Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 10 ... Deuteronomy 32 - 34 "Your Words Fall Like Rain on Thirsty Hearts"
"Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it's your life." Deut 32:46. This passage has meant much to me over the past three decades. It is deeply touching to me to read it in context written by a dying man who trusted his Good God even though he wasn't being allowed to cross into the Promised Land. Moses' last song comes from such good places in his heart steadfast on trusting his God Who has not satisfied Moses with what he wanted as he nears his final breath. And "no prophet has risen since like this man." It's not a punitive judment of God---it's a passionate judgment. So, isn't this really about living for First Things not Second Things? As we close the pages of Deuteronomy, what lingers in your heart? For me, there is no "Plan B" for Moses nor for any of us. The question this day is not: How can I get a better life in the Promised Land (and remember, God, it was a promise!). No, the question really is: How can I love my good God in my situation? And my prayer for each of you this day is found in the most beautiful inaugual words of this song in Deut 32:2 where Moses stood on a mountain witnessing what he could not have and humbly spoke words of life. The words fell then and now like rain on thirsty hearts. My prayer for you: May the words you give to others, your teaching, fall like a gentle rain on tender hearts. May they arrive like morning dew, like sprinkling rain on new grass. And may those who listen to you this day and forevermore respond to the greatness of your good God!
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So thankful today that: (32:5) God can be depended upon, no exceptions! (33:12) God's beloved, encircled by God all day long, with whom God is at home. (33:29) Who has it as good as you? ...saved by God. The shield who defends and brings triumph!.
ReplyDeleteAs we close the pages of Deuteronomy, Deu. 29:29 & 30:11-14spoke to me. God will take care of the hidden things, the revealed things are my business. I do not have to figure out the things I don't understand, He will reveal all that is needed in His perfect timing. He is not in the business of hiding His will.
It is fitting that I conclude the Books of the LAW today, March 10th as for 94 years this day I always celebrated my mother's birthday. Still this day never passes but I think of her. She taught me so much about the LOVE of God and His faithfulness even when His children are not faithful.
ReplyDeleteThis read has brought the song "Be Thou My Vision" even dearer to me as I have come to understand there is no Plan B. God has the best waiting for me. Yes, and sometimes He takes me OUT to bring me IN.
I desire to focus on loving my family, but to love God even more.
The focus in Deuteronomy has blessed me richly as I have shared with friends who are experincing difficult circumstances several of the key points in this book as written by Larry Crabb. There is nothing that comparies to a Love Letter from God as I read His Word.
FYI I passed my CE on Monday as I sat for three straight hours for this computer generated exam. The peace of God that overcame me as I drove to this event and as I completed this exam was nothing short of another major miracle from God.
This blog family is so dear to me. Thank you for making a big difference in my life. This a song I must sing.
Loving you,
Sylvia
I've always viewed "wilderness" as external circumstances, but this time, I finally see it as the flawed condition of my heart: the prison of self centeredness, as Dr. Crabb calls it. He brings us out to bring us in to Him, from painful bondage (tied with our own hands) to the freedom of love. Loving God only when He gives us what we want is but an extension of our selfish souls. "Love is sustained by confidence in My (God's) character, not by enjoyment of current blessings."
ReplyDeleteAnd last, I am comforted by yesterday's reading that what He asks of us is totally doable. We can be obedient only when we return to Him and remain in Him, NOT if we act valiantly, self-righteously in our own power. I have no willpower. However, I have my beautiful God, and He supplies the energy, the "oxygen" to fully experience authentic Life.
Sylvia, in my mind's eye, I am sitting with you quietly this morning, attending the dear memory of your mother's love. Nothing I've known on earth is as close to His agape love for us as my mother's. Light a candle today and remember. Sending you a hug and love...
Ladies, my heart is so grateful for each one of you. Your hearts are most genuine toward your Savior. Your words pierce the deep places in me, call me tenderly back to my First Love. Thank you, with all my heart.
And, faintly again, I hear our faithful God say to Moses, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of your master."
ReplyDeleteI'll miss you, Moses. Until we meet again, either on the pages of His Revelation or face to face.
The Lord's providential timing continues to amaze me, how He can weave so much together seamlessly in my life and in those around me. I feel like He's doing major heart surgery on me, and in many ways, I didn't realize I had a heart problem. These first five books have clearly revealed that to me.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking about what God says in Deuteronomy 6: "Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and them get them inside your children."
I want to get them inside of me. I want to be his child who obeys out of love and trust in Him. I don't want my love of God to be sustained only by his current blessings.
I am also overwhelmed by the example of Moses. I've seen things in him by reading the Message that had eluded me when I read through other versions. What a man of God! He put first things first. His example of complete trust in the Lord is powerful.
I leave Deuteronomy thankful for the promise of ch.18:15...the promise of a future Prophet. The law cannot deliver from sin. "For the law was given through Moses,but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
ReplyDeleteBetter than I deserve...so much better than I deserve!!
Sylvia, congatulations on passing your exam!
Blessings,
FG Forever Grateful
Sylvia, Congratulations! I'm SO happy for you! "Jesus looked at them and said, 'with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ~Matthew 19:26
ReplyDeleteMore and more I realize how much I need Him as my Plan A. ... and love that I am the apple of His eye. I'm also glad to be in His Word with you all.
Oh, and Syliva... any friend of yours is a friend of mine! :)
Love you guys,
Angie xoxo
Thank You, God, for the example Moses set for me to follow.
ReplyDeleteSurrounded by unbelief, pride and presumptuous sin, Moses was the apple of God's eye. He was filled with a spirit of wisdom and he sure could preach a sermon!
He was a miracle survivor at birth and God Himself buried Him.
He was mourned for 30 days by his people.
Each chapter was filled with miracles and majesty.
I loved how he would climb up a mountain to spend time with God. And that these chapters describe his last climb up the mountain only to be brought down into the valley by God for his burial. His hidden burial.
Yes, the hidden things belong to God. That makes it so easy to trust Him.
Thankful that there is no Plan B, only Plan A.
Thankful that we can choose...blessings or cursings. I choose blessings.
Thankful that God can use us in spite of our weaknesses.
Thankful that our God is brilliant and a consuming fire. He teaches us every day and I know that He cares for me personally.
He is my God, yes, He is!
Sylvia! Happy birthday to your mom. She raised a beautiful songbird when she raised you.
ReplyDeleteToday is my husband's birthday, too.
God is faithful. Bev, keep putting First things first!
Sylvia, How beautiful the love you hold for your Mom. There's a blog I've followed and precious 2-year-old Layla went to be with our Lord this morning, healed forever. She met your Mom---that's all I could think of today. Pray for her precious parents here! And congratulations to you on passing your exam. Wow!
ReplyDeleteAnnette, Your post is captivating to my thoughts and so stirring and one I'll long remember. Your thoughts on the prison of self-centeredness means much to me!
Deborah, I really loved when you talked about Moses miracle birth and God burying him. What a picture! Only God could have done that.
Moses stood on the mountaintop of faith as he looked at the Promised Land and didn't let possession of it rule him. Mountaintops of faith and Valleys of Suffering. He belonged only to Him and whatever He desired.