I competed in parliamentary debate in college, and I loved it. I loved learning how to build up and break down arguments, be pithy yet persuasive, and nothing felt as good as nailing a final argument and knowing exactly how the judges would vote (in my favor, I’d hope). In debate, there were six speeches; each side got an opening argument, a constructive argument in the middle, and a rebuttal. The same person gave both the opening and the rebuttal, the latter being the last word and the chance to tie up all loose ends. We often took our opponents’ arguments point by point, letting the judges know exactly what their vote would mean if they voted for them or for us.
In the last chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses makes his rebuttal. If the proposition before the Israelites was “follow the Lord and renew the covenant with him,” then Moses was using his last breaths to remind them why. “Here is what is at stake if you don’t,” Moses essentially proclaims in Deuteronomy 29. The next chapters illustrate the blessings of being God’s people, but chapters 28 and 29 show the destruction that awaits them if they turn away.
Chapter 29 has three movements. First, Moses gives them a historical review of the covenant and Israel’s relationship with Yahweh. Then Moses asks the assembly in verses 9–14 to enter into the covenant with their God by observing “the words of this covenant…that he may establish you today as his people and he may be your God as he promised you” (vv.9,13).
Lastly, Moses outlines in detail in verses 16–29 what will happen if they do not obey the covenant. He isn’t landing the plane yet, but he’s creating tension as he approaches the runway (which he’ll do in the next two chapters). The tension is this: follow God, and the riches of the covenant promises are yours. Don’t follow God, and the soil of the land of Israel will “be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown, producing nothing, with no plant growing on it” (v.23).
As modern readers, we know what happens after they enter the promised land. The Israelites enter into a destructive cycle: turning away from the Lord, suffering greatly, then turning back to Him for healing and peace. This happens over and over again until God sends Jesus, who pays the price for their (and our) broken covenant once and for all.
I am so thankful this speech is in the Bible, that its words were passed down, written on papyrus, translated, and printed—making it all the way into my hands today. Because it is the story of my life too: the story of the promises of God, my own willful disobedience, and the true consequences of both my sin and His love.
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48 thoughts on "Renewing the Covenant"
I need this reminder daily, the arguments why and why not. God knows I use the mind He gave me but it is His love and loving Him why I will truly obey. Yes, I am just like the Hebrews!! Not recognizing what God has done for me and easily wandering off. Holy Spirit keep me pointing in the direction of the one who saved me and gives me hope for the future!
Yo god be the glory
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Thank you for this reminder!! ♥️
Jessie—so thankful for answered prayers and Gods great mercy! Praying that he will continue to make progress physically and everyone else involved, emotionally. God is so good!
Did someone get you a Bible? If not I would love to send you one!
Adrienne, Mari V, and everyone who prayed thank you!! Appointment went well, we got to see again this precious miracle who is almost 13 weeks was sucking his thumb ! Praise God abs thank you all for your continued prayers !
Victoria? How was your appointment?
Hi i will like to recieve an Holy Bible New Testament in french or english Jo Philipp 1045 Place de la Colombiere apt # 8 Montréal Québec Canada H2M 1B8
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revelead belong onto us and to our children forever.”
I think God has a right to not tell us everything that he wants us to do in our lives all at once. If that were to happen, then there wouldn’t be any “fun” or “excited-ness” to life. I also think there is a hidden beauty of the mysterious plans God has in store for us. If we don’t know what lies in store of our lives, that’ll lead us to lean more on God, however, if we knew, then we would feel that we wouldn’t need God. I pray that we would all be dependent on God
So I’ve always heard 1 Corinthians 2:9 quoted about what heaven will be like, how we couldn’t possibly know what God has planned for us. Which may be quite true in some sense…
But after reading the next verse (1 Corinthians 2:10 – “these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.”) I recognize that maybe I’ve been taught wrong.
I think and believe now this is pointing to the mystery of Christ. Which is now revealed- the mystery of the gospel. We know the suffering of Christ which was quoted in Isaiah 52 – the root of this Scripture. We know Jesus is the express image of the Father.
