Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+004

 

Acts 4       English Standard Version (ESV)

Peter and John Before the Council

¹ And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, ² greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

⁵ On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ⁶ with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹ if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. ¹¹ This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. ¹² And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰ for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” ²¹ And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

 

REFLECTION:

• Peter and John were arrested for healing a cripple in Jesus’ name at the gate of the temple. They were interrogated by priests and officials, and threatened not to speak in Jesus’ name again.  Peter and John boldly replied, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”(vv19-20)
• Do you have a message that you “cannot help but speak”? Is your message the same as Peter’s – that there is “no other name by which we must be saved”? (v12)
• How has knowing Jesus shaped your character so that people might notice you have “been with Jesus” (v13)?
• Pray that God will grant you the same zeal and passion to share with others what God has done in your life.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, there is a message in my heart that I cannot refrain from sharing, just like Peter did. That is, apart from You, there is no other salvation in heaven and on earth! We are saved by You and belong to You exclusively! You are the strong and handsome bridegroom, and our church is the bride waiting for You, adorned and purified, with a pure heart! Behold, how this bride adores You! If she expresses her deep affection for You to the mountains, the mountains will rejoice like waves; if she confides her longing for You to the stones, the stones will sing like birds. Lord Jesus, please make Your bride steadfast and strong, for she waits for You in difficulties and hardships. Around her, there are all kinds of wild beasts belonging to the devil, and various vanities of the world lure her. Please make our hearts remember only Your sweet smile, and may our eyes see only Your gentle and holy glory. Please change our character so that people can recognize that we belong to You through our words and deeds. Please make us carry a fiery passion and a sea-like patience, and be a beautiful witness for You in the world. We are willing to go through countless spring rains and autumn rains for You, until that day when the wheat waves like golden waves, the pomegranates bear fruit like pearls, and the grapes hang down like agate beads. You will surely welcome Your bride in incomparable glory, and greet us with the most affectionate smile between heaven and earth, Amen!

 

HYMN:

To God Be The Glory (All For You) – youtu.be/GKOI3cl3EQo

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+003

 

Acts 3       English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lame Beggar Healed

¹ Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. ² And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. ³ Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. ⁴ And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” ⁵ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.⁶ But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” ⁷ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. ⁸ And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. ⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico

¹¹ While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. ¹² And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵ and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. ¹⁶ And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. ¹⁷ “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ¹⁸ But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.¹⁹ Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, ²⁰ that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, ²¹ whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. ^……”

 

REFLECTION:

• Peter healed a crippled man in Jesus’ name. And he then called the crowd to repent and believe in Jesus. The name of a person represented that person. When Peter healed this man in the name of Jesus, he was saying that it was Jesus who was ultimately responsible for the healing, not Peter. Peter healed him in the power of and with the authority of Jesus of Nazareth.
• The “completely” healed man was a powerful testimony to the power of God and the truth of Peter’s words. Recall a time when you felt broken and in need of healing.
• How did Jesus heal those “crippled” areas of your life? How have you seen the power of God demonstrated in your life and in the lives of others?
• Thank God for the powerful ways that He has transformed and healed you and is continuously doing to mold you into the likeness of Christ. Ask Him to give you the opportunity to talk about Jesus to one person this week.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am fully aware that my life is filled with flaws, my body is weak, my spirit is weary, and my thoughts are filled with various forms of arrogance and prejudice. I am a person who is spiritually blind and mentally crippled, without Your healing, without Your companionship and support, how could I have come to this day step by step? Today, my life is still filled with various imperfections, and I only ask that You continue to support me, accompanying me with Your tender love and gentleness in the spring breeze and autumn rain, in the winter snow and summer sun, so that Your power may be made perfect in my weakness. Heavenly Father, I see Your love and great power in the exquisite and beautiful wings of birds, in the delicate and transparent tail fins of fish, and in every bright red leaf of autumn. The heavens and earth may grow old like a garment, but Your love will endure forever! This world is still filled with various flaws, so let me and my brothers and sisters manifest Your great power with our weaknesses, comforting the sorrowful, soothing the painful, wiping away tears, until the day of complete restoration, when You will dwell with us and all things will be made beautiful and perfect. Amen!

