A few years ago I had one of those eye exams where they put the drops in your eyes to dilate them. I wear contacts, so first my doctor (I go to the optometrist at Costco) had me remove my contacts. He put the drops in, and then my eyes slowly started dilating. If you’veContinue reading “Why exams are so important for us – Introducing Moses’ exam of Israel in Deut. 9”
Tag Archives: moses
Why we need a wilderness mindset, even when we live in the promised land
How can we remain faithful to God when life is good? How do we remain faithful in the Promised Land? When we are in the wilderness, we feel like we are going to die, and we need God to rescue us, we know that there is nothing we can do, and God has to intervene. Continue reading “Why we need a wilderness mindset, even when we live in the promised land”
The surprising danger of the promised land
The Promised Land is a dangerous place. Dangerous? Really? In yesterday’s post, I asked whether you are living in your own personal wilderness, or are you experiencing a promised land? In Deuteronomy 8 Moses is talking to the people of Israel who have just journeyed for decades through the wilderness and are set to enterContinue reading “The surprising danger of the promised land”
Do you feel like you’re walking through a wilderness? Or living it up in the Promised Land?
Recently our high school Booster club had the Harlem Wizards at the school for a fundraiser event. A selection of teachers from the district played a game versus the Wizards. It was a great mixture of comedy and trick shot basketball, including a bunch of amazing acrobatic slam dunks. At the end of the game,Continue reading “Do you feel like you’re walking through a wilderness? Or living it up in the Promised Land?”
What does idolatry look like in America? (or Why God is jealous and that is a good thing)
Here in America we have a popular television show called American Idol. It went off the air, but it is coming back! Did you have any favorite American Idols? Yesterday I mentioned that we don’t have idols in America like some other countries where Buddhism or Hinduism is prominent. But do we have other kindsContinue reading “What does idolatry look like in America? (or Why God is jealous and that is a good thing)”
Dealing with the harsh reality of God’s invisibility
Do you ever wish God would show himself? Ever feel jealous of the disciples who got to walk and talk with Jesus for three whole years? I do. I’m not always certain that God’s idea to be invisible was a good one. Why not just manifest yourself and prove to everyone you’re alive and well? Continue reading “Dealing with the harsh reality of God’s invisibility”
How parents and grandparents can bring revival to our land
There’s a scary reality we need to bring up. Though we are studying Deuteronomy, jump ahead to Judges 2:10, which takes place maybe 40-50 years after Deuteronomy. By this time Joshua has taken over for Moses as leader of Israel, guiding Israel as they take possession of the Promised Land and settle down. Then JoshuaContinue reading “How parents and grandparents can bring revival to our land”
Was God being manipulative when he said, “If you obey me, you will live”?
Is God being manipulative when he says, “If you obey me, you will live”? Is he being threatening? Why in the world would God say that? If you remove the Christian filter from your mind, you can read God as sounding an awful lot like an abusive boyfriend. As we continue our study through Deuteronomy,Continue reading “Was God being manipulative when he said, “If you obey me, you will live”?”
Will your life’s work be a waste? (3 Lessons from Moses to make sure it won’t)
Are you investing in people to take over for you? Or will your efforts stop with you? It might be a volunteer position in your church. It might be a job at work. It might be a leadership role in your family or on your sports team. You’ve served and worked and given much ofContinue reading “Will your life’s work be a waste? (3 Lessons from Moses to make sure it won’t)”
Why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land (and the important principle we can learn from it)
Have you ever been penalized for something that you did, and though you deserved it, you felt that punishment was too severe? Have you pleaded your case asking for grace, for mercy, for another punishment? That’s a tough spot to be in. You know you were wrong, and yet you feel the discipline is harsh,Continue reading “Why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land (and the important principle we can learn from it)”
Engaging Scripture 