July 16 -- "Blinded By Bribes"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 16

"Blinded By Bribes"

Moses instructs the Israelites to appoint judges and officers, organized by tribes, in all the towns the LORD is giving them. But, make sure you appoint “just” judges, a word that means “to act according to what is morally right and fair” – even when others disagree with their rulings. The judges they appoint are to make their rulings fairly and honestly.

He counsels these judges to make sure they avoid “perverting justice.”  In other words, don’t twist the law.  It is tragic that some judges believe that they must occasionally lie or twist or cheat in order to achieve the legal outcomes that they desire. But judges have a solemn and sacred responsibility to judge objectively and fairly.  They do not have the freedom to decide the case according to their own will or desires or political agenda.  When a judge does this, it is called subversion.  Jesus addressed this issue in John 7:24 when He said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Judges should never play favorites or take a bribe.  Moses tells the people that a bribe blinds even a wise person; it undermines the intentions of the best of people.

On a personal level, we all need to beware of “bribes” that are offered to us to persuade us to compromise our witness for Christ.  I’m not talking about a financial bribe, but something much more sinister.  A “bribe” from our fleshly nature (also known as “the pride of life”).  Our flesh is constantly trying to bribe us by offering “fulfillment” or “admiration” or “enjoyment” from a source contrary to God’s word.  An example of this might be when you are tempted to hide your Christian faith from your co-workers because you’ve been offered the enticement of their “admiration” and “acceptance.”  Be very careful to avoid twisting the truth just so you can benefit from the accolades of others. This kind of bribe blinds even a wise person; it undermines the intentions of the best of people.

You, like the judges of Israel have a solemn and sacred duty to remain true to God’s word and to act according to what is morally right and fair.

July 15 -- "Open Wide Your Hand"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 15

"Open Wide Your Hand"

Jesus often quoted from Scripture during His ministry here on earth.  Most often, He quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy.  By one count, He is recorded as quoting Deuteronomy 37 times in the Gospels.  During His wilderness temptations, each of His Scripture quotations was from Deuteronomy – “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone” (8:3) – “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (6:16) – “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (6:13).

In Matthew 26, when Jesus was being anointed at Bethany, He quoted today’s key verse – or at least the first half of it. When Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you,” He was not trying to tell the disciples that they had no obligation to care for the poor.  In fact, He was telling them just the opposite.  By quoting the first half of Deuteronomy 15:11, He was nudging them to remember the entire verse which tells them they must “open wide your hand” to the poor and needy.

When confronted with poverty, the easy response is to draw back.  In fact, some people quote Matthew 26 by saying “Oh well, it’s not my job, after all we’ll always have the poor among us.”  But this response is not consistent with Jesus’ teaching.  So, how do you respond when you are confronted with the needy?  Do you withdraw and tell yourself that “poverty is too big of a problem”?

The truth is that God’s people are commanded (and yes, it’s a command and not a recommendation) to open wide their hand to those in need.  As people of faith, we are the ones commanded to live generously. It’s up to us to care for the poor. We are the ones called to intervene on behalf of those who need our help.

Who are the poor in your community? Have you been living with open or closed hands? If you’ve been tight-fisted, ask the Lord to forgive you and begin today to live with generosity and open handedness.  Ask Him to show you how to bless others with the resources you’ve been given. Pray that all of your actions and thoughts toward the poor in your community become a reflection of God’s love and care.

July 14 -- "The Mystery of the Tithe"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 13 & 14

"The Mystery of the Tithe"

A funny thing happens when you start talking about money to other Christians. Many of us start to get uncomfortable. Money, and in particular tithing, is one of those things that many people just don’t want to talk about. Somehow most folks feel like talking about money is unspiritual and worldly. In reality, it is probably just a little too convicting.

Tithing is often a very misunderstood spiritual concept. You can find Christian teaching that’s all over the map when it comes to the tithe. Some people say that tithing is just an Old Testament principle that doesn’t apply to us today in the New Covenant. On the other extreme there are people that say God punishes people today who don’t tithe. I’ve actually heard of sermons where preachers said things like, “If you don’t tithe, God will take it from you in doctor’s bills and car repairs.” This is not what the Bible actually says.

