“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.  The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)

If God says something, it will stand the test of time.  Unfettered by the shortsightedness of humanity, God keeps His promises, properly sees the future, and orchestrates His plans with exceptional precision.

So, how do you know God wrote the Bible?  It is a book full of prophecies…  detailed prophecies which are finely-tuned in their specificity. Ezekiel 26 describes the fall of the nation of Tyre hundreds of years in advance.  Isaiah 40:22 describes a spherical earth even while flat-earthers still debate the subject today.  And Psalms 22:16 and Zechariah 12:10 describe the crucifixion of Jesus… before crucifixion had been invented.  No fortune cookie prophecies for God – specifics are in, and details matter.

No other religious document holds up to the scrutiny God’s Word faces.  So next time you read the text, remember that human philosophies come and go – don’t be afraid of the modern prophets of humanism and materialism.  Like all false prophets, they will come and go.

“The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalms 119:160)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 14-23; Psalm 21; Proverbs 21 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you will not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone falls from it.” (Deuteronomy 22:8)

Cain asked the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – apparently, if it’s your house, you are!  The typical architecture found in Israel was a flat roof that doubled as an outer patio/balcony.  If you were going to have people go up on your roof, you better build a parapet (i.e. a low wall or railing), so they didn’t fall.  In other words, every Jew was responsible for thinking about the safety and well-being of others.

If through neglect in our own craftsmanship and service we fail to consider the health and safety of our fellow man, we are wrong.  “Whatever our hand finds to do, we should do with all our might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  A Christian should not cut corners in whatever service he is active in… especially when that service impacts others, and it almost always does.

Neglect and apathy are not found in the fruits of the spirit, but self-control and faithfulness are.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 14-23; Psalm 21; Proverbs 21 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“You shall not see your countryman’s ox or his sheep straying away and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly bring them back to your countryman.” (Deuteronomy 22:1)

Common courtesy was built into the fabric of God’s laws to the Jews.  Looking out for the well-being of your neighbor was simply part of being a servant of God.  Whether it be returning an ox that strayed or in more modern application, returning someone’s dropped wallet or forgotten sunglasses, there is always room for more kindness and human decency.

Never underestimate the power of simply being a thoughtful citizen and neighbor.  In a selfish and sin-grieved world, every act of selflessness matters.

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 14-23; Psalm 21; Proverbs 21 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people.” (Deuteronomy 17:7)

         Being a witness in Israel was a big commitment.  You couldn’t just accuse someone of wrongdoing and walk away.  If you were a witness and they were found guilty of a crime worthy of capital punishment, you also had to be the executioner, too.  I imagine that really made you think twice before publicly condemning someone.

         Slander and gossip are dangerous habits, and telling tales is often so tempting because it is easy to say something about someone without having to face the responsibility for those words.  Things like social media, text, email, and other forms of modern communication which place distance between us and others haven’t helped.

         If you had to really throw the stone, would you say the words?  Words have consequences.  Speak wisely.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 14-23; Psalm 21; Proverbs 21 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land…” (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Jesus will reiterate this sentiment in Mark 14:7 when the disciples begin to argue over the perfume that was used to anoint Jesus.  At times, we have made the mistake of stopping at the beginning of this sentence, throwing our hands in the air, and admitting defeat in eradicating poverty as an excuse to not help the poor at all.

But read the rest of the verse: “… therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’”

The poor will always be with us as an OPPORTUNITY to live with open hands and soft hearts.  The widespread existence of poverty and hard times provides an abundance of opportunity for Christians to do good works, shine Jesus’ light, and do good.

The size of the problem presents an endless opportunity for God’s people to be involved.  The scarcity of others presents an abundance of opportunity for grace.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 14-23; Psalm 21; Proverbs 21

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“So, circumcise your heart and stiffen your neck no longer.” (Deuteronomy 10:16)

         A stiff neck is a reference to an animal that refuses to be moved by the reins.  We guide pack animals by leads which move their heads.  The head moves, and the body follows.

         But what if an animal refuses to look where you want it to?  Stiff-necked.

         How willing am I to bend the neck to God’s will?  Am I willing to give Him the reins and look where He wants? Or do I let my eyes wander from the path He has chosen?

         Hard hearts have stiff necks.  Hearts for God have eyes for His Word.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-13; Psalm 20; Proverbs 20 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“…so I also prayed for Aaron at the same time.” (Deuteronomy 9:20)

         In the Exodus account of the golden calf, there is no mention of the above action.  We see Moses, furious and commanding, storming down the mountain to rebuke Aaron and the rest of the nation for their wicked idolatry.

         Exodus shows us anger, but Deuteronomy reminds us that though Moses was very angry with Aaron (and for good reason), he still loved him.  You can pray for someone at the same time they have upset you.  You can want the best for someone even as you are called to rebuke them.  These two things can, and should, coexist in our hearts as they did in Moses’.

         Our love should not wane in the dark times.  Pray for those who have hurt you and those who have sinned against you.  Prayer is one of God’s greatest conflict resolution tools.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-13; Psalm 20; Proverbs 20 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” (Proverbs 20:29)

There is a transition that happens in life from strength to wisdom.  The transition is slow, but we all feel it as the years roll into decades.  Tasks which were once easy become a strain, and muscles which once recovered quickly take much longer.

If we do it right, we are converting the strength of our youth into the wisdom to guide the next generation.  Energy is replaced with perspective.  Slowly, the role moves from being a player, to player/coach, to coach as one generation moves to help guide the next.

There is beauty in the strength of youth and the wisdom of old age, but the real power occurs when the two team up to serve God together.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-13; Psalm 20; Proverbs 20 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right.” (Proverbs 20:11)

There are few things as frustrating for a young person than to feel the disrespect of an older generation.  When we are young, we wish to be heard, valued, and noticed… but how to stand out in the crowd?

If you are tired of being painted with the broad brush of stereotypes where the older generation rolls their eyes at the inexperience and foolishness of all young people, there is no faster road to respect than character.  Good manners, honesty, a work ethic, and scruples are the universal language of respect and distinction.

Nothing stands out faster in a crowd than the man of pure and right conduct.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-13; Psalm 20; Proverbs 20 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

The thing that brings us the greatest sense of comfort and security is one and the same with what we worship.  What gives you confidence that all is well in the world and that there is hope for the future?

The answer should be the LORD, but far too often, we boast and find confidence in things like money, power, our own wit and intellect, or even our sense of entitlement due to position or citizenship.

These things are weak gods.

Only Jehovah brings true hope and confidence.

“The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:24)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-13; Psalm 20; Proverbs 20 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision