Arise and Abide

Reading Deuteronomy 30:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. If they obeyed they would be blessed, if they disobeyed they would experience the curses, if they repent, they would be restored. Your relationship with God is more important than all the good things God puts in your life. The circumcision of our hearts, Hebrews 2:29. Recognizing that we have gone our own way and returning to the LORD, being baptized, and following Jesus.

Reading Deuteronomy 29:2-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion

This episode ran longer than we expected and decided to make this one available to you all but release it as a special episode. In it we look at the consequences of disobedience, our future hope, the works of the flesh, the fruit of the Holy Spirit and how to respond to warning signs. 

Reading Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The blessings for obedience shows God’s heart for the earth to be filled with kind and loving people. Obedience to God’s word would make them an example and testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. Be an example that other people want to follow, one of God’s love and generous heart. God’s response to people who love God and love people is a pouring out of blessings. Jesus makes it all possible. Seeking the Kingdom of God first and not worry about or be distracted by the situations, circumstance, or blessings.

Reading Psalms 57:1-11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  When Saul wanted David dead, David calls out to God. David understanding that God was the one who could provide everything He needed. 1 Samuel 16. God has a plan for our lives. We have a call to reflect the life of our Servant King, Jesus, making disciples, being a royal priest hood, and we can trust God to fulfill the purpose of our lives when we face obstacles and opposition as we answer the call.  Singing praises realigns your heart on God. When he faced Goliath David declared that the LORD would be exalted. David is an example of finding his confidence in God for his victory, using his victory to exalt God and not himself, and the joy that comes.

Reading Deuteronomy 18:9-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  We are to go to God and not seek wisdom, knowledge, or power from other sources. Moses again brings up that the people asked for God to speak to them through a Prophet. Acts chapter 3, Peter’s message to the witnesses. Jesus was crucified because of arrogance, the importance of recognizing our own depravity in our faith journey. From the beginning God is listening to us, we are heard, and He wants to speak to us as well.

Reading Deuteronomy 17:14:20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Regular reading keeps you from becoming proud, pride keeps you from regular reading. Prophetic foreshadowing of the people asking for a king in 1 Samuel 8:19&20. The heart of God who gives the people a way, knowing who they are going to fail. God instructing the people to appoint as king the one God chooses. Being defined by God’s word or by comparison to others. Jesus’ baptism and Transfiguration are clear examples of God declaring Jesus as the Servant King for us to follow. The crucified King of the Jews. Memorization of scripture still needs a heart that wants to walk out His ways.

Reading Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The physical act of bringing the tithe. The image of a party, God has invited us to His banquet. Jesus continuing this invitation at the Last Supper. The loss of these traditions and what it could look like in our lives today. 1 Corinthians 11:24, “as often as you drink it”. The opportunity to share a meal with Jesus is always at hand. The picture of the whole family going on the mission of celebrating in the LORD’s presence. Luke 6:38, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, overflowing. The heart behind the tithe.

Reading Deuteronomy 10:12-11:7 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Moses speaks to the people of Israel who are going into battle, encouraging them to remember God and live in a way that will be a good example for their children who were not eyewitnesses to the LORD’s work of deliverance and discipline, so they to would learn to walk and live loving God and loving people. The fear of the LORD brings us to our need for Jesus. Deuteronomy 5:28-29, Oh that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. Fear, worship, and cling to the LORD. Motivated by love over fear.

Reading Deuteronomy 9:1-6 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The greatness of the nations the LORD is going to drive out for Israel, Deut. 7:22. The LORD is capable of victory against all obstacles. “Quickly” is not always as quickly as humanity may want to see, but the LORD’s timing is good. The new attitude of the people of Israel vs. forty years ago. Not getting the land because of their own strength or goodness, but because of God’s love, favor, and goodness towards those with hearts for loving God and loving people. It is in His strength that we experience victory. The response is loving obedience, letting go of our selfish inclinations, humble hearts are teachable.