma is 96 years old and my Mom turns 78 today (Happy Birthday Mama!).  I definitely want to follow in their footsteps and have a long earthly life, God willing, but after today a long life doesn’t sound like a whole lotta fun!

At the beginning of today’s reading David is again showing kindness to someone who helped him out in the past.  Barzillai of Gilead had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.

David wanted Barzillai to cross the Jordan River and go with him to Jerusalem.  David’s plans were to take care of him for the rest of his life.  This is just one more example of the heart of David.

I don’t know if Barzillai was just a negative person or if his comments are in the Bible to prepare us for old age.  Let’s read it together and see what we think…

Here’s Barzillai’s response to David’s invitation:

“No,” he replied, “I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem.  I am eighty years old today, and I can no longer enjoy anything.  Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing.  I would only be a burden to my lord the king.”  –2 Samuel 19:34-35

Can I say—DEPRESSING?

The more I have thought about this, the more I think Barzillai was just a “glass-half-empty” kinda guy!  Think about it, Barzillai had the opportunity to be taken care of by the King of Israel.

Who knows God may have wanted Barzillai to be one of David’s advisors?

Who knows Barzillai could have been created by God for such a time as this to provide words of wisdom at just the right time. But Barzillai thought he was too old.  So guess what; if he thought he was too old…he was too old.

I don’t want to be like Barzillai.  Yes, I know I’m going to have aches and pains as I get older.  What am I talking about about—I already have aches and pains!  But I want to serve the Lord with Gladness all the days of my life.

Here’s a verse that would have helped Barzillai and it should be on our refrigerator as well.  I’m quoting the King James Version because that’s what I memorized:

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.   –Proverbs 6:2

Father, help us to watch what we say.  Our words become self-fulfilling prophesies for our lives. Lord, help us to be ready and willing to serve you until to promote us to heaven!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

Determined NOT to be a Barzillai!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

This Week-end’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18:1 through 19:30

Will This Be Your Biggest Regret? 2 Samuel 23: 20-21

April 20, 2012 in 2 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Commitment, Encouragement, Failure, Faith, Fear, Giving Our Best to God, I can't, leadership, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Rejection, Success, Tough Times, Trust with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 2: 1 through 2 Samuel 3: 5, 1 Chronicles 3: 1-4a, 2 Samuel 23: 8-17, 1 Chronicles 11: 10-19, 2 Samuel 23: 18-39, 1 Chronicles 11: 20-47

There was only one King David.

In most of our lifetimes God will not call us to a leadership role as visible as this “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

But

He has called us to something.

Benaiah was one of those people who was determined to give his best to his calling. He was determined to pursue rather than be pursued.

Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was a vigorous man who accomplished a great deal. He once killed two lion cubs in Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he climbed down into a pit and killed a lion. Another time he killed a formidable Egyptian. The Egyptian was armed with a spear and Benaiah went against him with nothing but a walking stick; he seized the spear from his grip and killed him with his own spear.      

 –2 Samuel 23:20-21 (The Message)

I never noticed Benaiah in my Bible reading until I read a book called, In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.

I want to be a lion chaser like Benaiah.  I want to take the things in life that have the capacity to destroy me and use them for God’s Glory.

What are the lions in your life?

As Mark said in his book:

What if the life you really want is hiding behind your biggest problem?  Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn’t chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path.

Before Benaiah could face the lion he had to face something bigger—his fears.

What fears are holding you back?

Here are the first three that come to mind:

  • The fear of failure
  • The fear of success
  • The fear of rejection

These fears may be your lions.  Let’s get out of the defensive mode and move to the offense—go after them, even it you have to chase them into a pit on a snowy day.

What are you waiting for?

Become a lion chaser!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:   2 Samuel 3: 6 through 2 Samuel 4: 12

Can You Pass The Success Test? –1 Samuel 13:14

April 14, 2012 in 1 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Commitment, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, leadership, Obedience, Success with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 17:32 through 19:17, Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Two amazing men chosen by God—one has the name of “a man after God’s own heart” and the other an everlasting example of what not to do.

Let’s go back to the beginning of David and Saul’s lives and see what we can learn from them:

Both were chosen by God:

  • Now the Lord had told Samuel the previous day, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin.  Anoint him (Saul) to be the leader of my people. –1 Samuel 9:15-16
  • And the Lord, said, “this is the one; anoint him.”  So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil.  –1 Samuel 16:12-13

Both had the Spirit of the Lord upon them:

  • When you (Saul) arrive at Gibeah of God…At that time the spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person. –1 Samuel 10:6
  • So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil.  And the Spirit of the Lord cam powerfully upon David from that day on.  –1 Samuel 16:13

Both started out as humble men:

  • When Samuel met Saul and told him that “he and his family would be the focus of all Israel’s hopes” Saul replied, “but I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe!  Why are you talking like this to me?”  –1 Samuel 9:20-21
  • When Saul offered David his daughter Merab, David replied, “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” David exclaimed,  “My father’s family is nothing!” –1 Samuel 18:18

What happened?

Both of these men got off to a great start…

If you know the Bible stories you know that David did some bad things as well.  In my eyes they seemed as bad or worse than what Saul did; what was the difference?

The condition of the heart—when Saul was disobedient the first time, Samuel told Saul that his kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.  –1 Samuel 13:14

So God’s number one qualification for king was for that person to be “a man after His own heart.”

Success is one of the greatest tests of the heart, even more than failure. 

Saul’s immediate success and fame led him to forget who made him king.  Saul’s became filled with pride and arrogance instead of humility.

The heart is still the most important thing the Lord looks at.  We can say and do the right things but it’s the heart that God judges. A heart full of pride cannot totally follow after God!

Holy Spirit, show us the areas of our heart that aren’t pleasing to you.  Help us to repent, ask for your forgiveness and cleansing and then help us to have a heart like David!

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

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©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 20:1 through 1 Samuel 21:15, Psalm 34      

How Do You Know It’s God Speaking? 1 Samuel 14:6

April 12, 2012 in 1 Chronicles, 1 Samuel, 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Commitment, Faith, Giving Our Best to God, God Speaks today, Holy Spirit, leadership, Obedience, Success, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 9:35 through 1 Chronicles 9:39, 1 Samuel 13:1 through 5, 1 Samuel 13: 19 through 23, 1 Samuel 13: 6 through 18, 1 Samuel 14:  1 through 52

Today’s reading is sort of “all over the place.”  Just a reminder, the Chronicles run parallel with Samuel so we’ll have a lot of this in the next few days.

In this particular time period we meet one of my favorite characters— Jonathan.  We’re going to get to know him more as the days go by, but today he shows us something I just could not pass by…

The first we hear of Jonathan, he’s winning a battle and his father Saul is taking credit for it (1 Samuel 13:3-4).  It’s hard to know whether Jonathan had real courage or if he was so young and naïve that he just thought he was invincible.

After today’s reading I think there’s a third possibility for Jonathan’s boldness…

He knew he had a big God!

One day Jonathan and his armor bearer snuck away to spy on the Philistines; they told no one.  Out of the blue, so it seemed; Jonathan said to his armor bearer:  “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord.  He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

“Perhaps the Lord will help us?”   What does THAT mean?  Did Jonathan actually make this move without knowing he had heard from God?  Is that umm, spiritual?

I think, and please know this is me thinking, that Jonathan knew God and knew He lived in him and spoke to him.  So when the thought crossed his mind “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans” (1 Samuel 14:6a), Jonathan realized there was a good possibility it was God speaking.  So, he decided to move “just in case” it was God.

Friends, I want to be a “perhaps the Lord will help us kind of girl!”  How many times do we miss God because we’re over-analyzing and talking ourselves out of the “God thought” that crossed our mind.

I have had these moments over the years and each time like Jonathan; I would say, “Lord, I think this may be Your idea.  I want to step out, but a need to know it’s You.  Confirm this to me Lord.”  If I felt the Holy Spirit urging me along I would act, if not I would just try to forget it.  If I couldn’t forget it, I would take it as a sign (1 Samuel 14:10) that it was in fact the Holy Spirit speaking to me.  I’ve seen God do some amazing things but more times than I like to remember I talked myself out of stepping out.

I wonder, how many times have I missed the great adventure, because I wasn’t willing to step out and say, “Perhaps the Lord will help me, for nothing can hinder the Lord.”   With tear-filled eyes I say, “What if it’s God speaking?”

Father God, help us to recognize your promptings.  Use us for Your Glory!  We Trust you!

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:   1 Samuel 15:1 through 1 Samuel 17:31

Don’t Settle For Less Than God’s Best

April 7, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Blessings, Commitment, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, Ruth, Success, The Promises of God with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ruth 1:1 through Ruth 4:12

In yesterday’s reading we saw what can happen when we do what’s “right” in our own eyes and in today’s scripture we see what happens when we do what’s “right” in God’s eyes.

I love the story of Ruth.  It’s a beautiful love story; it’s also a beautiful picture of God’s provision for us and it’s a wonderful example of the blessings of doing the right thing.

Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is one of the most famous found in any literature, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back.  Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.  Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.  Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.  May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” –Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth is a shining example of what to do when trouble comes in our lives.

