Category: Faith
Cover to Cover Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-29:29 Focus: Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 15-19 When it comes to the issue of reward and penalty in life, they are polar opposites. For a job well done, there is one reward, for a job not done well, the penalty is often the opposite of the reward. For example, a child that cleans their room may be rewarded with extra helping of desserts at dinner. If the child does not clean their room, dessert is withheld altogether (and they still have to clean their room)! Employment is much the same, though the consequences are far worse.
Cover to Cover Reading: Deuteronomy 24:1-27:26 Focus: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 The people of Israel have an interesting story. Starting with God’s calling of Abraham, continuing through Isaac, Jacob, and the 12 sons of Jacob—the namesakes of the 12 tribes of Israel. Through Joseph, the family of Jacob (Israel) was preserved in the prosperity of Egypt and the family grew into a large tribe of people. In time, they were subjected to slavery as a new power rose in Egypt unaware of all that Joseph had done. In their oppression they called out and God heard their cry and the time had…
Cover to Cover Reading: Deuteronomy 20:1-23:25 Focus: Deuteronomy 22:1-4 I remember growing up that most of the houses in my neighbourhood were generally fairly open. It was safe to leave your doors open and unlocked, there was little concern about the kids playing out on the streets, and you would, at least, be polite and greet your neighbours as they pass you on the street on the evening walk. Yet, there are few communities where that happens anymore. People are wary of the safety of their houses, their children outside the house, and always eying people with suspicion as you…
Cover to Cover Reading: Deuteronomy 16:1-19:21 Focus: Deuteronomy 18:14-22 In the ancient world, there were oracles and sorcerers, to which people would seek the future; in animistic societies, the shamans and witch doctors, seek the guidance of the spirits; in modern society, people refer to astrologists, psychics, palm readers, tarot cards, and the list goes on. Yet, are these sources reliable? Can they be trusted? People are looking for answers in life, but are these the right people to be going to?
Cover to Cover Reading: Deuteronomy 12:1-15:22 Focus: Deuteronomy 12:1-7 …and God’s heart is in us. For Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) And Paul reminds us that “you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you.” (1 Corinthians 3:16) If such is the case that we are God’s temple—that is, His dwelling place—then should we then be careful of what we fill our hearts, God’s temple—the place where His Spirit dwells, with?