 

HYMN:

What A Savior – youtu.be/wG_710JTagU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+002

 

Acts 2        English Standard Version (ESV)

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

¹ When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance…

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

¹⁴ But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words…

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

³⁷ Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” ⁴¹ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

 

REFLECTION:

• The Holy Spirit came suddenly and visibly to the gathered believers on Pentecost. And they began to speak in foreign languages recognized by visitors there. Then Peter preached from Israel’s history explaining the salvation of God to the crowd. Amazingly, 3,000 people believed.
• Imagine you were there. What would it have been like for you as one of the crowd looking on? Has your life been affected by the Holy Spirit? In what specific ways?
• Those that heard Peter’s Spirit-filled message were moved. They asked, “What shall we do?”  Peter answered: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” This is the basic question every new believer will ask.  It’s not enough to feel sorry for the sins we have committed; we need to ask for God’s forgiveness.  When we repent, God will not only wipe away our sins, He will give us the Holy Spirit who will renew us spiritually so that we may live out the forgiven new life.
• When did you make your initial commitment to Christ? What convinced you of your need for Him? How are you living out your “forgiven new life”?

 

PRAYER:

Merciful Heavenly Father, are there any sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, lakes, or seas that are not created by Your fingers? Are there any birds, fish, trees, or flowers that do not testify to Your divine work? Though humans are lowly and rebellious, we are still saved and cared for by You! You sent Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to become humble as a human, to suffer, die, rise again, and triumph, cleansing us of all our sins and fulfilling Your great grace of salvation. What in this world can compare to this greatest miracle and wonder? You also sent the Holy Spirit of truth to watch over and keep us, guiding us in the paths of life. O Holy Spirit of truth, please fill our hearts and the hearts of our brothers and sisters, helping us understand that we should grieve, repent, and humbly seek forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for our sins. Please teach us every day, continually transforming us, empowering us to live a new life of forgiveness from sins, so that each one of us may radiate with the flame-like brilliance and fervor, allowing the glory of our Heavenly Father to shine upon every dark corner around us. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Song of Repentance – youtu.be/iE4YYHr2SF8

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+001

 

Brief Introduction of the Book of Acts

Luke’s second volume is known as the book of Acts (see the Invitation to Luke–Acts for more detailed information on the Gospel of Luke). The six parts of the book of Acts each describe a new phase in the expansion of the Messiah-following movement outward from Jerusalem. These sections are all marked by variations on the phrase the word of God continued to spread and flourish:

1. The church is established in Jerusalem and becomes Greek-speaking, allowing it to spread its message throughout the empire.
2. The movement expands into the rest of Palestine.
3. Gentiles are included in the gathering of Jesus-followers alongside Jews.
4. Messengers are sent west into the Roman province of Asia.
5. These messengers enter Europe.
6. The final phase, the movement reaches the capital city of Rome and into the highest levels of society; God’s kingdom is thus announced to all nations.

www.bible.com/zh-TW/bible/111/ACT.INTRO1.NIV

 

Acts 1       English Standard Version (ESV)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

¹ In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, ² until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³ He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

⁴ And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ⁹ And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹ and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.¹³ And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

 

REFLECTION:

• During Jesus’ last days on earth, He taught His disciples the truth about Himself. His disciples questioned Jesus about His kingdom (v6). And Jesus told them their specific role in what was to happen.
• Jesus knew that the disciples would feel anxious and be lack of confidence. So, when He instructed His disciples to witness to the world, He told them to wait a few days. The Spirit will come. You will receive power. And then you “will be my witnesses” – in your neighborhood and throughout the world!
• The term “with one accord” (v14) pictures the church gathered – praying, worshiping, reaching decisions – in a spirit of unity and harmony. This is what we definitely need as each of us tries to fulfill the task Jesus gave for the church.
• How are you affected when you pray with other believers—especially as you consider your part in God’s mission for the church?
• Thank God for giving you a task to carry out, and tell Him about the fears and joys you feel as His servant. Thank God for the privilege of praying “with one accord” with other believers in the church.

 

PRAYER:

Merciful and compassionate Heavenly Father, beloved Lord Jesus, perfect and beautiful Holy Spirit, the one true God in three persons. Today, I intentionally entrust my body, mind, and spirit into Your hands, placing my hope in You. I ask for Your personal care and protection, guarding my life in this season, so that I may stand before the fragrant flowers and tranquil lakes, wander under the purple starry sky and colorful autumn woods, to quietly listen to Your words and seek Your will. I also pour out my earnest prayers to You, expressing my fears and joys like a child. The autumn sky is so vast, and the earth’s misty breath is so beautiful. The holy and good Spirit moves in heaven and earth, as well as in the hearts of me and my brothers and sisters, silently adding strength to us. May Your personal guidance lead us, so that our entire church may have a heart of harmony and unity, worshipping our eternal and triune God, the source of all love, truth, and beauty. May our souls be filled with joy, and our lives be filled with exuberance. May our lives grow before You like autumn flowers, exuding a distant and refreshing fragrance, bringing heavenly coolness to this noisy and hectic world. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Spirit of God – youtu.be/ugEWAgok6b0

