Deuteronomy

Over these past two weeks I have completely fallen in love with Deuteronomy. I'm finally (a year later) through studying the first four book of the Bible, and now finishing the Pentateuch. I'm going through Kay Arthur's "Teach Me Your Ways" inductive study. It has been perfect for this season of life that I am in and I love studying the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy is such a beautiful thing - it is tying in everything that I have studied thus far so perfectly - such rich text and words full of life. This morning I am completely ruined and in awe of chapter 10 and just keep reading it over and over, begging God that these words would define who I am and what I live by…..

And now, (Linnae), what does the Lord your God as of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

To the Lord belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, above all nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts and do not be stiff-necked any longer.

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

And YOU are to love those who are aliens, for your yourselves were aliens… Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise, he is your God…

Deuteronomy, thus far, keeps saying the same thing over and over again. It's as if God is trying to ingrain something in our hearts?! Duh!

Fear God… Love Him…. Love the aliens - those differing in nature or character from you (those you don't feel natural loving) YIKES! … Serve Him…. with what? … all your heart and all your soul… walk in all His ways…..

Why? Because He loves US... He saved US from death... and He loved those who weren't loved and accepted... and He is the Lord our God… He is God… Lord… awesome… mighty… owns and created the heavens and the earth and everything in it… and yet He chose US!

Jesus help me this day… open our eyes and our hearts to these words.. make them living and active… penetrating our souls. This is what I'm attempting today… Love God, serve Him, love His people…..