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What on Earth Am I Here For?
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Friday, September 12, 2003
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, as I have looked at the five biblical purposes of the church through the life of Moses, I realize that the reason Moses lived the five purposes was because he understood that his life made sense only in relationship with You. Thank You for creating me with a purpose—to know You and to love You. As I go about this day, fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may know You more and love You more effectively. Let this day be an investment in eternity, because I live it with You, and with You as the Lord and Savior of all my activity. God I pray that as I go about my life, You will give me the same resolve to know and do Your will that drove Moses during his 40 years of leadership of Israel. I pray that You will guide me in all ways and in all things to bring You glory and honor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Verses*
Deuteronomy 30:11-20
11“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand or perform. 12It is not up in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go to heaven and bring it down so we can hear and obey it?’ 13It is not beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear and obey it?’ 14The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.
15“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life and death. 16I have commanded you today to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, laws, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and become a great nation, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. 17But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
19“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! 20Choose to love the LORD your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life. Then you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”Reflecting on Moses' Life
How does today’s Scripture sum up the life and teaching of Moses?
Exploring The Scriptures
What does Moses say about the ability of the Israelites to obey the command he is giving them from the Lord? (30:11-14)
What promises are offered to those who obey God’s commands? (30:15-20)
What curses are offered to those who disobey God’s commands? (30:15-20)
Understanding How I Can Learn and Grow From Moses' Life
Is there anything in the reading that surprises you, given what you have seen and heard of Moses’ life during this week of reading, reflection and study?
What would happen in our lives today, if we would heed Moses’ command to choose life and obedience?
Applying Moses' Teachings to My Daily Life
What one thing will you do differently as a result of having read today’s Scripture?
How I Can Learn and Grow From Moses' Life
Today’s Scripture is nothing more or less than a summation of Moses’ ministry with the Israelites. Every day of the 40 years that Moses led them through the wilderness, after their escape from Egypt, Moses said, “Choose!” The operative word in the Christian life is also, “Choose!” Jesus said to the rich young man—sell it all and follow me: choose! Joshua would tell the Israelites, “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Moses consistently and constantly called the people of Israel to choose God and to choose Him first—before any other gods, before any other allegiance in life. Today’s Scripture makes it clear that Moses life was incredibly devoted to God. After all, God spoke face-to-face with Moses as a man speaks with a friend. It was in this relationship that Moses found the power to put up with the murmurings of several million people for 40 years! It was in this relationship that Moses found the grace to obey God at every turn. The lesson for us is Moses’ life is: God can do a lot with a little if He has it all! Moses, by his own admission, wasn’t much when God called him. Yet, he gave himself fully to God and God was able to use him mightily. In our lives, the question is never how useful are we? What do we have to offer? The question is how available are we? How much control are we willing to give to God? Moses gave it all, and he will be remembered forever. May we also choose this day to put God first and receive LIFE!
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