Tag Archives: the book of Deuteronomy

March 16
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“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you?  He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.  And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”  (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, NLT)

God’s expectations of His people are not obscure. They are stated plainly and repeatedly.

God’s expectations of His people are not difficult. It does not require one to be a “super saint” to reverence (fear) our God; to live in a way that pleases Him; to love Him; and to serve Him with all our being.

All that God requires of us is well within our grasp.  – Luther

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March 15
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“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”  (Deuteronomy 5:33, NIV)

The benefits of obedience to God are clearly set-forth by Moses in today’s scripture.

Writing to the Children of Israel, the benefits noted are: Life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.  Most people find these benefits desirable, but one cannot truly apprehend them by following a “trial and error” method to living based on our own limited experience and point of view. God’s word provides us with the blueprint for life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.

Obedience to God’s word delivers to us these benefits — and a personal relationship with our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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March 12
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“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”  (Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV)

We each have a capital “s” Story and a little “s” story.

The former is the history of God’s dealings with His people, with whom — as disciples of Jesus — we identify; and what we have become through adoption.  The latter is the history of God’s dealings with us personally; what He has done for us personally.  Both stories are ours.  Both stories, if remembered faithfully, will keep our focus clear; our resolve strong; and our confidence in our heavenly Father unshakable.

Furthermore, these stories are not ours to keep to ourselves as a “private collection,” but ours to share with our children and our “children.”

Today, recall your Story and your story.  These are our gifts to those who follow us.  – Luther

(Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow, as is customary.  Have a great day in worship — and, if you are in a place that observes Daylight Savings Time, remember to advance your clock one hour when you retire tonight!)

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