SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:7-8] Observe the parallel between Moses’ words and Jesus: “Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you….
set apart as God’s treasure
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. [John 15:16] Chosen for a purpose, blessed to be a blessing. “For you are a people holy…
simply assisting God
Poem by Piet Hein (1905-1996) I am a humble artist moulding my earthly clod, adding my labour to nature’s simply assisting God. Not that my effort is needed; yet somehow I understand, my maker has willed it that I too should have unmoulded clay in my hand.
testing me to make me stronger
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” [Matthew 4:1] “The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.” [Deuteronomy 13:3] In today’s reading we have three examples of times when the…
God, anywhere, everywhere!
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “’Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’ Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor…
choose: easy or hard?
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” [Matthew 7:13-14] Apparently it’s a lot easier to go away…
a God to be feared and loved
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear…
does not treat us as our sins deserve
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “’O unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.’” [Matthew 17:17] Jesus is frustrated with His disciples because they did not have the faith to help this boy. Keep in mind that they had…
relying on God alone
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [Matthew 4:4] Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3. Israel is on the threshold of a new mission; so is Jesus. Israel is being tempted to doubt, to be afraid, to be distracted…
a serious threat
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it…