Deut 9:1-29
By obeying God’s commands and moving forward we not only defeat real giants and giant problems that are before us, but we also discover God’s power at work in our situations, and enjoy greater blessings (’possess the land’) than if we chose to do nothing. God goes ahead of His people!
But He must get all the glory for any successes; He does not bless us because we are righteous; it may be that He wants to use us to drive out evil in our community. If we are honest, we will acknowledge that we are not so righteous when we look at our track record; how many times have we been disobedient! Thankfully, our gracious God is willing to help us again and again, provided we seriously want to be holy.
Deut 10:1-22
If we break His laws but are repentant and willing to honour Him again, He will give us His laws afresh, as if starting for the first time. For He does forgive our sins!
For those called to special service for the Lord, they might not inherit any earthly wealth but they will inherit the Lord (vv. 9-10). But from all of His people, the Lord wants love, reverence, a healthy fear of Him and obedience (v.12-13). Living for God must become our way of life. (Then we will enjoy His favour.)
Luke 8:4-21
Jesus tells the people the parable of the sower, and also mentions that a light must be placed where it can do the most good. To receive the light (God’s guidance) it is important that we pay attention to what God’s word has to teach us. In this way we become Jesus’ ’mothers and brothers’.
Psalm 69:19-36
David exhibited a very sensitive spirit towards sin in his own life. God called him ’a man after my own heart’ (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22) because of his purposeful seeking after God and God’s will for His life. If we seek God and do His will with the same degree of purpose we will also be men (and women) after God’s own heart.
David sounds very vengeful in this psalm, asking God to deal with his enemies, who he believes are also God’s enemies. Vv. 21 and 26 are prophetic, linked to the suffering of Jesus on the cross.
David is certain that songs of praise please God better than do animal sacrifices; that those who praise Him from their hearts will certainly dwell with Him forever.
Prov 12:2-3
Be righteous and God’s favour is yours; do wickedness and God will condemn you. The choice is ours!
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