March 11

Deuteronomy 29

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moses reviews Israel's past for the last time outlining the blessings of obedience and warning of failure for disobedience. He pleads with them: Choose life (30:19). Finally: Be strong and of a good courage (31:6).

Moses had finished his ministry as the lawgiver and leader of Israel. The aged guide to the promised land is speaking his third discourse to Israel. He becomes more earnest as he declared: I command thee this day to love the Lord . . . walk in His ways . . . keep His Commandments. . . . choose life . . . for He is thy life (30:16-20). Moses final words were: Be strong and of a good courage (31:6). But they ignored Moses and the Israelite kingdom was defeated and the people were driven into captivity.

Jesus said that all possible ways to live are reduced to just two and everyone is on either the Broad Way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in (Matthew 7:13) or the Narrow Way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (7:14). There is no third choice. He will not fail thee is dependent upon the course of loyalty we have chosen. Moses appealed to them to love the Lord thy God . . . to keep His Commandments (Deuteronomy 30:16). This determines all that follows: He is thy life (30:20).

When our greatest desire is to please our Savior, we will ask ourselves: "Am I devoting my life to seeking first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness Matthew 6:33) or am I doing what is of foremost concern to me in secular pleasures? We must face the fact that everyone will give an account for every day of their lives (II Corinthians 5:10). Fulfillment and satisfaction are the outcome of a life which recognizes the importance of being a servant of the King of kings.

We who know Christ as our Savior and Lord should ask ourselves: "Do I always demonstrate in my daily conduct and conversation that I have chosen to please the One who satisifes the deepest longings of my heart and who provides my every need?"

Jesus died for all our sins and, as our Representative, His death translates us into a new life. We have chosen life . . . for He is thy life. Henceforth, by virtue of His atonement, "sin has no more dominion over us." Since we are under His leadership to destroy its empire in our lives, the indwelling Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present word; Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12-13).

We know that Godliness is profitable . . . having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (I Timothy 4:8).

Thought for Today:

How much of my time do I dedicate each week to fulfilling His call to serve Him. Pleasing God should be our greatest satisfaction. In Him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Christ Revealed:

As life (Deuteronomy 30:15). Jesus is the Resurrection, and the Life (John 11:25).

Word Studies:

29:7 smote =b> defeated; 29:19 bless himself =b> congratulate himself; 31:10 solemnity =b> appointed time.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by the Lord Jesus Christ • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Justice Antonin Scalia • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matthew 6:12).

Optional Reading: John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:15