Deuteronomy 6:1-9 – Remember This

Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9

In our day and age, being self-sufficient is often a sign of success. For Christ-followers, we have discarded that notion to the degree we realize we need help. Navigating life can be tricky with all the obstacles in our path. God has set us up for success when we follow his teachings and obey his commands.

What does it mean we “must fear the LORD,” our God? The word “must” suggests this is not negotiable. The importance is magnified because this command is repeated regularly in the Bible. Rather than understanding this “fear” as a phobia or something that causes us to be afraid, think of it as a reverence or awe of God’s power. Each time you have a new revelation about God’s character or a truth uncovered in His Word, capture those awestruck moments and relive them to help blossom your respect and awe for God. Continue reading “Deuteronomy 6:1-9 – Remember This”

Job 13:20-14:6 – Have I Messed Up?

Read Job 13:20-14:6

Job mustered up a lot of courage in our last reading, and now he boldly takes his stand before God. Job covers a lot of ground. Is there anything we can learn from how he approached God?

Job starts by asking for two things. “Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.” It’s helpful to remember that Job has never wavered in his awe of the LORD. Job wants to understand what has happened to him and why. Continue reading “Job 13:20-14:6 – Have I Messed Up?”

2 Chronicles 17:1-19 – Meet Jehoshaphat

Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

What a name! Did you find yourself rushing into the text to see if Jehoshaphat was going to follow the LORD or not? The last we know of Asa, his father, was that Asa had gone astray, not trusting in God like he had earlier in his reign. From the sounds of it, Jehoshaphat must remember the “good times” when his father was more obedient to God.

It must have been difficult to stay strong in those days, too. After all, family relations from the northern tribes who were following Israel’s rule had already chosen an alternate path. We may find ourselves troubled when our friends and family don’t cherish the Bible and having a relationship with our Creator and Savior, Jesus like we do. It’s sometimes hard to maintain those relationships.

Continue reading “2 Chronicles 17:1-19 – Meet Jehoshaphat”

1 Chronicles 13:1-14 – Moving the Ark

Read 1 Chronicles 13:1-14

Now that David’s kingdom has been established, it seems one of the first items of business are to bring the Ark of God into the City of David. This was a big deal, and it shows us that David was intent on having God’s presence surrounding him in his kingdom.

As you recall, the Ark is the most sacred object in Israel’s ancient traditions. It was an ornately decorated box containing the tablets of the ten commandments, among other holy items. The Ark was revered for what it represented, the presence of God. Exodus 25:10-22 tells us more detail about the construction of the Ark.

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Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 – Final Thoughts

Read Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

What an image describing how wise words inspire us! Neither a cattle prod nor a nail-studded stick sound like a pleasant way to direct our path. Yet sometimes that’s just what we need – like a “kick in the pants!” Understanding right from wrong can often be an eye-opening experience.

Encountering the Teacher’s reflections throughout the book of Ecclesiastes has been helpful. I appreciate his conclusions and parting thoughts in this final passage. “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” If more people in this world knew what their “duty” was, families, neighborhoods, and even churches would be much happier. Don’t you agree?

Continue reading “Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 – Final Thoughts”
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