At the Gateway of the Next Thing
We’ve all been at the place where the Israelites find themselves in the book of Deuteronomy. They are no longer wandering the desert, but they also have net yet moved into the next stage of their life. They are in the “in between”, knowing they are at the gateway of what God has in store for them next, but not yet being called to move into that next mission.
If any of us reflect on our life, we’ve spent time in this place. In some ways it is one of the most difficult places to live. Its not the time of trial and survival, but it isn’t the time of feast and bounty. Its not the desert, but it also is not the promised land. Maybe you are there right now.
I think we can learn a lot from Deuteronomy 4-11 to help us navigate this time of life as people of God.
Stay in the word of God. Don’t add to it or subtract from it. Don’t embellish the stories but also don’t forget the lessons.
Keep your eyes open, but don’t allow them to deceive you into making something you see into an idol for worship. Not the sun or moon or stars, not people, things, animals.
Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
Learn and study the word of God. Not only the letter of the law but even more so the intent. Know and obey the 10 commandments and also the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Teach them to your children, talk about God in everything you do. Put the word of God in your thoughts and in the work of your hands, on your place of dwelling and your journey from gate to gate.
As you think forward to whatever God has planned for you next be resolute, fortified and committed that you will not compromise or settle whatever you may face. Whatever God has planned for your future, He has planned all the way, without compromise.
Look forward to and claim the blessings of God’s covenant to the obedient, “He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. The Lord will keep you free from every disease.”
Commit yourself to not forget to praise and worship. When God calls you to move forward and you receive the blessings, don’t forget who brought you to the dance. You are not going there because of your skills or your righteousness, you are going because of God.
Remember your weaknesses. The temptations you have faced in the past are temptations you will face in the future. Learn from your past mistakes so that you won’t repeat them.
Love the Lord your God. There is one God. He loves you. Love Him.
Be obedient. Observe the commands. Learn them and know them. Faithfully obey the commands. Carefully obey the commands.
Know that wherever God is going to lead you, He is going there before you and preparing the way. Wherever it is you will be going in obedience, God is there now.
My Answers:
5.
a.
He is jealous for what is His. He warns his people what will happen.
b.
heard the voice of God speaking out of fire and lived, took one nation out of another, testings, signs and wonders, war, mighty hand, outstretched arm, great and awesome deeds, , shown things so they might know the LORD
c.
The bible, His spirit, life, family, church, To see the blessing of children. To have God guide the hand of Doctors. To find a mission and work for the Lord. To be given a voice.
6.
a.
Obedience: keeping all his decrees and commands, keeping all his decrees and commands, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength
b.
Impress them on their children, Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates – Family get togethers focused on God – inviting in missionaries, model prayer
7.
The warning to not forget the Lord when He has brought me into times of “a good land” or when I “have eaten and are satisfied”, but instead – Praise the Lord
8.
fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, 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
The Notes are Good 