Category: Deuteronomy

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Things Are Going to Pop!

Since early yesterday afternoon we have been blessed with a gentle rain. Just exactly what this country needs!

The Spring rains moisten the soil and bring everything back to life. This desert is going to start to pop with color. It’s a beautiful sight. I just love it! But what I love even more is the growth that I see when the Word of God begins to pop with color in my life. I know I’m growing when that happens.

You know that when you face a situation or a circumstance that was a real struggle for you before and this time you “just happen” to remember a verse that you read or you stop to pray when you didn’t before – that’s growth!

Jesus told this story to his disciples.

“3 Then Jesus said to the followers, “Do you understand this story? If you don’t, how will you understand any story? 14 The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. 15 Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.

16 “Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. 17 But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.

18 “Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, 19 but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop[a] in their lives.

20 “And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” Mark 4:13-20 ERV

I really enjoy getting my garden ready each Spring. It isn’t a big garden at all, only about 4’x12’ but it’s a healthy garden with peppers, tomatoes and flowers. Yes, I mix them all together. Flowers in the back and veggies in the front. Then I have my flower pots and cactus garden that welcome in the bees and the hummingbirds. It’s so much fun to watch the vegetable plants flower because that means there will be fruit. Patience is required. And then we enjoy the harvest as I make salsa.

God’s word is seed that we can plant in our hearts and it will bring in a harvest of His blessings! It is my hope and my desire that as we have covered some of these promises that God has made to us, you have taken them and planted them so they can begin to grow. There is no instant growth. You have to be patient, protect the plants when they are young, water them with prayer, wait for them to flower and produce fruit. Aw, but it is so rewarding! Worry leaves, it’s been pulled out like a weed and peace comes. Condemning thoughts are removed and confidence in God’s love grows tall. Sorrow withers and dies and the vine of joy climbs higher and higher blossoming as it grows.

That’s what this Christian life is all about – growing!

“Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:

that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; 10 that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; 11 that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come.

Then you will be happy 12 and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light. 13 God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:9-13 ERV

You see, God has made everything he has promised available to you. He wants your life to produce good things. There are some verses from the Old Testament that I want to share with you in closing today. This is a list of promises that Moses was giving to the Israelites right before they went into their promised land. God had a list of blessings for them and God has also made those blessings available to us.

“1-2 Today I am giving you the laws and teachings of the Lord your God. Always obey them, and the Lord will make Israel the most famous and important nation on earth, and he will bless you in many ways.

3 The Lord will make your businesses and your farms successful. 4 You will have many children. You will harvest large crops, and your herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats will produce many young. 5 You will have plenty of breadto eat. 6 The Lord will make you successful in your daily work. 7 The Lord will help you defeat your enemies and make them scatter in all directions. 8 The Lord your God is giving you the land, and he will make sure you are successful in everything you do. Your harvests will be so large that your storehouses will be full.

9 If you follow and obey the Lord, he will make you his own special people, just as he promised. 10 Then everyone on earth will know that you belong to the Lord, and they will be afraid of you. 11 The Lord will give you a lot of children and make sure that your animals give birth to many young. The Lord promised your ancestors that this land would be yours, and he will make it produce large crops for you.

12 The Lord will open the storehouses of the skies where he keeps the rain, and he will send rain on your land at just the right times. He will make you successful in everything you do. You will have plenty of money to lend to other nations, but you won’t need to borrow any yourself.

13 Obey the laws and teachings that I’m giving you today, and the Lord your God will make Israel a leader among the nations, and not a follower. Israel will be wealthy and powerful, not poor and weak. 14 But you must not reject any of his laws and teachings or worship other gods.” Deuteronomy 28:1-14 CEV

As I said at the beginning, the rain is falling, the seeds are planted and blessings are beginning to pop! Thank God for the harvest.

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Peace Beyond Comprehension

While looking through my index cards of verses I have come across several there that are promises of peace.

 

“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

How well I remember the first time I was truly blanketed with peace. Dave and I had just moved back to Arizona from living in New Mexico for two years. The kids were little, 2 and 4, and I had recently had a miscarriage.

We were back home and I was glad to be here. Getting reacquainted with old friends, Mom and Dad were close but my heart was heavy. We had received a cold and chilly rebuff to moving to this home.

One neighbor, who wanted to live in a Senior’s Only neighborhood, came to the door as we were unpacking boxes and told me that she was circulating a petition to have our lease nullified…really!

Oh Lord, my heart was overwhelmed and I felt no peace. I was really in turmoil and for the next few days I kept busy unpacking boxes, helping the kids get settled in while Dave went off to work. Agriculture work in Az is in full force in the Spring and so he had some pretty long hours.

