Monthly Archives: June 2012

in retrospect: my way or God’s way

Deuteronomy 12 The prescribed way of worshipping was to replace the way that seems right unto man.  Each of us has sinned by going his own way.  God’s way will lead to blessing. Ignoring it and going our own way … Continue reading

Posted in discipleship, relationship with God, repentance, will of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: relationship

Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 Moses encouraged the Israelites to obey God and keep the commandments, but that was not the primary challenge.  The first and most important thing was for them to love and fear God – to have a relationship with … Continue reading

Posted in discipleship, faith, fear, love, relationship with God | Tagged , | 2 Comments

in retrospect: hinges of mercy

Deuteronomy 9:6-10:11 Moses’ prayers  served as hinges that let the LORD turn from his judgment upon Israel to his mercy toward them.  Many times the anger of the LORD was ready to consume the people, and it was the persistent … Continue reading

Posted in mercy, prayer | Tagged , | 2 Comments

in retrospect: remember the whole way

Deuteronomy 8:1-9:5 Moses challenged the Israelites to remember their time in the wilderness.  He wanted them to remember how dependent of God they were, because the occasion would come that God would bless them with prosperity and peace, and they … Continue reading

Posted in dependence upon God, humility, pride | Tagged , | 1 Comment

in retrospect: a greater GOD

Deuteronomy 7 A lesser god would have been OK with entering Canaan and becoming part of the pantheon of the peoples. The LORD was not.  He demanded that the Israelites wipe out all the nations of the land.  He would … Continue reading

Posted in integrity, kingdom of God, relationship with God, worldview | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: love and fear

Deuteronomy 6 Moses reflects on those ten commandments, and narrows them down to one: love the LORD with all your heart, soul and might (4).  Out of that love will come a fear and respect that will prevent idolatry and … Continue reading

Posted in commitment, discipleship, fear, love | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: a covenant people

Deuteronomy 5 Moses reflected back on the giving of the ten commandments because he wanted to remind the Israelites that they were a people who have committed themselves to a covenant.  The commands all had to do with the covenant.  … Continue reading

Posted in commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, kingdom of God, new covenant, obedience | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: a great God and a great people

Deuteronomy 4 Moses encouraged the Israelites to live up to the standards of their God’s reputation.  They were to be a people known for their righteousness and wisdom.  They were to reflect upon the character of the LORD.  He sets … Continue reading

Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, grace, kingdom of God, obedience | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: can’t blame a guy for trying

Deuteronomy 3 Moses pestered the LORD in prayer, hoping that he would relent and allow him to cross the Jordon and see the promised land.  Finally, the LORD told him not to ask again.  God had a plan for Joshua … Continue reading

Posted in dependence upon God, perseverance, prayer | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: no cake walk

Deuteronomy 2 Moses looks at the crucial time when he and the Israelites stopped their wandering and set their sites (again) on the promised land.  He sees it all from God’s perspective.  The 38 years were to fulfill God’s promise … Continue reading

Posted in conflict, discernment, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment