Today I felt nostalgic for my sophomore year of college. It was during this year that God used a friend to draw me to the book of Deuteronomy in a fresh way.
That year, I met a friend (coincidentally named Amen) who had a deeper prayer life than mine. I longed to grow in intimacy with God through prayer like I saw present in her life. While Amen experienced prayer in a way that I wanted to understand, I had grown up in a faith tradition that focused more on Scripture. We quickly noticed that we both had a lot we could learn from each other, and as a result we started meeting every Tuesday and Thursday morning to pray and open God’s Word. The book we chose to start with was Deuteronomy.
As I was learning with Amen and growing deeper in my prayer life, I also experienced Scripture in an entirely new way. Reading the book of Deuteronomy made me want to live a life of obedience. Seeing how much God cared for His people, and observing His intentional provision and gracious patience, created within me an urgency to offer my entire life to Him in worship. Deuteronomy also taught me the importance of remembrance.
In today’s reading, we see Moses delivering an argument for why future obedience matters. Moses reminds his audience of the provision and care of God in their lifetime (Deuteronomy 8:2–3), while also warning them that it is easy to forget His faithfulness (v.14). He also cautions them to be careful of what they expose themselves to (Deuteronomy 7:16,25–26). Additionally, he draws their attention to what they have to hope for in the promised land (Deuteronomy 8:7–10).
Interestingly enough, the blessings of the promised land could possibly distract and lead its recipients into complacency and ungratefulness. Moses warned the Israelites to guard themselves from amnesia—one that forgets that God is the only reason you are at the moment, time, or place that you are. Moses communicates a profound truth here: to remember is to obey, and to forget is to disobey. Moses urges God’s people to understand the possible consequences of forgetfulness (vv.19–20).
Many years later, Jesus uses some of the words from today’s reading in Deuteronomy to withstand Satan’s temptations while in a vulnerable state of hunger (Matthew 4:2–4). Jesus demonstrates for us that remembrance of God’s Word brings victory over Satan’s attacks.
I needed today’s readings. I needed to remember why future obedience matters. And why remembrance is a key player in the effort to obey. May you and I cement in our minds today to remember and “don’t forget the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11).
CHANGED LIFE, just wanted to say how much respect I have for you and how proud I am of you!!! Such a big step, 2 days is a big deal!! Keep making those hard but healthy choices!!! As I am typing this..God is prompting me to ask you if you have seen The Chosen, specifically episode 1 from season 1… it’s about Mary Magdalene and how the Lord came into her life in such a huge way, that she was never the same!! I feel like God wants to use this example in your life.. please, if you can, look this up and watch it!! …May your life never be the same again!! Blessings be upon you sister.
CEEGEE, I love you too dear sister and am so glad you got the connections like I did, it means a lot!! ❤️
NADS, you make me smile sweet sister!! Today you held me accountable as well encouraged me today, I needed an extra push and you gave it to me! Thank you!! I am commenting now! Better late than never! ;)
Today I highlighted
Deuteronomy 7:20-26 …I found it interesting how it mentioned hornets!! And it probably seems ridiculous but my first thought was of the “murder hornets” of 2020. …we have seen and experienced some pretty crazy things these last few years, haven’t we?! But how comforting is this next line.. “DON’T be terrified of them, for the Lord your God, a GREAT and AWESOME God, is AMONG you.” Wow!! SO Awesome to be reminded about that and to have that truth declared and that comfort given in such times as these!!! When we are living FOR God there is no place we can go without His presence being with us..He is ALL and is in all!! ❤️
Deuteronomy 8:1-3 really spoke to me!! “…so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart… so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Chapter 8 then finishes with this strong and much needed reminder: “19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve them and bow in worship to them, I testify against you today that you will certainly perish. 20 Like the nations the Lord is about to destroy before you, you will perish if you do not obey the Lord your God.”
SO. Much. TRUTH. and conviction right here!!! Awesome. Awesome. Stuff!! And definitely a lot to reflect on… God, You are so good to us!!! ❤️
I am praying for (and rejoicing with) ALL of you wonderful ladies, and your prayer requests (spoken & unspoken) and have deep respect for each of you!! Be Blessed my dear sisters!!! And here’s to an extra-ordinary weekend where God makes Himself KNOWN to each of us in His own unique & personal way!!! xoxo
We need Gods word to fight off Satan. Praise the Lord for this weapon
ADRIENNE, I missed adding your name as I suspected, but Jon has been in my prayers along with you and your husband as the surgery progresses and recovery begins!
Often times when God brings blessings in our lives it can bring distraction and lead to being complacent and ungrateful.
My message cut off! He was able to walk pretty normally and not have to brace himself to hold himself upright while riding in the car.
Surgery was successful, sisters. Thank you for praying. From Jon earlier… “
I like how Beth says, “…remembrance of God’s Word brings victory over Satan’s attacks.” I so often need the word of God to fight off Satan. It seems so even more lately than ever before. The Lord’s words are what guide my life and I need to remember this.
Be blessed sisters and have a wonderful weekend.
Hello everyone. I have followed SRT for several years and this is my first post. I have a prayer request for you lovely ladies. I have recently been convicted of having a drinking problem. I have been a slave to it for many years. I have prayed that God would strengthen me to walk away from it forever. Thanks be to God, I have been sober for two days. I ask you to pray for God to continue strengthening me in my sobriety. My husband will continue to drink, so the temptation is strong.
God bless you beautiful ladies. I pray for you all in your praises and prayer requests. Know that many women read your comments and replies and get encouragement from you. You are truly a blessing!