provision – Page 2 – Be Still…

Deuteronomy 8:1-20 – Don’t Forget God

There are a couple great nuggets for us in today’s reading. But the bottom line is we don’t want to forget God, ever. I can’t say that I’ve ever “forgotten” him, but there are periods in my life when I wasn’t connected and focusing on him like I am today. There were times that I felt like he had forgotten me.

Perhaps we can see what happens when we stop relying on God. Remember the manna? The people were hungry. They were humbled by a circumstance. Who came through for them? God. He will be there for us, too. Do you feel like you are a state of being humbled by some circumstance? Are you letting it cripple you? Or do you see how God is your answer? Let him use this as a teachable moment to help you grow.

Deuteronomy 4:1-14 – Never Forget

Read Deuteronomy 4:1-14

There have been many things in our lives that we want to forget, particularly bad experiences, hurts, and abuses. But we should always hold dear those memories we have of learning about God, witnessing God in action, and hearing God’s voice. Moses has spent the first 3 chapters of Deuteronomy walking his audience (and now us) down memory lane. As his sermon to the Israelites continues. He is cautioning them in preparation for their new life.

Moses reminds the people of what they have witnessed. I wouldn’t think it would be easy to forget, yet new generations are born and need to be told. Traditions and beliefs have been passed down over the ages. Moses sets it up beautifully by saying, “Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!’ For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” Don’t we all want to look wise. Shouldn’t we all want God to get the credit?

Deuteronomy 3:1-20 – Here You Go

Read Deuteronomy 3:1-20

https://www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/map_palestine_territory.html

If you haven’t already looked at a map of the Palestine region, today may be the time. There is a map in my study Bible that actually shows the wanderings in the wilderness. Moses and the people are now on the east side of the Jordan River involved in the land conquests we’re reading about.

Today we hear of another battle much like that yesterday. God was with the people, and they destroyed another kingdom. The land and possessions of the fallen ones are now the property of the Israelites, just as God had intended, as if God said, “Here you go!” What thoughts go through your mind as you read of these battles and all the brutal killing? For me, I struggle with God sparing one life at the loss of another. If God created us all, how can he wipe out a whole kingdom to open up a way for others? That was some promise! Does God play favorites? How do I make sure I’m one of them?

Deuteronomy 2:26-37 – Victory!

Read Deuteronomy 2:26-37

I always love to see how God rewards his faithful people and helps them be victorious. Moses’ recollection of these triumphant events gives us reason to cheer! The people trusted. It wasn’t the people’s might that won the battle but God’s hand of guidance and assistance.

Let’s take a closer look. We already know that God had told the people to avoid conflict with Ammonites and Moabites. Those were distant relatives; a people God had chosen to bless and protect. The protection went both ways. Moses reminds them that they were able to pass through these regions in safety because of God’s blessing.

Matthew 15:32-39 – 4,000 More!

Read Matthew 15:32-39

This may seem very similar to verses we read in the last chapter when Jesus fed 5,000 men (plus women and children). These are two distinct happenings. We see the number of people following Jesus expanding. In Jesus’ own words, “I have compassion for these people.”

For three days the people have stayed. Jesus has healed many. People were amazed and gave praise to the God of Israel. They understood that much, where the power came from. So what about the disciples? Having already seen a miraculous feeding, where was their faith?