Today’s Tasting: Deuteronomy 17–20 (NLT): In today’s reading the people of Israel received very specific instructions from God. He told them never to offer a sick animal as sacrifice to Him. When someone was accused of breaking the law the people were not to find the person guilty on the testimony of just one person. Rather there should be at least two or three witnesses. They were told that when they entered the promised land and desired to have a king, they were to pick who God chose and never to select a foreigner. God reminded them that the priests and Levites would have no part in the inheritance for He would provide for them through the sacrificial offerings made by the people. He warned them to live holy lives and not partake in idol worshiping as the other nations that they would conquer. God would also raise up prophets from among them. They would know the words the prophet spoke came from God if what he said came true but if what the prophet spoke did not come true then that person was a false prophet not sent by God. They also were instructed to build cities of refuge for the safety of those who committed a crime. They were not to steal land from each other by moving property lines. Lastly, He gave them regulations for war.
Today’s Nourishment: In all of the guidelines that God gave the children of Israel so they could enjoy His blessings there were also consequences if they did not follow His instructions fully. The same applies to us today. When we obey all of God’s word and not just the parts we want to, we get to experience the fullness of His promises. Disobedience hinders God’s blessings in our lives but He is so merciful that when we repent of our wrong doings, He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In today’s reading it struck me that God told His people not to find someone guilty of a crime on the testimony of just one person (see Deuteronomy 17:6). Have you ever believed something about someone because of what one person said about him or her? I know I have been guilty of this. Let us remember God’s instruction to find at least two or three witnesses in the matter before we rush to judgment.
Father, I admit that I have not always followed Your guidelines for my life and I have been disobedient to Your holy word. Lord, I am sorry and I seek Your forgiveness for every wrong thing that I have done. I ask that Your Holy Spirit fill me and lead me into all truth and understanding of Your word. Help me to live a life of obedience that is pleasing to You. Help me to rise above sin and overcome it. I love you Lord, and I want my life to be a reflection of how I feel about You. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Tomorrows Reading: Deuteronomy 21-23
Chantea Williams
Jesus, I seek you!
I think we have all been guilty of that at some point. The older I get the more I realize the importance of seeking Him and keeping my focus on His ways that are higher and better than ours. When we do it causes us to not want to sin against Him and His word. Father forgive me when I’ve followed my own way and sinned against Your word. I too want my life to be a reflection of You. Thank You Lord!
I’ve definitely been guilty of passing judgment on what just one person says. Thank you, Chantea for the reminder not to do this and to do things God’s way. I will be more aware of this for sure.