I feel deeply the words in Deuteronomy to be obedient. I have the opportunity to take a part time job, but it tugs at my heart to do that would be disobeying the Lord.
I wondered why, knowing that Israel would forsake the covenant, God led them to the promised land anyway. The same idea was reflected in Mark; Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him and yet he ate with them anyway. I can relate this to myself as well. God knows I may fall away, God knows I’ve done it before. And yet he’s there. Eating with me, fulfilling his promises. He is truly good, and gracious and merciful!
Two things that resonated with me: from Deuteronomy 30- when we return to the Lord, He will again restore, again prosper, again multiply, again delight. He is the God of AGAIN!
And from Mark 14- if the disciples who had walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles and wonders, performed them as well, if they could abandon Jesus, so could I.
I have set before you life and death blessing and curse,choose life loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days.
It’s so hard to read the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion every single time. That he died for people that betrayed him and mocked him… there is no greater love.
It’s so beautiful that while God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and cared for them, providing food and shelter throughout their journey, He knew from the beginning that in the Promised Land they would still turn away from Him. It makes me think of how even when God answers our prayers or gives us something we’ve been hoping for, we stray away from Him. I hope we can remain faithful to the Lord as he blesses us ❤️
“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20loving 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.”-ellie
However, it was undoubtedly God’s plan for me to be this behind. Today’s lesson really resonated within me and have given me hope for forgiveness! After reading about the curses and punishments in the previous chapter, reading about God’s mercy has me feeling all kinds of happy!
Loving the first chapter I read today! Coming off of yesterday’s reading, we read of the punishment for sin and rebellion against God. Today we start by seeing that his mercies are new every morning. Even before we ask for forgiveness, God is running toward us and offering a clean slate.
Deut 30:9-16
If we obey God and His commandments, we will have life and prosper. This sounds simple enough but in reality we all sin. However as we’ve seen time and time again, God brings us back to him and forgives us without judgement; He continues to go with us and bless us, just as he’s done with the Israelites as he leads them to the promised land. Like Moses tells the people, the word of God is not out of reach; regardless of our mistakes and sins, the word is in us if we only search for it by turning to God with our hearts and souls and by learning to value what He values.
Amen! Yes! As we read in Mark, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Lord help our spirit to remain strong and resistant to the temptations of the flesh and earthly desires.
So last night we had a house fire and thankfully everyone is safe but probably about one third of our house is ruined and we won’t be able to go in for a few days. I think mostly I’m just pretty traumatized so please pray for me and my family!
Praying for both Audrey and Claire as they and their families go through trying times. I thank you Lord that we just read you will go before the Israelites and I pray you would go before them to prepare all the details for life in the midst of hard times. Thank you Lord for their safety and protection!
23And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
Easter is tomorrow! So thankful He was willing to fulfill the covenant!
Deut 30:1-3: God says that when they are scattered and desolate… If they will repent and return to him, he will forgive them! He will show mercy and compassion
Moses got so close to the promise land, he could taste that milk & honey, but he didn’t make it bc of some things he did or didn’t do. What are some things in our lives keeping us from the promises of God? He sent Jesus so that we could have abundant life. Choose LIFE (Living in Freedom Everyday)!!
So much good stuff today! One thing I especially like was chapter 30, and how, reading it with the gospel in mind, God gathers us back to Him even when we have wandered as far as possible. He makes us prosperous again in Him. The Word is in us, and through Jesus possible.
I love that God tells them not to fear or be discouraged at least three times in chapter 31. We are so prone to it that we need to be told really often. God is in control, he will go before us, never leave us, don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.
14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
The word of God is not far away, it is so near that it is within us. What comfort there is in that knowledge. That we can possess the very words of the Creator and use them whenever we need them.
Thank you for your post. I was also raised in a Christian home and have often taken for granted the meaning behind the words Jesus said to the disciples. They are a huge and deep and it’s awesome when our perception snaps back into place allowing us to see the real picture of Jesus’ great and unending and HUGE love for al of us.
24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Having been brought up in a Christian home and been through communion services hundreds of times, these passages have become memorized and somewhat meaningless to me. But Lord, how you have shown me the depth of this simple short verse! After making our way through these Old Testament chapters the meaning of Jesus’ blood as the new covenant suddenly became magnified a thousand times to me. Jesus doesn’t say “this is my blood and do you REALIZE how huge this is and let me list for you all the things that you never have to be subject to again because of my sacrifice?!” No. He doesn’t say that. And the disciples had no idea. I am in awe today. Thank you Lord that these scriptures are indeed alive.
