Deuteronomy 3...

       "We struck them down, leaving no survivors..." (3:3b).

Observation: Why did God command the Israelites to kill people and wipe them out COMPLETELY?
Understanding: The pure relationship God enjoyed with the Israelites was so important; and His mission for them (bringing the Messiah into the world one day) was so important, that He could NOT allow the Israelites to be affected and ultimately led astray by the pagan beliefs of the neighboring tribes around the former Promised Land. God knew that if He allowed ANY of the pagan tribes people to stay alive and live in the land, that they would affect the beliefs and morals of the Israelites. Ever heard of Sodom and Gomorrah? This city happened and cot Lot's wife her life, because they were a group of people God had commanded the Israelites to wipe out earlier in history, and they had compromised and allowed them to continue living in the Promised Land! God was SERIOUS about having no other gods before Him! He really is a jealous God! And I'm glad He loves us that much!
Application: What are the things in my life need to be "wiped out" or "destroyed" in my life? I usually know what they are. I usually know what I need to do. I just tend to compromise. I tend to think I can still hold on to them and STILL have a great relationship with God. But God knows as long as I'm hanging on to something that CAN get in the way of my relationship with God, it WILL get in the way with my relationship with God!

"For what god is there in heaven or earth who can do the deeds and
might works you do?" (3:24b).

Observation: The Israelites were tempted, when faced with a dilemma, to seek counsel from to the gods of neighboring countries, instead of the LORD their God, the one true God, Yahweh!
Application: It;s OK for me to get counsel before making a decision, but I have to be careful that I don't value ANYONE'S counsel over God's counsel! Here are some of the people and places I could be tempted to look to for counsel, AT THE EXPENSE of getting counsel from God:  My family; Leadership Books; Mentors;Friends; what other churches are doing, My confession today to you, Lord: "...what god is there in Heaven or earth who can do the deeds and mighty work you do?!"

" ' That is enough,' the LORD said. ' Do not speak to me anymore on this matter' " (3:26).

Observation: God was so emphatic in His answer of "No" to Moses, and Moses had asked enough times, that God said: "Don't bring this up again. I'm not going to change my mind. Don't bring it up again!"
Application: I thought about all the times when I tell my children the same thing. Sometimes the think they can wear me down by begging and whining about something and get the answer they want. Sometimes I give it to them. Sometimes I don't, and I'll tell them: "No...And don't ask again!" But I've got to realize that this can and will happen in my relationship with God. ON some things, no matter how many times I ask and how many people I have praying for me, God;s answer is still going to be "No". He knows what's best for me, and sometimes I am not going to change His mind. I have to accept God's plan, even when I don't understand it or get the answer I want.

DROP ME A COMMENT (SHOW ME SOME LOVE) AND LET ME KNOW HOW GOD IS
SPEAKING TO YOU THROUGH ANY OF THIS!

Comments

[Bill]

I am getting really enjoying going through Dueteronomy. The first thing I do (after reading and thinking on the verses for myself)when I get to work in the morning is to get on the blog to see what God has shown you in these verses and how that resembles the direction God took me as a result of the same verses. (BTW I get to work early to do this so as not to steal time that belongs to my employer) I think this is a great use of the blog and a wonderful journey to take the church on.

[Chris Reeder]

I am challenging my core team to get in God's word everyday. I sent them this link to show a great example of how to keep a journal. (read, observe, and apply)

[tricia lovejoy]

vs 18 "..."Although the Lord your God gas given you this land as your property, all your fighting men must cross the Jordan, armed and ready to protect your Israelite relatives."

My application: God required the Israelites to act as a team....as a family. They met each others' needs. How can I meet the needs of my spiritual family this week? Am I sensitive to the needs of others?

vs 21-22 "At that time I said to Joshua, 'You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. Do not be afraid of the the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you.'"

My application: Moses raised up other leaders. Joshua apprenticed under him. Moses let Joshua get up close and personal. Then, Moses encouraged Joshua when it was time for him to strike out on his own. Who am I raising up? Who am I pouring my life into? Who am I encouraging to become a leader?

I am so thankful for the broad stroke lessons God is reminding me of in His Word. I am watching for God's activity around me to see how He wants me to answer these questions this week.