Interesting to note that, today.
Lord thank You for sending Your Son to die for my/our sins. Amen
Have a blessed day and week sisters.
Thank you Searching. I NEED it!
Jane K…..thank you! I’m frustrated this morning with calls that have to be made since I’m off work for 2 weeks.
My prayer too, Mary.
Victoria. Praying here as you maybe at your appointment/ultrasound now.
Agreeing in prayer with you Sarah Layson.
Thankful for a lovely and compassionate God even when we don’t deserve it.
Moses reviewed he past, called the people to obey God’s law, and warned them what would happen if they disobeyed. The secret of prosperity was the blessing of God, and the secret of receiving that blessing was obedience to God’s law. God could not truly be God to them if they refused to accept and obey His law. And this is a big one to me: Moses began with the leaders of the nation, for if leaders don’t set the example as spiritual people, there’s not much hope for the followers. So important! So critical! And so lacking in our country! Praying for our country. Praying for you ladies. My husband Steve is doing well, still running a fever but body aches gone and very little coughing. Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are doing their work! Hugs to all ❤️ oh, I wanted to share a song by Big Daddy Weave called Alive. Several times they sing “but God”. It made me think of Tina ❤️
1 Corinthians 2:12 – Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.
I meant to add that to my previous post!
Kelly, Taylor, ERB, Searching, Jane K, Kathy A, Maura, and all who are praying for me thank you! Our appointment is at 915 PST. What a great discussion here today. I am so glad we have the Holy Spirit and I pray the Holy Spirit enables me to follow God’s way and not my own always. Jessie thank God the boy is ok and ERB praise God for answered prayer! You are such a light I can literally see rays coming off my screen from your posts!
ERB, AWESOME praise with which to start the week!!!! Thank you for allowing us to join you in that prayer need. I’m glad it was a good day for all! Your words BLESSED my heart as always! Hugs!
What this reading reminded me today is that we were created to worship a living God, the One who BREATHED LIFE into us, not a statue, hobby, or anything else.
I, too, will meditate on these words. Praying for your ultrasound today, VICTORIA E., and all other needs. God knows and hears.
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He loves us so much and yet we choose the things of this world over him. I pray my heart always longs for you Lord and that I will continually seek you out each day.
Why is it that we lack discipline once we are out of a stressful situation or a bad place in life. Currently I am going through this. I have a healthy marriage, new home that I love, and got a job that I am happy in…and yet, I have started to not pray as diligently and finding the time to pray, meditate, praise, and connect with God and His word is such a struggle. 1 year ago when I was laid off from covid, losing my home l, having to move from my beloved charleston back in with parents with a supportive but broken down husband, you would not dare catch me 1 day outside of praying and reading my Bible. I am the same as the Isrealites are. May I focus on the discipline in my happy so that my times of misfortune are not such a blind struggle. Praise God for continual love, patience, and grace!!!
Praying for no lasting trauma for you. That has to be so scary. I almost backed into someone abs it was so so scary. Prayers he recovers quickly and that you all are able to go one without any PTSD or fear.
Praying for no lasting trauma for you. That has to be so scary. I almost backed into
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Every time I read about the Israelites, I’m often shocked by how many times they disobey and turn from God even though He is *right there* talking to them and through Moses. Surely if I was living during that time, I’d be better, right? But then I look at my own life, and how many times I have let other things become more important than my walk with God…putting off opening my Bible first thing in the morning to instead sleep in, focusing on personal gain rather than what the Father wants, allowing envy or jealousy to saturate my heart rather than the healing Word of Jesus…how am I any different than the Israelites? Thankful for today’s reading and the constant reminder that I need Jesus more and more every day. May His will be done, dear sisters. xx
ERB, praising God for the answered prays and strength you had to celebrate your SIL’s birthday! I will be praying that this strength and healing continues. Thank you for the words of wisdom that you generously share with all of us.