When we talk about “tithing” and the “tithe” we’re using terms that are not common today. Because it’s not a common word, some folks can be uncertain what is meant by tithing.  Simply put the word tithe means the tenth part. Another way to say it is that the tithe is ten percent.  God calls on His children to set aside a tenth part of “all the yield of your seed” and offer it to Him.  For most of us today this means to set aside one tenth of all the income we receive.

But, why should you tithe?  Moses goes on in verse 23 of this chapter to state that that the purpose of tithing is to teach you to fear God and always to put God first in your lives. God doesn't need your money, but he wants what it represents — your heart. He wants you to trust Him and place your full dependence upon Him.  It is one of those “Kingdom mysteries,” that we may not fully comprehend, but to be sure there is something spiritually significant about giving God your first and best, rather than the leftovers.

It is not always easy to give the “tenth part” of your income, but it is always beneficial.  Even when it hurts, God promises to bless those who submit themselves to His Lordship and humbly offer Him a small portion (10%) of what He has blessed them with.  Tithing is a reminder that God is the Supplier of everything we have.  It is also God's personal invitation to experience an outpouring of His blessing in your life.

July 13 -- "Rejoice"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 12

"Rejoice"

The Bible repeatedly calls upon us to be a people who “rejoice” in the LORD.  “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; befitting is the praise of the upright.” (Psalm 33:1) “Yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” (Habakkuk 3:18)  “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” (Philippians 3:1)

The word “rejoice” means to feel or show great joy or delight.  And did you know that God, Himself, rejoices over you?  “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)  What an amazing statement!  The Lord feels such great joy and delight over you that He actually rejoices by singing out loud!  The Lord is a God of great joyfulness.  He is a rejoicing God. The Hebrew word for “singing” actually means “a ringing cry” with a sense of joy.  What a day it will be when we arrive in His presence and get to hear Him sing aloud over us.  What an amazing voice He must have!

Our God is a rejoicing God.  And He calls us to be rejoicing people.  He longs for us to express such great joy and delight in Him that we shout out with joy.  It has been said that the highest form of worship is when our hearts are so quieted by His love that we spontaneously burst out with joy and rejoicing in Him.

It is not always easy to have those feelings of great joy or delight.  Sure, we all have those moments when we are happy and cheerful about something good that happens to us.  The love of your life says, “yes,” I will marry you.  Your boss gives you a promotion and raise.  Your child is born.  These are all great moments and cause us to rejoice.  But what about the rougher times?  When pain, or grief, or loss, or financial setbacks are coming down on you?  Do you rejoice then?  It may not make sense for us to rejoice about our bad circumstances, but it always makes sense to rejoice about our LORD!  He is with you.  He is singing over you.  So, even when you cannot rejoice in your circumstances, you can always rejoice in your God.

“Rejoice at all times.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

#Bible #God #WordOfGod #Rejoice #inspiration #motivation

#encouragement #hope #peace

July 12 -- "A Sacred Trust: Teaching Your Children"

 Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 11

"A Sacred Trust: Teaching Your Children"

One of the most sobering and weighty commands in Scripture is God’s demand that parents teach their children His word.  It is sobering because the task is so big.  It is weighty because our child’s eternal life depends upon it.

Most parents are very aware that a “good parent” is someone who strives to make decisions in the best interest of their child. They give them a safe place to live, clothes to wear, food and nutrition.  Often, they try to make time for their child and teach them to have positive self esteem and how to be resilient and solve problems.  They do their best to show love to their child.  They often set limits and discipline their child to help establish healthy boundaries.  The best parents get involved in their child’s activities such as school and sports.  Often, however, Christian parents miss this most important aspect of being a parent – depositing the Word of God into the child’s heart and mind.

Here in Deuteronomy 11, God does not assign the responsibility of child-teaching to the priests, the religious leaders, the schools, the neighbors, the teachers, or to the community as a whole. He does not delegate this duty to the Sunday school or VBS or children’s church. He very explicitly says, “Parent-this is YOUR job!”