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+034

 
Deuteronomy 34 (ESV)

The Death of Moses

1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

 

REFLECTION:

• Moses was the leader of the nation of Israel for the latter part of his life. He was mostly obedient and faithful, but there were times of disobedience.  Because of that, God told Moses that the Israelites would enter the Promised Land but that he would not (v4).  In Chapter 34 Moses dies atop Mount Nebo, located in the modern-day country of Jordan, just to the east of the Dead Sea in Israel.
• Why does God take disobedience so seriously? What have been some consequences of my own disobedience?
• Am I able to trust the promises of God, even if I never end up seeing them? Why or why not?

 

PRAYER:

Merciful Heavenly Father, I pray that You help me live a life of faith and obedience, always honoring You. Please increase my faith each day, for I understand that without faith, I cannot obey Your will, nor can I please You. Heavenly Father, I pray that You enable me to live out my life according to Your promises, and that I can hold onto hope and reverence in my heart, whether on sunny days or in stormy weather. I want to be inspired by the lives of many prophets and saints, such as Abraham and Moses, who lived their entire lives with faith and hope, and completed their missions on earth, leaving behind a wonderful testimony for You. Many of them died in faith without receiving what was promised, yet their witness surrounds me like clouds, giving me the faith to follow their example. I know that we are just passing through in this world, and our shared hope is to have a more beautiful home in heaven, the glorious eternal city You have prepared for us. I pray that I may live my life with such a beautiful love and longing until the day I return home. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Faith Above Fear – youtu.be/V5z4VqK5ryE

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+033

 

Deuteronomy 33 (ESV)

Moses’ Final Blessing on Israel

1 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,
“The Lord came from Sinai
and dawned from Seir upon us;
he shone forth from Mount Paran;
he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,
with flaming fire at his right hand.
3 Yes, he loved his people,
all his holy ones were in his hand;
so they followed in your steps,
receiving direction from you,
4 when Moses commanded us a law,
as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.
5 Thus the Lord became king in Jeshurun,
when the heads of the people were gathered,
all the tribes of Israel together.

6 “Let Reuben live, and not die,
but let his men be few.”

7 And this he said of Judah:
“Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,
and bring him in to his people.
With your hands contend for him,
and be a help against his adversaries.”

8 And of Levi he said,
“Give to Levi your Thummim,
and your Urim to your godly one,
whom you tested at Massah,
with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;
9 who said of his father and mother,
‘I regard them not’;
he disowned his brothers
and ignored his children.
For they observed your word
and kept your covenant.
10 They shall teach Jacob your rules
and Israel your law;
they shall put incense before you
and whole burnt offerings on your altar.
11 Bless, O Lord, his substance,
and accept the work of his hands;
crush the loins of his adversaries,
of those who hate him, that they rise not again.”

 

REFLECTION:

• The blessings of Moses in this chapter contain prayer, predictions, praise, and commands.
• Reuben a prayer for survival; Judah a prediction of victory; Levi a prayer for blessing, a call to faithfulness; Benjamin a promise of safety; Ephraim a promise of preeminence; Manasseh a prediction of strength; Zebulun and Issachar a prediction of wealth; Gad a promise of land; Dan a prediction of energy; Napthali a promise of blessing; Asher a prayer for strength and security.
• The blessings show that God desires the very best for His people. But we need to remember that it is what is the very best in His eyes and not our own eyes; and the most important gift God can give is already ours – Himself.  As Moses said, “the Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
• In what sense am I blessed as a child of God? What are some of my blessings?
• Who would I like to bless? Why?  With what?