We have three choices when we’re faced with a time of crisis, we can either: endure it, escape it, or enlist it. If we only endure our trials, then trials become our master, and we have a tendency to become hard and bitter. If we try to escape our trials, then we will probably miss the purposes God wants to achieve in our lives. But if we learn to enlist our trials, they will become our servants instead of our masters and work for us; and God will work all things together for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).   Wiersbe, Warren W.: Be Committed. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1993 (An Old Testament Study. Ruth and Esther), S. Ru 1:1

One of the things I find interesting is Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was the first thing that Boaz “noticed” about her (2:11-12).  Here’s a huge message for Christian singles—do what’s right in God’s eyes and your testimony will be the very thing that attracts a godly mate.  Unfortunately, most singles do the opposite of Ruth… they put their relationship with God on the shelf and go out looking for another person to fill that place that only God can fill; find what they think is a suitable fit, and then go and try to pick up with God where they left off and wonder why their marriage doesn’t work.  I’m sure Ruth wanted a man in her life and I’m sure she could have found “someone” but God had a plan; her kinsman redeemer.  Thank God she didn’t settle!

Our heavenly Father had a plan for a kinsman redeemer for us too!  Jesus Christ…he paid a high price for us.  Let’s not settle!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Ruth 4:13 through Ruth 4:22, 1 Chronicles 2:9 through 1 Chronicles 2:55, 1 Chronicles 4:1 through 1 Chronicles 4:23, 1 Samuel 1:1 through 1 Samuel 1:8

What Will Be Your Finest Hour?

April 5, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Faith, Giving Our Best to God, God's Merciful Ways, Judges, Tough Times, Trials, Trust with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 16:1 through Judges 18:31

I have heard the story of Samson since I was a little kid. I’ve always thought Samson was missing a few brain cells.  He really did some dumb things:

  • Saw a Philistine woman and immediately wanted to marry her
  • Teased the young men at the wedding party with a riddle
  • After his fiancé’s insistence Samson tells her the answer to the riddle then gets mad when  the young men “guess” the answer
  • Goes down to Ashkelon, killed thirty men, took their belonging and gave their clothes to the men who had solved the riddle
  • Goes back home, leaves  his future wife to marry his best man
  • “Later on” goes to see his “wife” and gets made because she married his best man and tied 300 foxes tails together in pairs and fastened a torch to each pair of tails.  That day Samson burned the Philistines’ grain, vineyards and olive groves to the ground
  • Spent the night with a prostitute
  • Fell in love with another Philistine woman named Delilah
  • Teased Delilah with the key to his strength
  • The Philistines came in to take him three times and then he tells the secret to his strength knowing they would come again
  • Really thought he could still shake himself free after he lost his hair

Was Samuel really stupid or was there something more going on?

Here’s “the rest of the story”…

  • When her son was born, she names him Samson.  And the Lord blessed him as he grew up.  And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he lived in Mahabeh-dan…  (14:24-25)
  • But Samson told his father, “Get her for me!  She looks good to me.”  His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.  (14: 3b-4)
  • At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands.  (14:6)
  • Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him.  He went down to the town of Ashkelon, killed thirty men, took their belongings, and gave their clothing to the men who had solved his riddle.  (14:19) 
  • As Samson arrived at Lehi, the Philistines came shouting in triumph.  But the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson, and he snapped the ropes on his arms as if they were burnt strands of flax, and they fell from his wrists.  (15:14)
  • Samson was now very thirsty, and he cried out to the Lord, “You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant.  Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagans?  So God caused water to gush out of a hollow in the ground at Lehi, and Samson was revived as he drank.  (15:18-19)
  • Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again.  O God, please strengthen me just one more time…” Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple…so he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.  (16:28-30)

Did you see it?

God used Samson to preserve the Israelite nation. Samson’s finest hour was his last hour.

Just one more time, I stand amazed at God’s ways!

Heavenly Father, Your ways are higher than our ways.  Help us to trust You when the things we see don’t make sense.  Remind us that you don’t use the same scorekeeping system we humans use—it’s all about Your plan, Your ways, and Your will. Help us to know you are in charge of kings and kingdoms–The outcome is in Your hands!  Holy Spirit, strengthen us in the knowledge that when Your Spirit comes upon us we can do supernatural things.  Jesus, help us when we grieve the seemingly pre-mature loss of family and friends; give us hearts to understand that sometimes our finest hour in honoring and displaying Your Glory might just be in our passing from this life into Your arms.

Spirit of the Lord, come upon us. Use us today.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 19:1 through Judges 21:25

If the Lord is With Us, Why has This Happened?–Judges 6:12

April 1, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Faith, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, God Speaks today, Holy Spirit, Judges, leadership, Life Lessons, Living a Life that reflects the Son, Success, Trust with 5 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 3:31 through Judges 6:40

Angel of the Lord to Gideon: Mighty Hero, the Lord is with you!  (6:12)

Gideon to Angel of the Lord:  If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? (6:13)

Have you ever been in a situation where you just weren’t sure you could make it and some well-meaning person said, “The Lord is with you.”   I can remember times when I was thanking them on the outside and inside I wanted to smack ‘em.

