For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
We contend with inner battles each day. Things like hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that lead to failure. As brought out in the post “Doing What Makes Us Victorious”, God has His plan for us but effort is needed to execute the plan properly.
The Word of God is alive and active. Receive this plan found in His Word, execute the plan, and as this song by Elevation Worship points out: See a Victory. The story has a good ending because the battle belongs to the Lord. He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good.
This day with God will be amazing as we read Deuteronomy 27 and carry out His plan for us. In today’s passage, Moses and the elders of Israel told the people of the plan as they cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. A solemn ceremony would be held to renew their pledge to God. They would celebrate blessings on Mount Gerizim and acknowledge curses on Mount Ebal. These mountains are west of the Jordan River about 35 miles north of Jerusalem.
The blessings would be received if God’s commands were obeyed but curses would result if His commands were not obeyed. These curses are similar to the Ten Commandments in that they were statements of Law inscribed on stone. They were different than the Ten Commandments in that the Levites would recite them and the people would respond.
The covenant in Canaan was more about actions done in secret. The areas of life violated in the covenant had more to do with our relationships. Our affiliation to God, to our parents, and to each other.
To step ahead towards victory, there is the need to be creative and do things no one else can do. In our journey of faith, there is a need to step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that keep us down. We need to desire authenticity, sincerity, and the certainty that God provides.
I’m reminded today of a book I read recently called, “Courage Beyond the Game” about the 1969 Texas Longhorn football team and a player named Freddie Steinmark. The team used an offense known as the wishbone. Once this offensive scheme got going, no one could stop it and they won the championship. In the years to follow, many other teams adopted this offensive system.
In recent times, churches have been challenged because of Coronavirus. For months, they have had to come up with ways to continue to meet together. Many use software to meet virtually. The below photo is my iPhone showing an app that my church developed. You can download the free app in theApp Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.
We can use technology to make a positive impact on our life. Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music. Available from any place or any time just by using our phone.
This day with You Lord, we receive Your plan for us. We come to You in prayer to ask for help in the execution of this plan and for us to see the victory ahead. To step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life. Let us be honest with ourselves by reflecting on the past and gaining the edge over these negative things that hold us back so we return to doing what makes us victorious.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33
In the post “Stepping Ahead in Obedience”, a take away was that the first fruit and tithe was an acknowledgement of God’s past help and continual care for the future. He had provided for them as they went from being oppressed in Egypt to receiving the wealth of the Promised Land.
As in the song Seek You by Evie, we too should seek God daily! We can cast our cares on Him and walk in His Ways. If we seek God first, He will flourish the Land and the enemies like poverty, doubt, and fear will not stand.
This day with God will be amazing as we read Deuteronomy 25 – 26, reflect on how to apply His word, and pray. We will give Him the best part of our day! Taking in the instructions from His Word and stepping ahead in obedience to that Word.
The first fruit and tithe is an acknowledgement of God’s blessings from the past and continual care for the future. Just like the Israelites who gave thanks with their first fruits to God for helping them go from being poor and oppressed into being blessed with the Promised Land; we too can give a tithe to acknowledge God for our past and the guaranteed exalted future.
The values that underlie the laws governing Israel’s religious, social, political, and moral life included being honest, showing initiative, living obediently, and graciously accepting others as a child of God; a treasure He has wonderfully made.
These values affect our attitudes toward the major issues facing us today. God thinks every person is AWESOME! Everyone is of great value to God and therefore should be of great value to us. If we did all the things God believes we can do, we would literally be astounded.
This day with You Lord, we seek You first. We are grateful for this new day as we reflect on the past and refocus on bigger dreams ahead. We give You the first part of our day so we fulfill all that You belief we can do as we live life passionately, love completely, learn humbly, and live boldly. Amen
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 