Curses for Disobedience.. Deu28

One of the curses for those who rejected God was that they would go mad from seeing all the tragedy around them. Do you ever feel that you will go crazy if you hear about one more rape, kidnapping, murder, or war? Much of the world's evil is a result of people's failure to acknowledge and serve God.

When you hear bad news, dont groan helplessly as do unbelievers who have no hope for the future. Remind yourself that in spite of it all, God has ultimate control and will one day come back to make everything right.

You Must not Muzzle an Ox to Keep it From Eating as it Treads out The Grain.. Deu25

Oxen were often used to tread out the grain on a threshing floor. The animal was attached by poles to a large millstone. As it walked around the millstone, its hooves trampled the grain, separating the kernels from the chaff. At the same time, the millstone groung the grain into flour.

To muzzle the ox would prevent it from eating while it was working. Paul used this illustration in the new Testament to argue that people productive in Christian work should not be denied its benefits--they should receive financial support. (1Cor9 / 1Tim5)

The fact that a person is in Christian ministry doesnt mean he or she should be unfairly paid. There is also a broader application; dont be stingy with those who workfor you.

Dealing with a rebellious son.. Deu21

Disobedient and rebellious children were to be brought before the elders of the city and stoned to death. There is no biblical or archaeological evidence that this punishment was ever carried out, but the point was that disobedience and rebellion were not to be tolerated in the home or allowed to continue unchecked.

This principles must never be used to justify or overlook abuse or harsh treatment of children. While firm guidance may be needed with strong consequences for disobedient, the Bible does not condone physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of children.

Ensnare by the lust and mamon.. Deu17

Israel's kings did not heed this warning, and their behavior led to their downfall. 

Solomon had everything going for HIM, but when he became rich, built up a large army, and married many wives, his heart turned from God (1Kings 11). 

Out of Solomon's sin came Israel's disobedience, division, and captivity.

Clean or Unclean.. Deu14

Why was Israel forbidden to eat certain food? There are several reasons;

1) Predatory animals ate the blood of other animals, and scavengers ate dead animals. Because the people couldnt eat blood or animals they found dead, they couldnt eat animals that did these things either.

2) Some forbidden animals had bad associations in the Israelite culture just as bats, snakes, and spiders do for some people today. Some may have been used in pagan religious practices. To the Israelites, the unclean animals represented si or unhealthy habits.

3) Perhaps some restrictions were given to Israel just to remind them continually that they were a different and seperate people commited to God. Although we no longer must follow these laws about food (Act 10), we can still learn from them the lesson that holiness is to be carried into all parts of life. 

We cant restrict holiness only to the spiritual side, we must be holy in the everyday practical part of life as well. Health practices, finances, use of leisure--all provide oppurtunities to put holy living into daily living.

A Warning against Idolatry.. Deu13

Attractive leaders arent always led by God. Moses warned Israelites against false prophets who encouraged worship of other gods. New ideas from inspiring people may sound good, but we must judge them by whether or not they are consistent with God's Word.

When people claim to speak for God today, check them in this areas: are they telling the truth? Is their focus on God? Are their words consistent with what you already know to be true? 

Some people speak truth while directing you toward God, but others speak persuasively while directing you toward themselves. It is even possible to say the right words but still lead people in the wrong direction.

God is not against new ideas, but HE is for discernment. When your hear a new, attractive idea, examine it carefully before getting too excited. False prophets are still around today. The wise person will carefully test ideas against the truth of God's Word.

A Call to Love and Obedience.. Deu10

What does The Lord your God require of you?

HE requires only that you fear The Lord you God, and live in a way that pleases HIM and serve HIM with all your heart and soul . And you must always obey the Lord's commands and decrees that i'm giving you today for your own good.

Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God. Yet The Lord chose your ancestors as the object of HIS Love. And HE chose you, their descendents above all other nations, as is evident today. therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn.

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords. HE is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. HE ensure that orphans and widows receive justice. HE shows love to foreigners living among you and give them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to the foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Eygpt. You must fear the Lord your God and wordship HIM and cling to HIM.