The anxiousness grew and peace was gone. One night after the kids were in bed, I went out into the backyard and sat on one of the kids swings. It was a clear night and when I looked up the sky was filled with stars. I began to cry.

Don’t you love it! Crying is such a good thing especially for us women. It allows us to release emotion that we really can’t do any other way. With tears running over my cheeks I said “Lord, I want to trust you but my heart is aching and I really don’t know why. I need to be a good mom and wife. I need to be strong and I feel like I’m falling apart.” Transparency with the Lord is best; He’s knows what in our hearts.

And then that verse I had known since I was little came rushing into my thoughts.

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ERV

What I needed was peace! Looking up at the stars I was also looking up to God for his strength. I began to think of all those people I knew from the Bible. God had Abraham look at the stars and it was there he received a promise from God. David, as a young boy, tended sheep at night under these stars and God was there. Jesus would go out at night and pray under these stars and His Father would meet him there.  As long as there had been stars God had been there and He was in control.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever. ” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

It was like a blanket fell from the sky. A warm comforting blanket and I was wrapped snuggly within it. The tears were gone, the anxiousness was gone, joy was there. Not a laugh-out-loud kind of joy but a settled peace.

Circumstances hadn’t changed but my outlook had. I knew I could trust God and He would take care of my worries. It was His peace that wrapped around me and I felt His presence. Everything was going to be alright!

As I’m finishing up this morning, this verse just came to mind (another good one for you to write down).

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

Was that the last time I worried or was overtaken by anxious thought? Not hardly! But it is a mile stone – it is a place in my life that I mark with calm assurance that God revealed his loving character and met my need.

I hope you don’t mind me sharing these life experiences with you. I feel it’s important that you know that God’s word is trustworthy – He does keep his promises. If He will meet me like this, He will do the same for you!

Moses gave instruction to the people of Israel to remember what they had seen God do and to teach their children and grandchildren so they wouldn’t forget the Lord.

“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. 10 Do you remember the day you stood in the Lord’s presence at Mount Sinai? The Lord said, “Moses, bring the people of Israel here. I want to speak to them so they will obey me as long as they live, and so they will teach their children to obey me too.” Deuteronomy 4:9-10 CEV

When worry comes, and it will, let peace guard your heart! Keep your mind focused on God who always was, who is and who always will be!

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True Love & Kindness

We only have a few days left in our study through Psalm 119.  It has been such a blessing to me and the Lord has reminded me of truths He has shown me in the past and has brought new wisdom. I have certainly enjoyed studying this chapter of God’s Word.

“Look at my suffering and rescue me. I have not forgotten your teachings. 154 Argue my case, and set me free. Let me live, as you promised. 155 The wicked have no hope of being saved, because they don’t follow your laws. 156 Lord, you are very kind. You always do what is right, so let me live. 157 I have many enemies trying to hurt me, but I have not stopped following your rules. 158 I look at those traitors and hate what I see, because they refuse to do what you say. 159 See how much I love your instructions! Lord, I know your love is true, so let me live.160 Every word you say can be trusted. Your laws are fair and will last forever.” Psalm 119:153-160

In reading through these verse I am caught by the last verse in this segment. “Every word you say can be trusted…”  Every word, EVERY word can be trusted!  “And will last forever”  FOREVER! Has forever come yet? No! Then God’s word still stands!

Remember yesterday when I mentioned that King David had only a few books of the Bible to study, let’s see what the Lord said about  enemies from studying Deuteronomy.

“The Lord will help you defeat your enemies who come to fight against you. Your enemies will come against you one way, but they will run away from you seven different ways!” Deuteronomy 28:7

Do you see why David implored the Lord for help? He had God’s word – he had a promise. David wasn’t being arrogant or demanding; he was confident that his God who had given him His Word would not lie but would do what He said He would.  David was believing God.

” God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19

You had to know that I was going to use this verse, my favorite verse. If this verse isn’t true then there’s no point in putting our faith in any of the others. Plain and simple, God doesn’t lie!

Just a few chapters later in Psalms David writes these thoughts.“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Psalm 121:1-3

David’s eyes were searching for help, extra troops, maybe even a neighboring king who came to assist in the battle. He knew that his help wasn’t dependent on others but on the Lord. It reminds me of the time when Elisha, the prophet’s servant saw they were surrounded by enemy soldiers. He was so fearful thinking they would be destroyed. Look what Elisha said.

