Set Apart

 

Scripture:  “You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.”  Deuteronomy 26:17-18

 

 

 

 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  Galatians 5:1, 6b

 

This came from our daily reading in Deuteronomy 26 and Galatians 5

 

 

 

 Observation:  We are to bring the Lord a portion (a tithe) of all He has given/done for us.  We are to remember His outstretched arms that saved us.  We are to rejoice for what all the good He has done for us.  We are to live for Him and love others.  These are basic precepts, but I think it’s good to “go back to basics” from time to time J

 

Application:  To daily renew myself to walk in obedience to Him.  Know that God treasures me and sets me apart as a special people for Him.  Just as we set a portion aside for Him; He sets us apart as a special portion as well.

 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for all You have done for us and for making us a treasured possession.  Words cannot express enough all You have done for me.  May I walk in obedience to You today and always by the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You for Your Word and these words of remembrance today of Your Great Love for us.  Through Christ I pray, Amen & Amen.

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Galatians 6:22-25

 

Yesterday we studied that we are known and loved.

Today we are reminded that we are known and chosen.

 

 

Dear One you are Loved & Chosen by God!

Who gives the Victory?

Scripture:  “The Lord your God is the one who goes with you … to give you victory.”  Deuteronomy 20:4  “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Galatians 3:3

 

This came from our daily reading in Deuteronomy 20:3-4 and Galatians 3

 

 

Observation:  We talked a little bit about this yesterday, but it bears repeating, the way you were saved is the way you continue to live, by faith and obedience in responding to the Lord.  Paul says it perfectly, you started this journey with the Holy Spirit, don’t try to finish on your own!  Continue to walk with the LORD, let Him give you the victory!

 

Application:  Do not be fainthearted or afraid because God is with you! (Deut. 20:3-4)  Continue on with the Lord and His Holy Spirit to guide and help you.

 

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, let me be mindful to always continue to rely on Your Holy Spirit.  I know in my life I can get caught up in things and just “take over”, but let me keep my eyes on You continuously.  I don’t want to be like Peter walking on the water and get my eyes off of you and find myself sinking, but even then Lord You are there to pull us back up and get us back in the boat.  Thank You for being with us and letting us be victorious!  Through Christ I pray, Amen & Amen.

 

 

 

The Year for Canceling Debts

 

Scripture:  “… the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed …”  Deuteronomy 15:2b

 

“ … for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, 5 if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised …”  Deuteronomy 15:4b-6a

 

From today’s readings in Deuteronomy 15:1-11 and Galatians 1

 

 

Observation:  This morning while I was getting ready for the day the song came over me with the lyrics, “Oh the grace that is greater than all my sins …”  As I got ready I looked the song up on my phone and played it about three or four times.  The lyrics are so beautiful! 

 

If I told you my story
You would hear hope that wouldn't let go
If I told you my story
You would hear love that never gave up
If I told you my story
You would hear life but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be

Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
To tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
If told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
If I told you my story
You would hear life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be

This is my story this is my song praising my Savior all the day long


Publishing: © 2015 Word Music, LLC, Weave Country (ASCAP) / Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Open Hands Music (SESAC) (All rights on behalf of itself and Open Hands Music adm. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Writers: Mike Weaver / Jason Ingram

 

It’s a song about freedom and having victory over the enemy!  It’s His-Story that He writes into our hearts and lives!  Then I opened my Bible and read these words, “the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.”  I wanted to jump out of my seat and do the HalleluYAH dance!  Right now I am on a physical and spiritual journey with the LORD for better health.  I have struggled and been around this mountain in the wilderness for about 28 years – since I was 17 years old!  When one doctors words sank deep in my brain that I needed to lose 15 lbs to be at my ideal weight.  When I heard those words the perfectionist in me stood up and said, OK!  15 lbs and I will be PERFECT!  There is much more to this story, but it was the beginning for me of “working toward perfection”, trying to “save myself” physically.  But God wants to use “my story” and turn it into HIS STORY – what HE can do for me.  And I have sought Him over the years and done the “Christian weight loss” groups and read the books.  And have gained victory for short periods of time, but since last fall I think I really have given this over to Him and been seeking Him for HIS answers for me.  Today I receive that word, “the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.”  I can know that this year will be different, the results will be different.  This is a lifestyle change, but even more importantly a heart change.

 

Application:  “Remember that you were slaves [in bondage] in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you.”  Deuteronomy 15:15

 

Prayer:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  (Galatians 1:3-5)

 

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings [no], or of God? Or am I trying to please people?  [No] If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  (Galatians 1:10)

 

 

One note:  Christ cancelled ALL our debts at the cross when He died and was resurrected.  What is important to note is that we don't always receive the "Paid in Full" stamp over every area of our life when we accept Christ.  As important as what Jesus did for us, receiving it, letting it be proclaimed and heard and taken into our hearts is JUST as important.  Stop trying to do things in your own fleshly works and let Him proclaim over you, "It is finished" ... no more struggling, trying, fighting ... just listen and obey ... trust me!  It's so much easier this way!  Oh the GRACE that is GREATER than all my sins ... let His GRACE cover you today ...