 

PRAYER:

Father in heaven, You are a God of great grace and love, always watching over Your children. You delight in giving us the best and granting us eternal joy and life. However, our rebellion, foolishness, and greed often blind our eyes and keep us from knowing what is truly best for us. We often pray for this or that, but according to our own desires and not according to Your will. Father in heaven, I want to follow the example of King Solomon and pray to You, not for wealth, fame, or achievement, but for a greater measure of heavenly wisdom, that I may discern what is truly best for me. I ask that You would help me to experience Your presence more deeply every day, not only in my mind but also in my life. Help me to experience Your greatest blessing, which is that You have given us Your only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. I pray that I may be like a branch connected to the vine of Christ, receiving spiritual nourishment every day, so that my life may grow continuously. May Your truth and revelation always shine on my path, so that I may run swiftly without stumbling, like a deer or a gazelle. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Reason I Sing – youtu.be/v8IBuzdUCok

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+032

 

Deuteronomy 32 (ESV)

1 “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak,
and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2 May my teaching drop as the rain,
my speech distill as the dew,
like gentle rain upon the tender grass,
and like showers upon the herb.
3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;
ascribe greatness to our God!

4 “The Rock, his work is perfect,
for all his ways are justice.
A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
just and upright is he.
5 They have dealt corruptly with him;
they are no longer his children because they are blemished;
they are a crooked and twisted generation.
6 Do you thus repay the Lord,
you foolish and senseless people?
Is not he your father, who created you,
who made you and established you?
7 Remember the days of old;
consider the years of many generations;
ask your father, and he will show you,
your elders, and they will tell you.
8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,
when he divided mankind,
he fixed the borders of the peoples
according to the number of the sons of God.
9 But the Lord’s portion is his people,
Jacob his allotted heritage.

10 “He found him in a desert land,
and in the howling waste of the wilderness;
he encircled him, he cared for him,
he kept him as the apple of his eye.
11 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
that flutters over its young,
spreading out its wings, catching them,
bearing them on its pinions,
12 the Lord alone guided him,
no foreign god was with him.

 

REFLECTION:

• This is called “the song of Moses”. It is God’s declaration through Moses in a grand style. It’s not only for the Israelites, but also for generations of believers in Jesus Christ.
• The song prophesied the depressing history of Israel’s rebellion and judgment. It is a warning to the Israelites.  And it is also a reminder that when they rebel, they are to recognize that it is their own sins that bring the judgment to them.  Finally, it calls them to repent and return to God.  Therefore, this song is composed of the rebellion of the people versus the goodness of God, the faithlessness of the people versus the loving kindness of God.
• Read the above passage. If time allows, read the whole song once.  Pay attention to what I am reading.  Pause and think and read and meditate.  Listen to what God wants to say to me.

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, the heavens declare Your glory, and the sky proclaims Your handiwork! Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. All of creation praises Your good pleasure. Your law is perfect, reviving the soul; Your testimonies are sure, making wise the simple; Your precepts are right, rejoicing the heart; Your commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes; Your fear is clean, enduring forever; Your rules are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Father, whether I run on the path or walk through the wilderness, I know You will protect me, just as You protected Jacob, and as the apple of Your eye. I look to You every day and submit to You completely! Your teaching is like a refreshing rain, and Your words are like dew drops, like the gentle rain that falls on the young grass, and like the showers that water the vegetables. My life is like a tree that sprouts new leaves, growing every day under Your watchful care until it becomes a majestic stature. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Hosanna (Praise is Rising) – youtu.be/VMBDWG9tseU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+031

 

Deuteronomy 31 (ESV)

Joshua to Succeed Moses

1 So Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them, “I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken. 4 And the Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

The Reading of the Law

9 Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

 

REFLECTION:

• Moses will not accompany the people into the land. But before he departs, he encourages them, and particularly Joshua, to remain confident.  The source of their confidence is based on God’s presence with them as they face their enemies.
• A person’s commitment to follow God is not a single decision at a single moment. It’s a lifelong learning and growing process.  Here Israel’s leaders are instructed to periodically gather the people to renew their allegiance to their God.
• PGC’s “Listening to God” plan is to encourage the whole church to go through the Bible in a few years together. Have I been faithful in Bible reading at least five days a week, and practice the 5 breath prayers each day and pray for church and members according to the prayer list daily?

 

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, as I hear Moses instructing Joshua in front of all the Israelites, I feel like You are speaking to me directly! Yes, I should be like Joshua, be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because You will be with me, You will not leave me or forsake me! Heavenly Father, how can I cleanse my ways? By obeying Your word! I seek You with all my heart, please do not let me stray from Your commands. I will store up Your word in my heart so that I will not sin against You. Heavenly Father, You are worthy of praise! Please teach me Your decrees and I will proclaim with my lips all the laws that come from Your mouth. I delight in Your laws as though they were treasures. I will meditate on Your teachings and consider Your ways. I find joy in Your decrees, and I will not forget Your word. Please guide me every day through my reading of the scriptures and prayer so that I may learn to fear You. Please be with me in times of difficulty when I am physically and emotionally weak, so that I may learn to trust in You completely, and experience Your power in my faith. Amen!

