Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

I will spare you most of the 53 verses of curses pronounced upon the people of God.  You'd rightly expect them for a people who fail to Listen to God's voice or follow His commands.  But He also adds this condemnation: "Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart.."Think about that. Not only does God wish obedient hands, He wants joyful hearts. Let this be a heart check today for all of us. subscribehttps://youtu.be/bnoVlXc_5pY

When will blessings chase you down and overtake you? Sometimes the answer is in the presence of my enemies.YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD WILL BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF ENEMIES AND BATTLES? Exactly.  sometimes enemies are required to most clearly see His hand.The spiritual life is not lived absent conflict.  It is lived absent aloneness.Please come back tomorrow.  Lord willing, I'll be here if He gives me another sunrise here. https://youtu.be/4q8VY_3mDRc

God makes a nationwide morality play in Deuteronomy 27 and 28. ½ the people play the good guys, and ½ the nation plays the bad guys.  The whole country literally has a part.  They stand on the dividing lines of good vs. evil.  Everybody speaks so that they understood the choice before them.  Everybody understands the consequences.  Don't we all similarly understand that we get to choose, but choose under the watchful eye of the Lord.https://youtu.be/RNsovf2lf3I

God is asks us for a response to all that He does for us. He sets His love upon us. He chooses us. He walks in our midst.We can give Him ½ a heart, or probably even a 1/16th of a heart.  He asks for the whole enchilada. He'll picture our ideal response quite literally today:Even the rocks bear witness to the full hearted response that God wishes. Listen 7 minutes. Like. subscribe. share. re-post. Make a whole-hearted response.https://youtu.be/B6zrjOL-QUs

What is so unique about Israel? It is God's choice. God's intent. God's plan. God's presence. and God's value.He is preparing an undeserving people, Israel,  by demonstrating His kindness so that eventually, He can demonstrate His kindness to an undeserving world, full of undeserving people like you and me.         That is why Israel is so smokin' hot. Listen 7 minutes today and subscribe for tomorrow: https://youtu.be/6BVH48cXHeE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn't forget something God told his people 3500 years prior to specifically not  forget. He remembered the Amalekites. Not only that, he asked the world today to not forget the Amalekites.The reference is the very chapter we are on as we are walking thru Deuteronomy.  It is there Moses is commanded to "blot out the memory" of the Amalekites. Join me as we ask about his application of this verse to the current people group of the Palestinians, and their leadership of Hamas. Once again, Deuteronomy is practical and applicable. Subscribehttps://youtu.be/EYXBafhLsiQ

What do you do for what God has done for you? The answer is : MAKE a RESPONSE.  How do you respond? A response is undeniably required.Functionally, today's passage is about money. It is about STUFF.But the stuff is just the "currency" of the response. So are our hands, feet, mouths, and wallets. Realize and respond with me for 7 minutes.https://youtu.be/qdqehK-54kg

We'll land on the question today: "Who am I at liberty to marry?" We will get there by way of an unusual Old Testament practice. We'll also address what comes along with marriage.  What are my duties? To whom are they owed? https://youtu.be/MYbcoQMWDLY

God wants a bunch of OXEN in His church.  Working. Laboring. Eating voraciously. He wants everybody to be using their gifts for His kingdom. Every single person should have an answer to the question: "Where do you serve?"The relevance of this ancient verse is reinforced by two significant reiterations of it in the New Testament.  It is there that the full meaning of our ancient passage is brought forth.  It is about more than OXEN.  It is about what we owe our pastor/elder. Listen 7 minutes to hear what we owe those who work hard amongst us.https://youtu.be/-JrGWz9TAxE

Kidnapping is an easy one.  It is the only "theft" (the theft of another person) that is punishable by death.We shuld be treating others as if we are before the Lord God be cause we really ARE before the Lord. So then, if you KNEW that your financial actions were done before the eye of the Lord your God, what would have to change? What should change? Consider this "OLD" principles, which are perfectly applicable today. Then subscribe, etc.https://youtu.be/bLXLW_2oSaE

