We come into this world, face difficulties, and do not always meet God’s standard but as explained in today’s poem, Christ has lifted a heavy weight off our back so each day we can grow in grace to receive the ticket to paradise.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. – Amos 5:24
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.
Much like a gardener removes weeds from a garden, we can root out the weeds that limit our ability to flourish. Part of that process is filling the inner garden with nourishment for the soul.
So this day with God, take in good songs like Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin telling us that Jesus is living on the inside. We are no longer bound by sin and darkness because we are living in the light of His goodness. Jesus has given freedom so there is liberty and justice for all.
So let us keep our focus on the integrity of the Cross. The picture of the Cross above was taken at my nieces wedding. The Cross binds us to God and binds two together in a marriage. The cross also binds a community together by applying the principles taught by Christ so there is liberty and justice for all.
This day with God, we will use the following questions as we reflect on His Word:
Why, do you think, are the provisions here to assure justice so important (See 10:17-18)? Are these principles important for your nation? Why? What do you do when you become aware of idolatry in your life?
*Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. – Albert Einstein
The provisions in Deuteronomy 16:18 through 17:20 declare justice is important because God is a just God. There should be no bribes because bribes blind the eyes of the wise (v. 19). There should be no partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich within a society. Food and clothing should be available for the needy.
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. Historically proving that the accurate Word of God is reliable to nourish and strengthen a society so it can flourish.
By being one nation under God, rooted out is idolatry much like a gardener removes weeds from a garden. There is a need for many helpers to participate in making something flourish because it requires a major effort but it is much more rewarding when others get to share in the success.
Judges and kings had the responsibility to maintain justice. They were to assure that orphans and widows would be defended. They were to know God’s Word and apply it within the society so the nation of Israel could prosper. It’s the same today because there must be a sense of justice, security, and order for individuals to invest in communities. For a nation to prosper, law and order must be present so there is liberty and justice for all.
A nation must purge evil so good can prevail. If idolatry enters in, God’s Word can be used to nourish virtuous activities so this good has a chance to grow. Eventually over time, the good will flourish and idolatry will be smothered out to no longer exist.
This day with You Lord, we reach for Your high standards. Help us to take in Your Word and live out each day with a sense of urgency. We are thankful for the advantages You provide because of the integrity of the Cross including grace, resurrection power, and the Holy Spirit to guide us each day toward these high standards. Amen.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2
The post “Joy in All We Do” was about the significance of joy in worship. 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.
This day, be reminded of the victory that Christ brings in our life. Praise God for the sunrise, the sunset, and all His creation. Worship in art, poetry, and in song like Counting Every Blessing by Rend Collective. Put some pep in your step with momentum for your day for in every season, there is a reason to be joyful. We are blessed beyond measure and there is hope in our future because each day with God is a treasure.
The photo above was taken at my office building a few years ago as I looked out one of the meeting rooms. I wanted to capture the moment because it was a sign to me that everything would work out under a stressful situation. There is peace and joy because Jesus was born. Believe God will provide music for your ears, laughter for our souls, and a rainbow after every storm.
This day will be amazing because we seek God every day and in Him we believe. We are thankful for His provision; grateful for all we receive. Today, we read Deuteronomy 16:1-17 and will receive joy from reading His Word.
The passage today discusses three annual events that required meeting at the central place of worship. The Festival of Unleavened Bread or Passover, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles.
Passover is celebrated in March or April and was the celebration of being “passed over” when the first born was killed in Egypt because of the blood sprinkled door. The Festival of Weeks or Pentecost is celebrated seven weeks after planting in May or June. The Festival of Tabernacles is celebrated after harvest in September or October.
The take away for me is to find joy in all we do and bring it into worship because worship is giving thanks to God for what He has blessed us with. Let us find joy in His Word and apply it in our life. Let us find joy in music, in art, and in poetry. Let us find joy in the sunrise, the sunset, and the photos we take.
This day with You Lord, we step out in faith because of the victory in Christ. We can enjoy every moment and not worry. We can be happy instead of being uneasy and just be the person You made us to be. Help us to be at peace with things at work or with financial concerns at home. Today, we let the worries go and trust that everything will be worked out. Today, there is pep in our step with momentum for our day. Amen.
