(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 4:1-24) In today’s Scripture, we see Moses gather the Israelites together to prepare their hearts to once again receive the Ten Commandments. This new generation, the generation ready to enter into the Promised Land, need to hear what the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai, to renew their covenant with God, and […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 3:21-29) When we see the name Moses, what do we think of? Growing up in a Christian home and having attended Sunday School as a child, when I think of Moses I think of his loving mother and sister, a baby protected by God, a man growing in power in Egypt, a man […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 3:1-20) As we read through Deuteronomy it serves as a reminder for the path Israel took towards the Promised Land. In today’s Scripture, we are also challenged with asking, “what is the Promised Land?” In Numbers 32, which Moses refers to in today’s Scripture, we see the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 2:24-37) As Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt, through the wilderness, into the Promised Land, we read in today’s Scripture about an encounter with Sihon king of Heshbon. As the Israelites moved towards the Promised Land, we read in today’s passage that they were not given permission to pass through […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 2:1-23) Although Israel could have taken possession of the land that the Lord promised their ancestors early on in their journey, it was because of their lack of faith and trust in the Lord that they were led to wander in the wilderness. I imagine wandering in the wilderness would take its toll […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 1:19-46) As Moses retold the story of Israel as they left Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land, we are reminded that the Israelites could have avoided their 40-year journey by trusting in the Lord and going directly into the Promised Land as the Lord commanded. Physical distance wasn’t the issue, for it wasn’t […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 1:1-18) As we enter into the Book of Deuteronomy, which is the last book of the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible), we see Moses speak of the past to a new generation in order to prepare them for their future in the Promised Land. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 […]
19–25 August 2018. Ruth 1 (click to read). Ruth is one of the shortest books in the Bible, but also one of the most beautiful. It’s so moving because at each step of the story we see the profound importance of kindness, compassion, and love. In chapter 1 we see this at two different levels. […]
13–19 May 2018. Deuteronomy 28 (click to read). For a long time in ancient Israel, the text of Deuteronomy 28 was lost. 2 Kings 22 tells us that when it was rediscovered and read to King Josiah, the text was so shocking the king tore his clothes in despair. Even though this text doesn’t apply […]
6–12 May 2018. Deuteronomy 17–18 (click to read). Our lives are full of temptations. Some of us are tempted by popularity, by possessions and money, by power, or countless other things. It doesn’t matter whether we are great or small, pastors or lay people, men or women or children, we all struggle with temptations. That’s […]