We live in a world of wars but you get to chose a wife         We live in a world of Hostilities, and I have provided for you a husband If you are not married, sow the seeds that make you marriage-ready. 75% of the time the problem isn't FINDING "the right one" it is BEING the right one. Grow in purity; grow as a provider, grow in preparation, Grow in prayer for a future spouse—they likely are struggling just as much with aloneness and all the challenges of singleness ; and grow in pursuit…not of a spouse, but of God.If you are married, grow in happiness by growing in gratefulness for the one you chose. Hurry, you only get a year... Please subscribe in the meantime.https://youtu.be/NcmpcexScmc

In an unfallen world there would be marriage but  no divorce. However, we do not live in such a world.  Are there any principles that guide the nasty business of divorce?God's eyes are upon marriage, and God's eyes are upon divorce.  Surely, this is going to affect more than just two people. We all know there are indeed ripple effects from divorce. He calls us in the midst of all this fallenness, do "not bring sin upon the land." He charges the fallen to be careful, to try to limit the ripples. subscribe for more ripple help tomorrow. https://youtu.be/8aAjy3Kd69k

Did you know that LIONS have taste buds specifically tuned to the diet they are designed for? They cannot taste Skittles, and they MUST taste meat.Similarly, we are designed for God. Our hearts are set on Him, even if we don't quite have it all figured out.  Like the lion's taste receptors, ours are specifically tuned towards God and flavor and satisfaction is found only in Him.Listen and subscribe 7 minutes as we discover that you have the taste buds of a LION.https://youtu.be/1JOPj-Ga3e4

There is something special about Sunday church.  It is supposed to be SOOO special, that to be prevented from attending would be a grief to you.  This could happen from church discipline, illness, or force of habit. It should be painful because it is there that "the Lord walks in the midst of your camp." That is, His presence is uniquely and powerfully present in the center of His people. Missing church should hurt so much, that I will FLY to the Assembly of God this Sunday.  See you there.  Subscribe, comment, like.https://youtu.be/Hgyz7tBaI18

Would it sting to NOT be able to go to church? If assembling is a privilege, then being prevented from attending should hurt.It is even used as a disciplining tool in the Old and New Testaments. The ultimate ecclesiastical censure is to be banished.Let's value, appreciate and profoundly treasure our access to the Assembly of God.https://youtu.be/srKj7TyEcFA

Today we'll hear that The moral principles of sexual conduct are the same today as they were 3500 years ago.This should lead us to a reverence, humility, and silence and as we come to this topic.  Likely, you have been spared the just punishment that surrounds this topic, NOT BECAUSE YOU ARE INNOCENT. You have been spared because the perfectly innocent, JESUS, has come to bear your punishment.Sorry no video today. Just audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1304884/episodes/17455078

Does God care about what I wear?  How about cross-dressing in either apparel or behavior? Of note, our image bearing of God Himself is reflected even in our clothing.         God loves maleness. God loves femaleness. Your maleness or your femaleness are inseperable to your image bearing. To confuse this is to disorder that which was originally designed to be ordered. So, carry your maleness or your femaleness proudly and clearly, for by doing so you reverentially carry the very image of God.https://youtu.be/rUWf4u_l8z4

If you want to learn about LOVE, you'd best look to the OX. Like a stray OX, Love is inconvenient, Love is intrusive and you will be tempted to ignore it. Similarly, a decision to love is inconvenient, intrusive and you'll be tempted ignore engaging in the whole business.What is love like? If it involves a wandering  OX, then run to the OX.https://youtu.be/wrwqGxGLMrk

Crucifixion is a nasty business. It involves the torture and killing of a condemned person. But it also can tarnish the whole land that it occurs in, if the deceased is not buried on the same day. Their bodies "shall not remain all night on the tree".The reason that Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and the Jewish authorities acted expeditiously to kill and care for the three on the crosses we are familiar with is because of what it says in Deuteronomy.  Once again, Deuteronomy echoes through the ages. Listen as we visit the cross. https://youtu.be/DI1pwOhp8YU

So how many wives is best?  The answer is ONE, but it is a little more complicated than that.  Polygamy is mentioned and acknowledged in the Bible, but it is never endorsed.What about the women who are spared from the destruction of their cities in war? What about the children and their inheritance for those with two wives.  It is complicated, but join me for 7 minutes while we don't ignore it. https://youtu.be/S5WMIe_NAVY