 

HYMN:

I Will Follow – youtu.be/mFna4pEF7M8

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+030

 

Deuteronomy 30 (ESV)

The Choice of Life and Death

11 “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. 16 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

 

REFLECTION:

• The commitment God asks us to make to Him is like the wedding ceremony. Wedding comes after months or years of gradually coming to know, to appreciate, to love each other and to want to spend lives together.   Then the two plan a wedding to announce to all that they have decided to cleave only to each other, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do them part.  However, this is only the beginning of a lifetime of making choices shaped by the fact that two people stood side by side and committed themselves to one another.  For then.  And forever.  It’s this kind of ceremony that is in view in this chapter. 
• Moses, in this chapter, calls upon the new generation to make a life-or-death decision: to choose to obey God and live, or to choose to reject God and die. Moses says, “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off (v11)… But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it (v14)… then you shall live and multiply.(v16)” Moses earnestly and passionately exhorts the Israelites to wholeheartedly love the Lord and live according to His word (vv19-20).
• We need to realize that our initial relationship with Jesus is intended to grow and deepen to the point at which we too realize, “I want to commit my life to this person who loves me.”
• Will I commit myself fully to God, realizing that this decision will shape my choices for the rest of my life?

 

PRAYER:

Merciful Heavenly Father, I thank You for revealing to me through today’s scripture the blessings and curses of life and death: those who love You, follow Your ways, and keep Your commandments, statutes, and ordinances will live, but those who rebel, deceive, practice immorality, and worship idols will perish! Heavenly Father, please make me gentle and yet strong, humble and yet passionate, using Your grace as my chariot and Your promises as my horse, striving to walk in Your ways throughout my life until the day I see Your face and receive eternal life and glory in heaven. Please give me wisdom and courage every day, so that I may see beyond the illusions of poverty, wealth, honor, and shame, and even beyond the boundaries of blessings and curses, life and death, to understand the mysteries of life that lead to sweetness through hardship and to see the beauty of it all. Heavenly Father, You have the way to eternal life, who else can I turn to? In heaven, besides You, who else do I have? On earth, there is nothing I desire besides You. Though my body and my heart may fail, You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I will take refuge in You, and I will proclaim all Your deeds. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Deeper In Love – www.youtube.com/watch?v=IppBI3sGLGU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Deuteronomy+029

 

Deuteronomy 29 (ESV)

The Covenant Renewed in Moab

1 These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.

2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. 4 But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. 5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. 6 You have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God. 7 And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. 8 We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. 9 Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.

 

REFLECTION:

• Israelite’s relationship with God was initiated by saving acts. When the people were helpless, slaves in a foreign land, God performed “miraculous signs and great wonders” to free them (v3).  The most powerful motive the Israelites can have to commit themselves to God is to remember what He has already done for them.
• It’s the same with us. God doesn’t ask for blind faith or commitment to the unknown.  The God who calls for our commitment has acted in Jesus to save us from the power and the penalty of sin.  We know His love through Jesus’ death for us, and His power through Jesus’ resurrection.  Is it really safe to commit ourselves completely to God?  In view of all He has done for us, we can answer with full assurance – yes!
• What memories help keep me faithful to God? How are they like Israel’s memories?  What are preventing me to follow God?  What are my reluctance and concern?  Place these cares and my memories of God together, wait for God’s speaking to me.  Ask for God’s help so that I may follow God whole-heartedly.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am willing to keep and follow Your word, so that I may prosper in all that I do. I understand that true prosperity in life is not found in achieving worldly success and blessings, but in being able to fulfill Your will in everything that I do. Heavenly Father, please grant me strength so that I can understand the truth in my mind and apply it in my life. If I ever go against Your will for the sake of worldly gain, please stop and discipline me in time. If I must endure physical and emotional pain in order to gain heavenly blessings, I am willing to do so. I want to taste Your living water and eat the sweet spiritual food that You provide every day. Please give me Your word every day as nourishment for my body and soul, so that I can be filled by following Your word. Please give me a clear understanding in my heart, sight in my eyes, and hearing in my ears, so that I can witness Your miracles and wonders in the seemingly ordinary days of my life. Through this, I know that You are shaping and transforming my life for all those who obey Your will, bringing great peace and joy. Amen!

 

HYMN:

How Can I Keep From Singing – youtu.be/vh_8rTBpvRU