So, how do we teach our children the word of God?  Actually, it is quite simple.  If His word is in you and part of your heart and soul, you will naturally transfer it to your children.  Nobody trusts a salesperson who doesn’t use the product they’re pushing!  If we want our kids to know and love God’s Word, it starts with us knowing it and demonstrating it in our actions.  Our kids should see us reading the Bible and living the Bible and speaking the Bible in our daily lives.  They should see us applying Biblical truth to our situations, decisions, and relationships. They should see the fruit of the Spirit coming out of our lives as we feed daily on God’s Word.

The result of being a lover of God and a lover of His word is that we will become loving, gentle, forgiving, self-controlled, offering grace and mercy daily, and serving our family with humility and compassion.  This is how we teach our children the Word of God.  By doing so, we are equipping them with the weapons they’ll need to withstand the storms of life and to stand firm in Christ and to one day graduate to eternal life!

July 11 -- "Loving the Immigrants"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 10

"Loving the Immigrants"

How do you feel about refugees and immigrants?  Are you frustrated with them?  Or hateful toward them?  Or do you love – really love – them?  In today’s verse, Moses reminds the Israelites of the importance of loving and embracing the "sojourner" (transient, migrant, stranger), specifically referring to foreigners and immigrants. The Israelites had experienced the hardships and challenges of being strangers in Egypt, and now they were called to extend love, compassion, and hospitality to those who had come from other lands.

Today, the issue of foreigners and immigrants continues to be a hot political topic. Our world is marked by diversity, with people from various nations and backgrounds seeking refuge, opportunities, and a better life in foreign lands. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate God's heart for the vulnerable and the marginalized, including those who are strangers in our midst.

It is time for Christ’s followers to go beyond mere tolerance and embrace them with genuine love, respect, and acceptance. Seek to understand their stories, their cultures, and their needs. Extend a helping hand, offer support, and create spaces of hospitality where they feel welcomed and valued.

Let's remember that beneath our differences, we are all human beings created in the image of God, and we all desire love, acceptance, and belonging.

So, as followers of Christ, let's heed Moses' timeless advice and love foreigners and immigrants. Let's be advocates for justice and compassion, standing against discrimination and prejudice. By doing so, we reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for every person, regardless of their nationality or origin.

Together, let's build bridges to the displaced by extending a warm embrace instead of turning people away. In the words of Mother Teresa, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Let's remember that we are all part of the same human family, and by embracing foreigners and immigrants, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world.

May our love and hospitality be a testimony of God's grace and transform lives as we embody the love of Christ to those who are strangers in our midst.

July 10 -- "A Stubborn People"

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 9 

"A Stubborn People"

Just like you and me, Israel was comprised of stubborn people who did not deserve any of God’s blessings.

God made a covenant with Israel and the people affirmed their desire to keep it, but failed repeatedly to do so.  At Sinai, the people promised to keep the commandments of the LORD, but broke them before they were even written down.  They repeatedly rebelled against God because they were a stubborn and stiff-necked people. Throughout the entire Old Testament, there is one narrative after another of their numerous rebellions against God.

But God, in His grace, repeatedly renewed His covenant with Israel even after they had rebelled.  Gracious God that He is, He showed his forgiveness of Aaron by allowing his son to be high priest after him; rewarded the Levites for opposing idolatry at the time of the golden calf; and forgave the people, allowing them to journey on to the Land He had promised them.

If their blessings had been based on their merit or virtue or goodness, then they were doomed.  But God’s blessings weren’t based on their merit, but on something much more certain – His unfathomable grace!

In the same way, you and I don’t have to earn God’s favor. We couldn’t even if we tried.  Like Israel, we too have made many a pledge to be better persons, more obedient, and more godly.  But before we even “come down the mountain,” we fail to keep those pledges. We are a stubborn and stiff-necked people.

And that’s the glorious news… God’s acceptance and favor in our lives are not based on how good we do or how virtuous or obedient we are.  They are based solely on His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  I cannot keep myself from falling or failing.  But, I know the One who can.  “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)