Deut. 14-16

At the root of the word reverence is revere. It is a deep respect and admiration for someone or something. This is how we should conduct ourselves toward the Lord at all times and in every occasion of life. We apply reverence in the way we talk, walk, work, worship, eat etc. God gives us life, and we give Him reverence.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness … Matt. 6:33a

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17

Deut. 12, 13

Yes, there are things God hates.

One easily found passage is Prov. 6:17-19 which says He hates;  (Proud) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood (as in abortion), a heart that devises (dreams up) wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the (Christian or family) community.

Add to that: detestable things, such as burning your children in the fire as a religious sacrifice; setting up a religious statue to worship; wickedness (evil committed consciously).

Summarily, God hates sin because it is the opposite of what He intended for us to do. It robs us of His blessing which automatically comes when we live according to His righteous plan.

Imagine the shattering emotion of Heaven when the Heavenly Father made His pre-emminent Son to BE SIN for us.

For this reason, the following has to be one of the most significant scriptures in the Bible:

“…The proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 -JB Phillips

Deut. 10, 11

The tribe of Levi was designated by God to carry and care for the articles of worship and all that was associated with the Tabernacle. They were, in turn, given choice meat and elements of the sacrifices to eat and prime territories to live in without actually owning anything. God said, “I am their inheritance, their possession.”

If you are material-minded, you might say, “Wow, what a gyp.” However, if you are indeed a worshiper, a New Testament priest unto God who values the Lord’s presence above everything else, you might say, “That’s great. He’s ALL I need.”

Once we’ve tasted of the Lord’s goodness and our soul has found its resting place in Him, we are more than content to have JUST JESUS. Like Solomon, since he chose wisdom above all else for his reward, God said, “You’ve made a wise choice … so I will give you everything else as a bonus.” ( my paraphrase )

[The wise man] … when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. -Matt. 13:46

Deut. 7-9

God went before His people and prepared the victory for them, but He challenged them to actively take possession of the Promised Land. He fought for them and directed them, but He insisted upon their obedience and advancement.

Faith without works is dead, so says James. [Jam. 2:20] Faith is revealed through active obedience. Talk is cheap. Deeds and actions show forth God’s power and give Him something to live in.

One Christmas I took the Redeemer Church choir and support cast to the mall to perform our evangelistic musical. I distinctly remember the Lord’s presence overcoming me as we began the program. I felt He told me, “When you step out in faith to do what I’ve asked you to do, I will be there waiting for you and will give you grace to enact your deeds of righteousness.”

To obey is better than sacrifice.

Deut. 5, 6

(Sorry. I experienced a retina detachment last Tuesday evening and had eye surgery Thursday evening. I’m recovering. So, I resume the devotionals.)

So many aspects of our relationship with God is like a marriage. In the New Testament, the Church is referred to as the Bride of Christ. God uses the marriage relationship which we understand to teach us about what He desires in our relationship to Him. He is jealous over us … He doesn’t want to share our heart with anybody or anything else. Hence, the laws concerning idolatry and faithfulness.

The next time something pulls you away from God, remember that He is jealous over you and is waiting for you to come back to Him.

Deut. 3, 4

Moses was prohibited from entering the Promised Land because he did not sanctify the Lord’s name at Meribah (by allowing God to produce water from the rock rather than Moses striking the rock). God gave him a look at the land from the top of Mt. Nebo near Pisgah. Moses then gave final instructions to the nation as they commenced to enter and take the land. They were to stay true and loyal to the Lord by following His Commands and refusing to worship the false gods of the inhabitants. If they did so, God promised to fight for them and give them the land.

When we take matters into our own hands and fight, we forsake God’s power and ability to give us His Kingdom. He will fight our battles as we pray and praise Him.

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” -Jesus [Luke 12:32]

Deuteronomy 1, 2

As the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, they encountered giants and hostile people groups who were imposing and fearsome. God, however, struck fear in the hearts of their enemies and gave them victory when they trusted Him.

Likewise, God gives us victory over every obstacle set before us … WHEN we trust Him and live in obedience to His Word.

Num. 34-36

God instituted a strong system of inheritance in the Hebrew culture. Each family was to pass down to its offspring its land and possessions. This engendered family cohesiveness and care. Belonging to a family was to be valued and cherished.

The inheritance God passes to us through Christ is far more valuable than mere lands and material objects. He has given us His Kingdom and a place at His Table … His Family is the richest in the universe. Christ is our brother and God our Father. Eternal benefits beyond description await us when we pass from this life.

Numbers 32, 33

The tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to stay just outside of the Promised Land in an area where their flocks could have better room to graze. Moses and the leaders were OK with that, except they had to agree to join the rest of Israel when it came time for war … to drive out the sinful inhabitants of the land.

In a similar sense, ALL CHRISTIANS should take their part in the prayer struggle we have against ungodliness in OUR land. This is a issue where we can and should unify … praying against sin and for a spiritual renewal.

Num. 30, 31

After the Israelites had plundered the Midianites, they were instructed to purify their bounty by fire or by water. The cleaning process was mandatory if you were to use it.

God purifies us for use. It’s a painful process to be purified, but it yields a life ready for Christian service.

And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. [Mal. 3:3]