“When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” 17 Then he prayed, “Lord, please help him to see.” And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:15-17 CEV

Just in case you were a little uncertain about the Lord’s desire to help and deliver, read this.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.”
3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases.
4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.
You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.
5 You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.
6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark
or terrible suffering that comes at noon.
7 A thousand people may fall dead at your side or ten thousand right beside you, but nothing bad will happen to you!
8 All you will have to do is watch, and you will see that the wicked are punished.
9 You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
13 You will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes.
14 The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.
16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91

I have lived this chapter, not perfectly, but lived it all the same. I’ve lived it facing reports of cancer, lived it facing broken bones, I’ve lived with my children facing childhood diseases, lived it in rattlesnake infested deserts, lived it in tornado ridden country, lived it in farmland facing drought! I’ve lived it through financial disaster, driving in blizzards and over hundreds of thousands of miles on the highway! I have lived it over the lives of my husband as a peace officer, my son as a firefighter and my son-in-law and grandson in the military!

It’s too late to tell me that God’s Word isn’t practical or applicable for today! Yes, I have lived it  and this I know…

 

God is faithful and He does not lie!

 

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Building Trust – Piece by Piece

Our daughter recently completed a half marathon. She has been competing in this particular event for the last 8 years. Each year the finishers medal is shaped like the piece of a puzzle. When she completed the race this year she was able to join the pieces together and the puzzle was also complete.

That’s how I feel about the verses we have been studying in Psalm 119. Each segment is building upon the last. We are almost finished and each day, piece by piece, we are beginning to see the completed picture. A picture of trust, God’s word does not fail!

After reading through this morning’s verses, I began to imagine what it must have been like for David to “Study” the word.  All that was written of the Bible during his time was Genesis through Deuteronomy, Joshua, maybe part of Judges, Psalm 90 and Job.

Now I love Genesis, Exodus, parts of Deuteronomy and Joshua but find it a bit more difficult to get through Leviticus, Numbers and Job.  So when David says he got up early and stayed awake at night to think on God’s word, I wonder where  he spent most of his time?  I’m sure he spent time in Leviticus, the book filled with the laws God gave, because he, David, was always talking about “thy laws”.  And he probably spent time in Numbers; being a military man how many could be called to battle when needed.  As a king, ruling over a vast nation, I’m sure he spent time studying the geographic divisions in Joshua so that he would know the borders of the lands allotted to each of the tribes and also know the enemy nations that they had been commanded to drive out.

And as he studied, I’m sure his heart was stirred to praise and give glory and honor to his God. I’m sure that’s how the Psalms were written. That’s really important! When you read something in the Word that speaks to you personally, take time to pause and review it over and over, let it sink in to your heart and create a stirring in soul, let it renew your mind, giving you God’s thoughts to replace those of your own. And when the word sinks in, it will take root and begin to grow, just like a seed (hmm, I think I remember Jesus teaching about something like that), and it will bring a harvest of fruit in your life.  And when it takes hold it becomes so real, it brings a time of praise to God, that He would share something so precious, so marvelous with you and make it real to you.

“Lord, I call to you with all my heart. Answer me, and I will obey your laws. 146 I call to you. Save me, and I will obey your rules. 147 I get up early in the morning to pray to you. I trust what you say. 148 Late into the night I stay awake to think about your word. 149 I know your love is true, so listen to me. Lord, you always do what is right, so let me live. 150 Here come those who have evil plans to hurt me. They live far away from your teachings. 151 But you are near me, Lord, and all your commands can be trusted. 152 Long ago, I learned from your rules that you made them to last forever.”  Psalm 119:145-152

Recently I had opportunity to look at some physical circumstances that didn’t appear to be too pleasant. In fact, they could have been downright discouraging if I had allowed them to be but you know what God brought to my heart? Psalm 112  – the righteous man’s Psalm – and I refused to let my heart be afraid over evil tidings and had it firmly fixed on God’s word.  Then instead of fear, faith came! God’s word is sure and certain, every other thing – circumstance or report, is subject to change.  God’s word stands forever.  His promises will not fail; written thousands of years ago they contain the same God-breathed power today that they had at their penning.

“We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. 17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.”  II Corinthians 4:16-18

I am sure that David was fully acquainted with Moses writings to the children of Israel and that is why he made it his life’s goal to know God’s word and keep it close. Once again, using my imagination, I can see King David up early this morning and reading…

“11 “This command that I give you today is not too hard for you. It is not a secret hidden in some far away land. 12 This command is not in heaven so that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and bring it to us, so that we can hear and do it?’ 13 This command is not on the other side of the sea so that you should say, ‘Who will go across the sea for us and bring it to us, so that we can hear it and do it?’ 14 No, the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart. So you can obey it.

