Devotion Thoughts - 04/04/2011

Deut 26:1-19

Instruction is given as to what to do about the first fruits that will be harvested in the land they are about to enter. It includes praise to God for having built up Israel from one small family into a great nation while in Egypt, and how God delivered them from slavery. Praise and thanks were to be given to God for bringing them into such a wonderful land. It was important that all such praise and thanks be given with a good heart. In return God is going to bless them above all other nations.


Deut 27:1-26

Moses (through the elders) gave God's instructions on how the people were to build an altar and make sacrifices on it to God. Then Moses (through the Levitical priests) gave the good news that the people of Israel were now the people of God. They were set apart for God - unlike all other nations - and were to obey all His laws. Once again the people are reminded of the sort of laws that must be kept.


Lesson: I believe that through His dealings with Israel God planned to teach all other nations about Himself. Thinking about it logically: it is far easier to concentrate new teaching on an individual or small group, and for them to teach other small groups, than it is to try to teach everyone at once. That is also how 'through Abraham' shall all nations be blessed.


Luke 10:38-42


For me the lesson is: seize every opportunity to spend time with the Lord, letting Him speak to me through His word, through meditation on His wonderful love.


Luke 11:1-13


I see the lesson as: if God lays on your heart a specific matter to pray for, don't stop praying for it. Sooner or later answers will come. I know I have 'failed' at times, giving up praying for such specific things, only to find them laid on my heart again. For those who earnestly seek to have the Holy Spirit indwell them God will give it.


Psalm 76:1-12


Asaph writes this song in which he marvels at how God, the Almighty God, chose to live in Jerusalem; that they, of all the nations, should have a real, powerful God amongst them, unlike other nations where useless idols are worshipped. He ends this song with a recommendation that all men should bring gifts to Him and praise Him Who is to be feared by the mightiest of men.


Prov 12:15-17


Quite correctly, the writer sees that fools always think they know better than others; a wise man, however, will take advice. Fools are lacking in tolerance and react instantly to opposition, whereas a thoughtful man responds with careful deliberation. A truthful man is reliable, but a liar cannot be trusted. The lesson for us is to choose carefully the company we keep.

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