I found it interesting that we are getting ready to hear the “Song of Moses” on tomorrow’s reading, and today in Mark 14:26, the disciples and Jesus sang “a hymn” . When I have more time I’d like to research that hymn….unless anyone knows and can tell us curious readers. Have a glorious day!
The hymn was Psalm 118, the last hymn of the great Hallel, which is the series of psalms 113-118 sung during the traditional Passover meal.
The Jewish Talmud, a collection of rabbinical teachings about Jewish life and customs written shortly after the first century, states that during the Passover meal four cups of wine would be drunk, and the singing of the Hallel would begin after the second cup, with Psalm 113 being the first hymn sung followed by Psalm 114. After the fourth and final cup of wine had been drunk, the remaining psalms of the Hallel – 115, 116, 117, and 118 – were then sung. It is the last of these psalms – 118 – which Mark refer to.
The most striking aspects of Psalm 118 are its numerous verses which relate directly to what Jesus was about to experience.
This is what I found in my research Karen. Hope it helps! :-)
Be blessed!
14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
What stood out to me was God’s promise of His presence in our lives. Over and over again we are reminded that He is always with us. His presence is the promise.
Ladies, my heart is hurting and I would appreciate prayers today. My mother is a struggling soul and in Hospice. She is an alcoholic and now on tons of pain meds, so her hurtful, hateful addict side has taking over. We have two small children and had her in our home for 6 month taking care of her. She wanted to go home, so finally we acquiesced and moved her back. Unfortunately, that allowed her to go back to her harmful habits (she is end stage COPD with severe vascular disease) of smoking, popping pain pills and drinking mouth wash. I am an only child, my father has gone to glory, and I am so saddened and the wickedness that seems to have completely taken over.
Sorry this post so long, but I needed to reach out and ask for prayer for her, Sandy. Thank you and God bless each one of you today.
Kristie, the promise of the Lord’s presence it’s true not only for you, but for your Mom as well.
Lord, we praise you for your incredible love for us in that while we were still sinners you died for us. We lift up Kristie’s mom to you Lord, she is hurting and scared. May she be enveloped in your abounding love. Please give her comfort and relieve the pain, both the physical and spiritual, as only you can do. Please comfort Kristie and her family during this difficult time Lord. We ask these things in your great name! AMEN
Kristie I am praying for you, your family, and your mom. Lord carry Kristie through this time. Hold her so close, protect and sustain her. Bring peace to her mom.
Kristie, my prayers are with you and your family. May Our Father give you peace and calmness during this time. May He also find that vacant spot in your Mom and fill it with His love so that she may come to Him before her death and enjoy eternity with Him.
Praying that your mom will be wrapped up in God’s love for her. Also praying He will provide you with strength to continue through this tough situation
They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me. Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times. God knows that we will be unfaithful, even as he makes a covenant with us. Yet even though we do not live up to our part of the bargain, the Covenant is not broken. God remains faithful though we do not. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
All of these chapters highlight our extreme unfaithfulness. They also show is the depths of God’s incredible faithfulness and grace toward us. I really loved reading those two passages alongside one another. Wow. What a blessing to serve and be loved by the Lord!
I love that even before the sacrifice of Jesus, God shows His grace and mercy and wanted to forgive and bring his children close and bless them despite all they did to reject Him. And forget all their misgivings and place their curses on their enemies. What amazing grace. Love that.
The woman who poured the perfume on Jesus gave him everything she had. Lord, help me this day to give you everything I have and use everything I have to glorify you!
21 And when many troubles and afflictions come to them, this song will testify against them, because their descendants will not have forgotten it. For I know what they are prone to do, even before I bring them into the land I swore to give them.”
Jesus knew what we were prone to do as He went to the cross. Such a vast and deep love. It is like looking out into the ocean and not being able to see where the water ends. That is the kind of love of our Savior.
I feel deeply the words in Deuteronomy to be obedient. I have the opportunity to take a part time job, but it tugs at my heart to do that would be disobeying the Lord.
❤️
Be strong and courageous
❤️
I wondered why, knowing that Israel would forsake the covenant, God led them to the promised land anyway. The same idea was reflected in Mark; Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him and yet he ate with them anyway. I can relate this to myself as well. God knows I may fall away, God knows I’ve done it before. And yet he’s there. Eating with me, fulfilling his promises. He is truly good, and gracious and merciful!
14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
❤️
14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
Thank you for reminding us we are human, we stumble, we fall, we fail, but you forgive us. Amen.
Two things that resonated with me: from Deuteronomy 30- when we return to the Lord, He will again restore, again prosper, again multiply, again delight. He is the God of AGAIN!