We all sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.  We Stand on shoulders that are not our own.Spiritually, we too stand upon inherited blessings that we did not earn. Some of course are from God, and some are from actual humans. For 7 minutes, Consider such "spiritual trees" under whose shade you sit today. https://youtu.be/KYWGm2PmMsU

Today, Be READY for a fight.—perhaps temptation; evil, sickness, or even a grief.But, be ready to have the Lord go with you into battle.It is not “let go and let God”, more like, LET'S GET GOING WITH GOD.The battle is the Lord's, but the fight is yours.Or at least ½ yours. He fights with you. He let's you fight.The battle is the Lord's, AND the fight is yours. AND the fight is His. subscribe for more fisticuffs tomorrow. https://youtu.be/dsyoDaN8dmk

 Welcome to the original SANCTUARY CITY!Where the punishments proportionate to the crimes. Where the innocent are protected.  Where the guilty are not spared but brought to justiceWhere false accusers become truly accusedBecause of Deuteronomy, you likely sit in such a city today. Listen 7 minutes to see why. https://youtu.be/FKkh2NIkvrg

Deuteronomy is practical and applicable as it sheds light on two topics:should there be capital punishment?what is the purpose of a sanctuary city?Listen 7 minutes to hear what the Bible has to say about it.https://youtu.be/Xg0ro2aKJW0

If God does not "write the Bible", then we are of no obligation to read it or follow it. But let's say that God really does Author the book. Then, we are beholden to read it, treasure it and follow it. Follow this Chain of Revelation with me today:1.   God2.   Revelation                 God make himself known3.   Inspiration                Prophets who faithfully write with vested with God's authority4.   Recognition              Scripture accepted by recipients as divine5.   Canonization   Bible books gradually collected into one volume-honor6.   Preservation             Scripture faithfully copied for distribution7.   Translation               Bible put into other heart languages and is useful 8.   Observation              People read and study the Bible9.   Illumination             Holy Spirit helps people understand the Bible10.                Interpretation          podcasters People study what the Bible means and try to communicate it winsomelyhttps://youtu.be/hxFDdaDZhKI

Join me in squirming as we hear of a couple of cultures who "put out" their own children.  That is, those in charge of certain infants, put them out into the elements to deliberately kill their own children.  The Israelites encountered it when they arrived at the promised land.I encountered it on a recent tour of Iceland. And what shall we say of our current culture? Would we stand blameless before God as to how we treat the helpless children amongst us? Listen and find out. Fortunately, Innocent Jesus is available to all who have hurt the innocent. https://youtu.be/5W1Sg6DWYDg

There are pitfalls in the concept of leadership. First, the leaders can be wrong.  They can steer off course because of pride, power and pleasure. It does not stop there, because the followers can also do this wrong.  They can be looking for the wrong type of king. Our real King should be in heaven.  Our allegiance is truly there. Let's not get this wrong, whether you are a king or a follower. Subscribe to help not get this wrong tomorrow too: https://youtu.be/gDvF9TJ5CFw

Justice, and the justice system derives from the very character of God.  As much as possible, the practical exercise of justice here on earth should reflect the Just character of God in heaven.We stand before God in what we say and do and how we judge.If we are involved in any part of a justice system at home, in relationships, at work or in the public sector we are to represent God faithfully. Then, when this world is over, we will call out for His mercy, not His justice. Comment and subscribe. 7 minute listen.  You have 7 minutes.https://youtu.be/Av8c0mdXydo

Some of the so called "OLD" Testament principles are practiced TODAY. Specifically: how to respond to the generosity of God. Out of a defined calendar of national Jewish holidays, we can glean some practices that are great for 2025. Everything comes from the Lord. He loves a cheerful giver, and a cheerful rejoicer, who generouslyresponds personally and communally to all the genersosity that the Lord gives us.Everybody comes. Nobody comes empty handed.https://youtu.be/kAzavmy5-Gs

You are going to need the truths of this event to understand your coming SAVIOR.You remember this PREVIOUS EVENT to help you be ready for a FUTURE PERSONWITHOUT THE PASSOVER lamb, The wrath of God does not passoverWith Jesus, The PRACTICE of the Passover gives way to a PERSON.The Lamb makes friendship with God, adoption by God, intimacy with God, even worship of God POSSIBLE. Behold the  PASSOVER Lamb of God!https://youtu.be/mv9QKNa2Kkc

