So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5
We are fighting one common enemy; the devil who likes war, corruption, and sickness. On the other hand, God likes peace, righteousness, and health and as pointed out in the post “The Ripple Effect of Building Faith”, this all begins at home in the family unit.
Proper family relations are crucial for a society to function properly because if a family has godly values, these values will carry over into society as a whole. Take inspiration from the song Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and go after your dreams but also help the next one in line.
This day with God will be amazing because as we share the Word we are receiving much more in return. Like ripples in the water, this sharing may seem small at first but eventually these thoughts and ideas about building our faith will make an impact in the world around us.
The collection of laws in Deuteronomy 21 – 22 as explained by Moses stresses the value of living with our neighbors in an orderly way with respect to human relationships, family matters, murder, and marriage.
Our relationships with each other are so important and this value begins at home. Rebellious and disobedient behavior in the home was not tolerated in the Old Testament. It was a serious matter even to the point that a rebellious son might be stoned to death. So let us also consider this matter of reverence to parents very crucial today.
We are born into this world without food or clothing. Someone has to help us to survive and the family unit is there to help. For a society to flourish, it all begins with the family unit and then the ripple effect carries into the neighborhood, into other communities, and the world as a whole. We are fighting one common evil enemy; the devil who likes war, corruption, and sickness.
On the other hand, God likes peace, righteousness, and health and these values begin with good family values. Proper family relations are crucial for a society to function properly because if a family has godly values, these values will carry over into society as a whole.
The next area of concern after the family unit is our neighborhoods. We are to help our neighbors in protecting property and in watching out for crime. Let us always make every effort to be kinder than necessary to neighbors by watching out for their property and helping them in their time of need. We will discover that this act of kindness will give life significance and bring peace and joy to the world.
This day with You Lord, we share Your Word to build faith in ourselves, in our families, in our neighborhood, communities, and hopefully around the world. As we encourage one another, grow in faith together, pray for each other, and are kind to our neighbor, we receive more than we give. Sharing about faith gives life significance and in turn we receive peace and joy. Amen.
We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.
Deuteronomy 21 – 22 – What do you think are the important values stressed in reading this collection of laws? Why do you think, are proper family relations so crucial? What basic principles govern your life with your family? With your neighbors (See 22:1-4)?
Deuteronomy 23 – 24 – What basic religious and social values are affirmed in these laws? To what extent is exploitation forbidden? What about your basic values is revealed in your everyday actions toward your family, neighbors, and the needy?
Deuteronomy 25 – 26 – In what ways are the first fruit and tithe an acknowledgement of God’s past and continual care for the future? What values underlie the laws governing Israel’s religious, social, political, and moral life? How do these values affect your attitudes toward the major issues facing society today?
Deuteronomy 27 – What is involved in the solemn ceremony which is to follow the renewing of the covenant in Canaan (See 11:26-32)? How are the curses the same as the Ten Commandments (See Chapt. 5)? How are the curses different than the Ten Commandments? What areas of life are violated in these curses?
Deuteronomy 28 – Imagine you are listening to Moses. How do the blessings affect you? How do the curses affect you? Visualize your nation obeying God’s plan. What do you think the response would be from surrounding nations?
Deuteronomy 29 – What has God done for them in the past? How has God called you to personal commitment? What is the comparison between idolatry with a root (v. 18)? In what ways have you been tempted to substitute mere conformity to Christian ethics or conduct for inner reality of true commitment?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
Today’s message from my pastor at this link about what is recorded in Ruth 3. Boaz is a wealthy land owner and Ruth is in a desperate situation. Two very different people but sharing one thing in common; knowledge of the ONE true God and faithfulness to Him.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading and sharing some thoughts from the study of Deuteronomy 14-20. The Bible is all about gaining wisdom because we are learning from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future. Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog or the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith in current times.
One thought brought out in the post “Dedicated to the Purpose” is God’s Plan for Us. He wants what is best for us and is concerned about how we treat our neighbors so the tithe provides a means of support for the good works within a community.
The post “Accept the Help” discussed the principle of forgiving debt on the seventh year. Payment of a loan was extended for one year as a generous act of concern for neighbors in need. They were given a grace period similar to the grace of the gospel in pardoning sins.
Significance of joy in worship was brought out in the post “Joy in All We Do”. The basis of Hebrew worship is remembrance, joyfulness, and praise for what God has given. If those under the law could celebrate, how much more can we who receive the holy gift of the gospel, rejoice and be full of life.
Highlighted in the post “The Integrity of the Cross” is that the treasure of what is true and right must be for all. A society must judge with integrity and with the friendly companion of truth which history has sorted out over time. Proven throughout history is that the accurate Word of God is reliable to nourish and strengthen a society so it can flourish.
Brought out in the post “Justice” is that God loves order. He has a plan for us so priorities are set up. We have order in how neighbors should treat each other and laws to secure justice.
A take away from the post “Victorious Outcomes” is that God has our interest in mind when we go to Him in prayer believing that He will give us what has been promised. There is always a wonderful outcome when we trust in the Lord to help us face our internal battles.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 