And from Mark 14- if the disciples who had walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles and wonders, performed them as well, if they could abandon Jesus, so could I.
14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
I have set before you life and death blessing and curse,choose life loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days.
✔️
✅
Be strong & courageous! God will never leave us or forsake us!
❤️
It’s so hard to read the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion every single time. That he died for people that betrayed him and mocked him… there is no greater love.
It’s so beautiful that while God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and cared for them, providing food and shelter throughout their journey, He knew from the beginning that in the Promised Land they would still turn away from Him. It makes me think of how even when God answers our prayers or gives us something we’ve been hoping for, we stray away from Him. I hope we can remain faithful to the Lord as he blesses us ❤️
“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20loving 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.”-ellie
Merciful is our God who restored both the repentant Israelite and the disciples after their betrayal of Jesus.
24And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
Because of Jesus, we are free!
I am behind, way behind….
However, it was undoubtedly God’s plan for me to be this behind. Today’s lesson really resonated within me and have given me hope for forgiveness! After reading about the curses and punishments in the previous chapter, reading about God’s mercy has me feeling all kinds of happy!
God is good!
Loving the first chapter I read today! Coming off of yesterday’s reading, we read of the punishment for sin and rebellion against God. Today we start by seeing that his mercies are new every morning. Even before we ask for forgiveness, God is running toward us and offering a clean slate.
Deut 30:9-16
If we obey God and His commandments, we will have life and prosper. This sounds simple enough but in reality we all sin. However as we’ve seen time and time again, God brings us back to him and forgives us without judgement; He continues to go with us and bless us, just as he’s done with the Israelites as he leads them to the promised land. Like Moses tells the people, the word of God is not out of reach; regardless of our mistakes and sins, the word is in us if we only search for it by turning to God with our hearts and souls and by learning to value what He values.
Amen! Yes! As we read in Mark, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Lord help our spirit to remain strong and resistant to the temptations of the flesh and earthly desires.
Amen!
So last night we had a house fire and thankfully everyone is safe but probably about one third of our house is ruined and we won’t be able to go in for a few days. I think mostly I’m just pretty traumatized so please pray for me and my family!
Praying for you, Audrey! We’re dealing with flooding in Houston, so I can understand where you’re coming from!
Praying!!! For total restoration in your life, God I ask that you would restore both the physical and emotional damage of this fire!
Praying for both Audrey and Claire as they and their families go through trying times. I thank you Lord that we just read you will go before the Israelites and I pray you would go before them to prepare all the details for life in the midst of hard times. Thank you Lord for their safety and protection!
23And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
Easter is tomorrow! So thankful He was willing to fulfill the covenant!
God says He has given them a choice between life and death. And then He BEGS them to choose life!
We serve such a good God who longs for us to choose HIM!
Deut 30:1-3: God says that when they are scattered and desolate… If they will repent and return to him, he will forgive them! He will show mercy and compassion
Moses got so close to the promise land, he could taste that milk & honey, but he didn’t make it bc of some things he did or didn’t do. What are some things in our lives keeping us from the promises of God? He sent Jesus so that we could have abundant life. Choose LIFE (Living in Freedom Everyday)!!
So good Laura!
So much good stuff today! One thing I especially like was chapter 30, and how, reading it with the gospel in mind, God gathers us back to Him even when we have wandered as far as possible. He makes us prosperous again in Him. The Word is in us, and through Jesus possible.
I love that God tells them not to fear or be discouraged at least three times in chapter 31. We are so prone to it that we need to be told really often. God is in control, he will go before us, never leave us, don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.
14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
The word of God is not far away, it is so near that it is within us. What comfort there is in that knowledge. That we can possess the very words of the Creator and use them whenever we need them.
I love that realization Shannon! How amazing it is to know the words of our creator!!
Christina,
Thank you for your post. I was also raised in a Christian home and have often taken for granted the meaning behind the words Jesus said to the disciples. They are a huge and deep and it’s awesome when our perception snaps back into place allowing us to see the real picture of Jesus’ great and unending and HUGE love for al of us.
Thanks again, Christina!
Kelly
24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Having been brought up in a Christian home and been through communion services hundreds of times, these passages have become memorized and somewhat meaningless to me. But Lord, how you have shown me the depth of this simple short verse! After making our way through these Old Testament chapters the meaning of Jesus’ blood as the new covenant suddenly became magnified a thousand times to me. Jesus doesn’t say “this is my blood and do you REALIZE how huge this is and let me list for you all the things that you never have to be subject to again because of my sacrifice?!” No. He doesn’t say that. And the disciples had no idea. I am in awe today. Thank you Lord that these scriptures are indeed alive.
