Deut 13:1-18
God will deliberately test our commitment to Him, but we can be sure that the 'sign' is from Him when it is in line with His commands. Anything that causes us to deviate from following Him with all our might is not from Him. So important was this command that false 'guides', even if they were close family, who suggested worshipping false gods, were to be stoned to death.
Deut 14:1-29
God considered the Israelites to be a special treasure for Himself. They were to be holy, set apart for Him. Christians are 'grafted into' His family ( Romans 11:17), so we must also obey God's commands. However, Jesus brought about a new dispensation (Romans 6:14), so we are not expected to follow the dietary laws laid down at that time (Acts 10:14).
At that time the tithe was to be used for a meal in which the Levites and the needy also shared (v.29). God sees our sharing of our tithes and blesses accordingly.
Deut 15:1-23
All debts between Israelites were cancelled at the end of every seven years, but not those of foreigners living amongst them. Obedience to this command ensured that the nation became prosperous. Israelites who needed financial assistance were to be given it so that there was no poor amongst them. That there would be poor amongst them (v.11) did not mean that they were not to be helped. Such obedient and caring actions will ensure God's blessings. As for sacrifices, only the best will do (v.21); so only our best is good enough for God.
Luke 8:40-56
It is very likely that Jairus felt that Jesus should give urgent attention to his dying daughter. We all go through such situations where we want immediate action from God. What we need to remember is that once we have told God about our problem we should relax in the knowledge that it has become His problem, and He has everything under control. He knows what is needed, but He is also dealing with the problems of many others, as represented by the crowds around Him and the woman who tried to get some attention for herself by pulling on the hem of His robe. Jairus was probably tearing his hair out, something we are inclined to do when God does not jump to our aid. We need to learn patience by waiting on God and trusting Him. No sooner was the woman healed and blessed by Jesus, when word came that Jairus' daughter had died. But Jesus, the God of Creation, assured Jairus that if he believed, she would be fine, which was the case.
The lesson: tell God about your problems; believe that He will sort them out; leave them with Him; and wait for His time for the answers.
Luke 9:1-6
The disciples are sent out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal. Jesus gave them the necessary power and authority. Likewise, if He calls us to any kind of ministry He will equip us for success in it.
Psalm 71:1-24
God is a secure shelter for all in need because He is Omnipotent. He deserves our praise all day and every day! And, in spite of what it seems like sometimes, He will never forsake us. When we seem to be on our own it is because He is teaching us to live by faith. It is a fact of life that strength and character are built up only when there are trials, not by a life of ease. Learn to praise Him even when it seems we are getting no help from Him; He always has everything under control and, when necessary, will revive us with all the help and guidance we need.
Prov 12:5-7
To sum up these three verses: the righteous will be blessed and the wicked are going to be punished.
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