15 “Today I have given you a choice between life and death, success and disaster. 16 I command you today to love the Lord your God. I command you to follow him and to obey his commands, laws, and rules. Then you will live, and your nation will grow larger. And the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take for your own. 17 But if you turn away from your God and refuse to listen, if you are led away to worship and serve other gods, 18 you will be destroyed. I am warning you today, if you turn away from God, you will not live long in that land across the Jordan River that you are ready to enter and take for your own.

19 “Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey shim. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the Lord, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”  Deuteronomy 30:11-20

 

This day – today – let the Word of God bring you life and blessings!!!

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God is Kind

A few months back Dave started building a workshop at the back of our property. The first step was to get the foundation level. This was time consuming. He worked for days in the hard ground, breaking it up, adding sand under the concrete pilings, every thing had to be level and on square. If it was out of level the rest of the building wouldn’t come together right.

That’s how it is for us. Our building of life must be on a true foundation. Built square and level.

“Treat me with kindness, Lord, so that I may live and do what you say. 18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger. Don’t keep me from knowing your commands. 20 What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful, worthless nobodies who turn from your command 22 Don’t let them sneer and insult me for following you.
23 I keep thinking about your teachings, Lord, even if rulers plot against me. 24 Your laws are my greatest joy! I follow their advice.” Psalm 119:17-24 CEV

Once again we must remember who wrote this Psalm, David, and what he had experienced in his walk with the Lord. Time and again, David faced adversaries greater in number or stature than he was. He needed to see God’s goodness each day for his survival. When he went to battle against Goliath, the odds were staggering but David was successful in the fight because he depended on the promises of God to bring the battle to a successful end.

I think we often forget that the people in the Bible were “real” people just like you and me. They had families, went out each day to do specific tasks and faced obstacles as great as any of the ones we face. David was underestimated and underappreciated by his family and those around him. They saw a boy who was curious about the battle, they saw a cocky teenager who was overly confident and thought he was bragging when he said he would fight the giant.

Seasoned soldiers were afraid to face down Goliath as he blasphemed God each day. The whole army trembled and here was this “kid” who jumped and said let me go fight him. “I’ll stop him from speaking against our God”. David wasn’t out for his own glory or elevate his family’s standing in the community. He just knew, deep in his heart, that he couldn’t allow this “uncircumcised Philistine” to defy the army of the living God. (I Samuel 17:26)

Now that may seem like an insignificant phrase at first glance but it has great meaning. The Israelites had practiced circumcision since the Lord made a vow or covenant with Abraham hundreds of years earlier. It was a sign that God had made a promise that He would protect and provide for them. He would fight their battles and keep them safe. God promised and that was good enough for David. What he saw when he looked at Goliath was a man who had no promise from God but he did and that gave him the confidence to put his life on the line. God would go with him – he would succeed.

David knew he had a covenant, a contract, with God. That same covenant holds true for us and has even been expanded to greater depth because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Hebrews says we have a great covenant built on better promises!

I pray verses 18 and 19 all the time. Open my eyes to see your wonderful promises. Each time I read the word there are new discoveries that God brings out. It’s so great to read a book and have the author “in residence” to teach me exactly what was meant by what He wrote.

Verse 20 might need a little explanation. When Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites before they went in to the “Promised Land”, he gave them this admonition. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, choose life”. Folks aren’t cursed because God is angry with them or because “fate” wasn’t on their side. There are two sides to the coin – living blessed or living cursed – and we are the ones who get to choose. The proud made a choice; they chose to live dependent in their own intellect and independent of God’s guidance and direction. Just like our friend Goliath, depending on your own strength and knowledge will prove disastrous.

David knew doing things God’s way, following His laws and commands would look foolish to outsiders. Even his own brothers thought he was being arrogant and foolish when he said that he would fight Goliath. People are doing the same today; shaking their heads saying we’re old fashioned, our ideas and stand for godliness is antiquated. But GOD… I will follow God any day – His word has never failed.

Following God’s word, obeying His leading brings us to a place of rest and yes, joy. It feels so good to know that we don’t have to depend on our own efforts but that He is there to protect and provide.

Homework today. I would like you to read Deuteronomy 28 – find out what blessings God has for you to choose and what curses you can avoid. Get to know what God has promised so that in time of battle you know that you have been promised victory.

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Grateful for Age

This week I have had the opportunity to be with one of the youngest members of our family, Sam, and the oldest, my mother. What a joy to spend time with them both. Sam was depend upon us for most everything he needed; meals, help getting dressed, supervising his activities, bath time, bed time – you get the picture.