Praying for you Kristie, as you walk this road with your mom.
Thank you so much!
I found it interesting that we are getting ready to hear the “Song of Moses” on tomorrow’s reading, and today in Mark 14:26, the disciples and Jesus sang “a hymn” . When I have more time I’d like to research that hymn….unless anyone knows and can tell us curious readers. Have a glorious day!
The hymn was Psalm 118, the last hymn of the great Hallel, which is the series of psalms 113-118 sung during the traditional Passover meal.
The Jewish Talmud, a collection of rabbinical teachings about Jewish life and customs written shortly after the first century, states that during the Passover meal four cups of wine would be drunk, and the singing of the Hallel would begin after the second cup, with Psalm 113 being the first hymn sung followed by Psalm 114. After the fourth and final cup of wine had been drunk, the remaining psalms of the Hallel – 115, 116, 117, and 118 – were then sung. It is the last of these psalms – 118 – which Mark refer to.
The most striking aspects of Psalm 118 are its numerous verses which relate directly to what Jesus was about to experience.
This is what I found in my research Karen. Hope it helps! :-)
Be blessed!
Karen, the song is Deuteronomy 32 – which this chapter is also known as “The Song of Moses.”
14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
What stood out to me was God’s promise of His presence in our lives. Over and over again we are reminded that He is always with us. His presence is the promise.
Ladies, my heart is hurting and I would appreciate prayers today. My mother is a struggling soul and in Hospice. She is an alcoholic and now on tons of pain meds, so her hurtful, hateful addict side has taking over. We have two small children and had her in our home for 6 month taking care of her. She wanted to go home, so finally we acquiesced and moved her back. Unfortunately, that allowed her to go back to her harmful habits (she is end stage COPD with severe vascular disease) of smoking, popping pain pills and drinking mouth wash. I am an only child, my father has gone to glory, and I am so saddened and the wickedness that seems to have completely taken over.
Sorry this post so long, but I needed to reach out and ask for prayer for her, Sandy. Thank you and God bless each one of you today.
No apologies necessary Kristie. So sorry to hear this about your mom but will be praying for God’s healing hand to be on her.
Kristie, the promise of the Lord’s presence it’s true not only for you, but for your Mom as well.
Lord, we praise you for your incredible love for us in that while we were still sinners you died for us. We lift up Kristie’s mom to you Lord, she is hurting and scared. May she be enveloped in your abounding love. Please give her comfort and relieve the pain, both the physical and spiritual, as only you can do. Please comfort Kristie and her family during this difficult time Lord. We ask these things in your great name! AMEN
Thank you so much for these words Courtney. So much comfort in them.
Praying peace and comfort for you that only God can give, Kristie. Lifting you mom up as well.
Thank you so much!
Praying for you! Kristie!
Thank you so much!
Kristie I am praying for you, your family, and your mom. Lord carry Kristie through this time. Hold her so close, protect and sustain her. Bring peace to her mom.
Thank you so much Christina.
Kristie, my prayers are with you and your family. May Our Father give you peace and calmness during this time. May He also find that vacant spot in your Mom and fill it with His love so that she may come to Him before her death and enjoy eternity with Him.
Praying that your mom will be wrapped up in God’s love for her. Also praying He will provide you with strength to continue through this tough situation
They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me. Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times. God knows that we will be unfaithful, even as he makes a covenant with us. Yet even though we do not live up to our part of the bargain, the Covenant is not broken. God remains faithful though we do not. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Amen! Such grace!
All of these chapters highlight our extreme unfaithfulness. They also show is the depths of God’s incredible faithfulness and grace toward us. I really loved reading those two passages alongside one another. Wow. What a blessing to serve and be loved by the Lord!
Me too..it’s so powerful! What a blessing!
Me too, Rose! Amen.
I love that even before the sacrifice of Jesus, God shows His grace and mercy and wanted to forgive and bring his children close and bless them despite all they did to reject Him. And forget all their misgivings and place their curses on their enemies. What amazing grace. Love that.
I had never thought of it that way but now I see that it’s true!
The woman who poured the perfume on Jesus gave him everything she had. Lord, help me this day to give you everything I have and use everything I have to glorify you!
21 And when many troubles and afflictions come to them, this song will testify against them, because their descendants will not have forgotten it. For I know what they are prone to do, even before I bring them into the land I swore to give them.”
Jesus knew what we were prone to do as He went to the cross. Such a vast and deep love. It is like looking out into the ocean and not being able to see where the water ends. That is the kind of love of our Savior.
This verse stood out to me too! Love the thought of God’s love as an ocean. We do not deserve it!