When we’re in a rough place we usually react like Gideon, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?”

For most of us, having God with us in our hard times just isn’t enough;

we want Him to fix it. 

If we really understood the power of God, His being with us would be enough. We would realize that if God is with us, we always win!

But just like Gideon in our humanness we cry out, WHY is this happening to ME?

And God gently says, “Go in the strength you have, I am sending you.” (6:14)  In other words, do what you can do, but just remember that “I Am” is sending you and that makes all the difference!

Gideon was a farmer and felt inadequate to lead an army.  God encouraged him, “I will be with you and you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

In verse 34 of Judges 6 there is the most amazing statement:  Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon.

How would I handle my challenges if I were possessed by the Spirit of the Lord?

Confidently and peacefully…

This goes back to something we said a few days ago, “God qualifies those He calls.”  No,  we may not have an angelic glow, but when we are moving in the calling and plans God has for us, we are possessed by His Spirit and we can expect supernatural results!

Lord, you know the jobs you have for us to do, Spirit of the Lord take possession of us and supernaturally use us for Your glory!

Lord, be with us!

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

 
 

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Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 7:1 through Judges 9:21

It’s Too Hard–Joshua 17:16

March 27, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Commitment, Fear, Giving Our Best to God, I can't, Joshua, leadership, Parenting, Success with 4 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 15:20-17:18

“It’s too hard, Nana.”  “I can’t do it!”  How many times have I heard one of my grandchildren say these words.

Forget the kids, how many times have I said these words?

“It’s too hard!”

“I can’t do it!”

“I can’t live like this.”

“I’ll never get this debt paid off!”

“This marriage isn’t going to work!”

“It’s just too much to ask.”

The descendants of Joseph responded, “It’s true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of Jezreel. They are too strong for us.” –Joshua 17:16

The descendants of Joseph were complaining that they needed more land because there were so many of them, but they didn’t want to have to work and fight to win the land.

Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” –Joshua 17:17-18

Just like my grandchildren, children, and the descendants of Joseph, sometimes we need someone like Joshua to say, “I don’t care how much you whine or complain, you can and will do it!”

Friends, let’s be careful when another friend says, “I can’t do it; it’s too hard.”  The easiest thing to say is, “You’re right, it is hard.  Don’t worry about it!

Let’s be a real friend and say, “No, you can and you will do it!”

If you are tempted to quit today, here’s my advice: “Don’t quit, don’t give up–You can do it.

For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:13

Heavenly Father, it’s normal to be a quitter these days, but You have not called us to be normal.  Help us to see that finishing what we start is the right thing to do.  It sets us apart.  It speaks louder than words.  It’s shows our character.  Not giving up could be our greatest witness in these troubled times!  Jesus, give us supernatural strength and determination to finish what we start!

Heavenly Father, use us for Your Glory today!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 18:1-19:48

A Wholehearted Commitment–Deuteronomy 10:12

March 15, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Commitment, Deuteronomy, Family, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, Parenting, speaking God's Words, The Promises of God, Word of God with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 10:1 through Deuteronomy 12:32

The children of Israel had spent 40 years learning “what not to do.”

They had suffered greatly because of their self-dependence and spiritual pride.  In today’s reading Moses is calling Israel to exercise her only option for survival:  total commitment to the Lord.

The God of the universe made us and put us on this planet.  He wants us to fear (reverence) Him and live in a way that pleases Him.  He wants us to love him and serve him with all of our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 10:12).

How do we do this?

  • Commit ourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine
  • Tie the Words of God to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders
  • Teach them to your children
  • Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up
  • Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates –Deuteronomy 11:18-20

What is the benefit for us?

As long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors (Deuteronomy 11:21).

How does this translate into the 21st century?

  • Be committed to reading, knowing, and living by  the Word of God
  • Do whatever it takes to keep the Word of God on your mind.  Example:  Scripture cards in your pocket, scriptures taped on your bathroom mirror or the dash of your car
  • Teach your children the Word of God
  • Talk to your children about the Bible at home, in the car, as you tuck them in at night and first thing in the morning
  • Have scriptures framed throughout your home and at the entry-way of your home

And the benefit is that  our families will thrive on this earth!  Amen!  I receive that for my future generations!

Friends, a whole-hearted, total commitment is the only way we can please the Lord.  Have you noticed that the key to pleasing God lies in knowing His Word AND passing it on to the next generation?

Lord, forgive us for our failures in these two areas.  Help us today; teach us; stir us; draw us to Your Word.  Holy Spirit, give us a passion to share Your Word with our families.

In Jesus’ Name!  Amen and Amen!

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 13:1 through Deuteronomy 16:17

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