Mom, too, is at a point in her life where she is more dependent. She doesn’t drive anymore and she walks slower and needs help getting around but her mind is still sharp and her memories bring her great joy.

I had fun telling Sam stories about Jesus, singing little choruses and praying with him. Praying for him to grow into a man that loves the Lord, honors his parents and impacts his world. And then I also had the opportunity to listen as Mom told me of her love for the Lord, her prayers for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her desire is to live her days as an example of God’s love and goodness. She said she can’t be burdened down with worry but instead has to trust the Lord to reach her family with His love so that each one is with her one day in heaven.

Both the youngest and the oldest have a quiet trust in the Lord, for that I am truly grateful!

“Praise him, young men and women, old people and children.
13 Praise the Lord’s name! Honor his name forever!
His name is greater than any other.
He is more glorious than heaven and earth.” Psalm 148:12-13 ERV

All through the Bible we find the older teaching the younger. There is a constant instruction to remind the younger ones of the milestones in life. Moses taught the people that they should be talking of the things of the Lord when they came in and when they went out; when they got up in the morning and when they went to bed at night.

“Always remember these commands that I give you today. 7 Be sure to teach them to your children. Talk about these commands when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads to help you remember my teachings.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ERV

I’m thankful that my parents and grandparents taught me to love the Lord and I’m grateful for the opportunity and the responsibility to teach my children and grandchildren of God’s goodness!

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Over and Over!

Do you get tired of hearing the same thing over and over? You remember – brush your teeth, look both ways before crossing the street, put on your seat belt, don’t run with the scissors, don’t ride your bike in flip flops. The list goes on and on.

Most of the things were learned by repetition we didn’t have to learn by experience. You know the old adage – learn by my mistakes. And isn’t this the reason we are mentored or tutored? We learn from someone else by example and experience.

Sometimes when I sit to write in the mornings I find myself saying to the Lord “but I’ve already told them that last year, last month, yesterday. Do I really need to go over it again?” And then creation reminds me that we learn from repetition.

There are only 4 seasons. It doesn’t take long to learn what to plant when – time to get out the jackets and long sleeve shirts, that those are rain/snow clouds and this is going to be a warm day. Yes, we learn by repetition of natural events so we should also learn by repetition of godly principles as well.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Study God’s word everyday. That means repetition! Go over it again and again. Stay with the things that work.

““Now, if you will be careful to obey the Lord your God and follow all his commands that I tell you today, the Lord your God will put you high above all the nations on earth. 2 If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:

3 “He will bless you in the city and in the field.
4 He will bless you and give you many children.
He will bless your land and give you good crops…” Deuteronomy 28:1-4 ERV

There are a list of 12 verses of blessings in Deuteronomy 28 to those who learn to listen and obey the Lord. Repetition!

I had a woman ask me once how I study the Bible. I told her I found things that I needed in my life and looked up the verses that dealt with those issues – worry, fear, health, joy, marriage, children, peace – and the list goes on. I would find verses that helped with those areas and write them on an index card and I kept those cards with me all the time. They were in the truck, in my purse and on the tractor. They sat on my desk and in my kitchen. When I would feel overwhelmed in a situation I would grab the cards and read God’s word to myself, reminding me that God has a plan and He is working on my behalf. Over and over again – repetition.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.

24 Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right.” Proverbs 4:20-24 ERV

Find a modern version of the Bible if the King James language is too hard to understand and read what the Lord has to say about your situation. You don’t need to read chapter after chapter if you don’t understand it. Read a couple of verses and let them stick with you all day.

These truly are the words of life and we need to apply them over and over again!

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God Is Faithful

God is faithful. That’s His nature, His character! When we stop to wonder “if” God will come through this time – remember His faithfulness. “Will” he be there for me?

Not sure who woke up this morning questioning and wondering if God was still there, if He could still be trusted, but whoever you are let me tell you that He is – He is the great I AM.

““So remember that the LORD your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations, ” Deuteronomy 7:9

So many changes in our modern lives, it’s hard to imagine that God is ALWAYS faithful, He is ALWAYS the same.

” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8


God is not a liar – His word is always true, you can count on Him! You can depend on His promises.
” God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Since the beginning of time the sun has come up every morning and set each evening, the tides ebb and flow, the seasons change but as constant as those things are they won’t last forever but God’s word will always remain the same.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

You can depend on God’s faithfulness. He has always been there and will always continue to be!

“The Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.[b] I am the one who is, who always was, and who is coming. I am the All-Powerful.” Revelation 1:8 ERV

Trust in Him today!

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