Angie and Arina joining your prayers. Lovely and mighty. ERB, praise God Indeed. Will keep praying to the One who hears and answers. I love Deuternomy 28:14-15 and the inclusiveness of the covenant God is making. And how Psalm 79:9 is a prayer asking for what God provides in Jesus 9 God of our salvation, help us,
for the glory of your name.
Rescue us and atone for our sins,
for your name’s sake. How Awesome! How AWESOME is our God. Victoria, joining the prayers. Dear Sisters, may we trust our Jesus this day and give glory to God. Hugs and Love to all. Praying you feel His embrace in the heavy things, please know you are not alone. For He is with you always.
I copied many comments from you all today to put in my prayer journal! So grateful to have a community that helps me understand and study, and implement the God-inspired words that are sometimes difficult to decipher and apply. You all are a true blessing to others of us that read through every day but seldom comment! We truly have Sisters in Christ right here through a screen! Churchmouse you are always on my mind and missed.
Prayers for all in need, hold tight!
I’m so thankful for the gift of mercy God has given me and the Holy Spirit who gives me understanding and opens my eyes to God’s truth. I am continuing to pray for all the requests this weekend. Victoria for your sweet baby and the ultrasound today, Ash, for your SIL and finding a new job, Sky, for you and your family, Lexi B., for wisdom and courage as you pursue a new business, Mari V., continue healing of your ankle, Nads, for Danny’s family, and Heather, for your neighbor and all he is going through and your friend’s family. May God hear all these requests and pour out His favor and blessing over everyone.
Amen! @Angie and @Arina beautiful prayers I absolutely needed to read and repeat, frequently. Prayers @Victoria E. ❤️
I recently heard Tim Keller say that God does not choose whether we go to Heaven or Hell when we die. It is our choice. We can either say, “Thy will be done’ or “My will be done.’ It is our choice. Lord, I pray that my heart will be softened for the things you love and that I will daily say, Thy will be done.
I am just like the Israelites…living in obedience and then disobedience. I am so thankful for the truth in 1 Corinthians 2:11-12. We have the Holy Spirit to help us. Oh Lord, help me listen and obey!
Teach me, Oh Lord your ways. To love what you love, say that what you say is good is good, and what You say is evil, is evil, and to hate what you hate.
Yes, Angie! You took the words right out of my mouth. This too is my prayer.
Oh yes, Melanie’s last paragraph resonates so much. How often do I have my mountain top moment, live faithfully, get distracted and my relationship with God becomes less important until another crisis! This study has been helpful in shining a light on the similarities in my life to the Israelites.
Praying for the many requests.
Lord I pray I would be wholly devoted to you and not to the things of this world or my own stubborn plans or will. May I give up total control and surrender to You, knowing and trusting that You know what’s best for me <3
Lifting up those who mentioned prayers over the weekend @Victoria E for your ultrasound and @Mari V for your ankle as well as other continued requests for @NADS and @Heather Hahn and the situations you are experiencing. I hope everyone has a blessed Monday!
CEEGEE, you’re so sweet!! Thank you so much!!! I feel the same way about you!!! You are such a gem, and an incredible blessing!!! You have spoken truth, encouraged and uplifted me more times than I count!!! I SO appreciate you dear sister!! My SIL was SO BLESSED yesterday!! She even teared up a bit because she was so grateful and felt so loved!!! Your prayers for my health worked!! I had just enough strength to get through the celebration without having an issues!!! PRAISE Jesus!!!!!
MAURA, dear friend thank you for your prayers!!! They worked!! I had just enough strength to get through the celebration, and I was even able to eat!!! SO grateful!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!
VICTORIA E, thank you so much for your prayers!! They worked!!! I was able to get through and take part in the celebration without any issues, AND, I was able to eat!!! Thank You Jesus!!!! I am praying and lifting you and baby up in prayer today!! May your ultrasound be both a blessing and an encouragement!!!
MARI V – praying for a speedy recovery!
VICTORIA E – praying for you and your ultrasound appointment today.
Praying for other needs mentioned also.
