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Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29<\/strong><\/span> Deuteronomy chapter 29 verse 29 is intriguing today \u2013 \u201cThere are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 I think this is good for us to remember \u2013 there are secrets of God that we will not know this side of heaven.\u00a0 And I don\u2019t think we need to worry or speculate on what these secret things might be, because \u201cthe revealed things belong to us.\u201d\u00a0 God has revealed himself to us in the Bible!\u00a0 His very Word.\u00a0 He has revealed himself in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.\u00a0 And he reveals himself in the life of the body of Christ today \u2013 the church.\u00a0 We have everything we need to know to love & follow God.\u00a0 And I think God\u2019s secrets can remain secret to us this side of heaven \u2013 I don\u2019t know about you, but I like a little mystery in God!\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBe strong and courageous!\u201d<\/em> is the encouragement & exhortation we hear 3 times in chapter 31 today.\u00a0 It was said by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6, then by Moses to Joshua in verse 7, and finally by God to Joshua in verse 23.\u00a0 Why do you think this was said 3 times?\u00a0 Why would the Israelites and Joshua need to be reminded to be strong and courageous?\u00a0 And if these words were needed back then, do you think perhaps we might need to hear them still today?\u00a0 Do we need to be reminded oftentimes to be strong and courageous?\u00a0 Today, this side of the Cross, where does our strength and courage truly come from?\u00a0 Below is Joshua being commissioned by Moses in a Fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Luigi Signorelli, circa 1481:<\/span><\/p>\n Today in Deuteronomy chapter 31 verses 10-12 we read \u2013 \u201cThen Moses commanded them: \u201cAt the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people \u2013 men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns-so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.\u201d<\/em> Incredible verses! I like that Moses was setting up a way for God\u2019s Word to continue to be taught & heard by God\u2019s People every 7 years! I think this gets at a couple of things \u2013 1. We humans are very forgetful. We may hear something once, but we need to hear it over and over again \u2013 particularly if it is God\u2019s Word. 2. There is always a new generation of people coming up behind us. It is so important to educate this new generation about God\u2019s Word. So \u2013 how do these verses above speak to you today? Are you hearing or reading God\u2019s Word on a consistent basis? I know the answer is yes, for this year, as you\u2019re in the Chronological Bible! And I know that many of you have been reading the Bible for many years now. However, I know not everyone will read the Bible every year. Here\u2019s a suggestion \u2013 what about committing to reading the entire Bible \u2013 in the One Year Bible or Chronological or other format \u2013 once every 7 years? Thus, if you live to be 101, you\u2019ll have read the Bible through atleast 10 times (not counting those early years :). Just a thought to keep in the back of your mind \u2013 please consider reading the entire Bible at least once every 7 years. Though, I would encourage you to at least read some portion of the Word each and every day, in each and every year. Next question \u2013 are you somehow involved in teaching others the Word? Are you encouraging your friends or family members to read God\u2019s Word? Maybe consider inviting your family & friends to participate in reading the Bible next year? Are you somehow involved in teaching the younger generation coming up behind you to learn God\u2019s Word? Maybe through your church you can get involved in Sunday school ministries or maybe there is a younger person in your community that you can mentor and disciple? <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An image for chapter 31 verses 14 & 15 is below: \u201cThen the LORD said to Moses, \u201cThe time has come for you to die. Call Joshua and take him with you to the Tabernacle, and I will commission him there.\u201d So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tabernacle. And the LORD appeared to them in a pillar of cloud at the entrance to the sacred tent.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Worship God:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings in Deuteronomy reminded me of The Museum\u2019s song \u201cMy Help Comes from the Lord:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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