Help us all Lord to walk in Your ways and to be aware when we are starting to stray and/or make those seemingly minor compromises or adjustments in direction that will lead us away from You and off Your path for us.
Angie, thank you for that prayer. Amen, and I pray that for for the people that I know or have known too.
After I read today’s devotional I thought about how the new pastor at my church is doing a series called, Appointed Times. He is teaching about the fall and spring days that were and are observed by the Jewish people. There is so much to his teaching that ties these days to what Jesus fulfilled. I’m no expert and still couldn’t tell you all the connections. (The services are usually posted on YouTube to be able to listen to again or if you weren’t there.) This week, on Thursday, is the observation of the Day of Atonement. He was talking about the steps that are taken before the priest, in his example, Aaron had to take before he could even enter the Holy of Holies. He also went back to Genesis in his teaching. The first death occurred to provide a cover for Adam and Eve’s nakedness. There is no forgiveness of sins without the blood. Aaron would sacrifice first for his sins and then the sins of the nation. He said that we sing many songs and talk about the Blood of Jesus. He said that this can become something that is so familiar that we don’t realize the preciousness of this. He said that Jesus came from Heaven and had everything. He didn’t have to come, but He did. May the Blood never become casual to us. (I’m paraphrasing.) May we be in awe of Jesus and His sacrifice. May we never forget that there is no forgiveness of sins without the Blood. Amen!
Here is a link to the song: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
https://youtu.be/BYjhGeAIG6k
Prayers for you all!
Lord, I read these words and have a hard time understanding why the Israelites would go against your covenant when they knew what would happen. But I do this all the time. I know what I need to do and way too many times I choose not to do it. I go my own way. I walk in “the stubbornness of my own heart.” (v. 19).
Thank you for Jesus. Forgive me for all the times I go my own way thinking that it’s the right way. Keep my heart from turning away from You. Root out all bitterness and poisonous thoughts. Give me eyes to see you and ears to hear you. Help me to recognize Your working in my life. Help me to trust You.
Well said Arina!
The book of James echos verse 19 by teaching “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does” (22-25).
Thanks to the work of Jesus and the gift of the Spirit we can obey, fail, and try again.
Victoria E – may you rest in God’s peace today
19 When someone hears the words of this oath, he may consider himself exempt, thinking, ‘I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.’ This will lead to the destruction…
Lord, for those I love, those you have put in my path and my heart, who have chosen to follow their own stubborn heart thinking they are exempt; I pray salvation for their souls, a turn or return to You Savior and King. Thank you Jesus for making a way for the forgiveness of our sin. Help me to be an instrument of Your Light and Truth. I pray they would see You, and be drawn to the beautiful holy purity of who You are and the hope for their souls, right now Lord Jesus, today. I ask this in the saving name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Give me a mind to understand, Lord, eyes that see, and ears that hear. May I recognize You for Your great deeds and put my trust fully in You. So that not even a root of evil may spring up in my heart which will bear poisonous and bitter fruit.
Our pastor is doing a series called, Appointed Times. He is teaching about the fall and spring days that were and are observed by the Jewish people. This week starts the observation of the Day of Atonement. He was talking about the steps that are taken before the priest, in his example, Aaron, had to take before he could even enter the Holy of Holies. He also went back to Genesis in his teaching. The first death occurred to provide a cover for Adam and Eve’s nakedness. There is no forgiveness of sins without the blood. Aaron would sacrifice first for his sins and then the sins of the nation. There is a lot of information in his teachings that help to see tie these times and with what Jesus fulfilled.He said that we sing many songs and talk about the Blood of Jesus. He said that this can become something that is so familiar that we don’t realize the preciousness of this. He said that Jesus came from Heaven and had everything. He didn’t have to come, but He did. May the Blood never become casual to us. (I’m paraphrasing his words.) May we be in awe of Jesus and His sacrifice. May we never forget that there is no forgiveness of sins without the Blood. Amen Here is a link to the song, Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
https://youtu.be/BYjhGeAIG6k
Prayers for you all for this week.