When a "bondservant" is referred to in the Bible, it means a voluntary, ongoing, permanent, mutually agreed upon, mutually  beneficial,  employer/employee relationship. It is an important concept to get right, because Jesus asks every one of His followers to become a bondservant to Himself. Us bondservants are to voluntarily enter into an ongoing, permanent, mutually agreed upon, mutually  beneficial  Master (Jesus)/servant (us) relationship with the Lord Jesus. It involves, at least in the Old Testament picture, an awl, a door, and a willing ear. Listen today with your ear. Then get out your spiritual awl.https://youtu.be/rcWMkrNnUNA

If God was only just, you, me, and the people of God would only be in big trouble. The Israelites are just past a little event known as the golden calf, where most of the golden rules were trampled on. Yet, because "the Lord's release has been proclaimed", it means that you're not getting what you deserve. Then practically He asks for a heart toward the poor that is similar to the Lord's heart toward them. He asks for a HAND toward the poor brother among you that is similar to the Lords HAND toward them. He wants to see amongst the people of God the very character of God: in this case financial mercy.  Listen. Subscribe. Come back tomorrow unless you've something better to do when you drink your coffee.https://youtu.be/h16KQzDotW0

First let's ask selfishly: If you knew that YOU were benefitting from YOUR giving, would you give more?Here's the Crazy thing that makes this worth 7 minutes of your time: the generous GIVER is also the generous RECEIVER.You give it to the Lord who gives it back to you.Hmmmm. If the  main profit is accrued to ME...  Maybe I should give more.And subscribe: https://youtu.be/liiwsYu8hlM

If we did a forensic accounting of your finances, would the generosity of God be reflected in the results?In today's passage, God is claiming Lordship over not just your ABILITY to gain wealth, but over the wealth itself. Today is all about MONEY. I am Lord of the wallet, King of the checkbook. Lord of Venmo. Prince of Paypal and the Paycheck.  Is He Lord of your wallet?Subscribe and like and share and commenthttps://youtu.be/C50J7IzXQxU

Doing  distinctive diets self-righteously before God does not CALL FOR or EARN His favor.  It is the unearned favor of God that calls for these distinctive, at least in the Old Testament.It constantly reminded, by everything you put or don't put in your mouth, that you are a peculiar people.  Today, things are different.  Listen and subscribe and comment: https://youtu.be/ugE7y01Q9iw

God wants followers that appropriately love and worship Him.  Our problem is foundational and functional rebellion on a world-wide scale.  The appropriate response is the wrathful justice of God. Yet, He also makes a way of mercy; a way for your big Santa-bag full of your sin penalty to be carried by Someone who isn't you.  Unholiness has a terrible price to be paid.  Fortunately, Jesus comes to pay it. Subscribe for more: https://youtu.be/m3HY_ux030k

You gotta love the practicality and applicability of Deuteronomy. In chapter 12 alone it has many reminders, that if exercised will be of benefit to you.We're tempted to inhabit the "Island of Misfit Toys." That is, to live in our islands of moral relativism. Deuteronomy has lots to help us with here. It calls us to love the eyes of the Lord.  It wants us to see things as God sees them and to agree with Him regarding the implications that follow. Listen just 7 minutes so as not to be marooned on your island. Don't subscribe if you have got this all figured out. Subscribe if you'd like some help beyond yourself.https://youtu.be/V9dmoHcyXO0

The Lord loves a good party.  He invents the concept of having a celebration about Him.  In fact, He invites people to rejoice and feast in honor of Himself.Of note, He asks them to have this party in a particular LOCATION.  Just any old place will not do. He wants the place of the party to be that of His HABITATION.  Where He is, IS THE PARTY. Join me for 7 minutes to start the party today.https://youtu.be/tAVRdbhaO5c

         The Christian's relationship with the Bible is like saving PEACHESOn some days, there will be no sunshine, no warmth, and no harvest.         On some days, there will be no peaches.But if we do this correctly, it will not be a day without peaches. How? Those are the days that we can enjoy peaches that were laid aside, and "put up" for a future day. Listen 7 minutes for a peach of an analogy today or perhaps you can lay it aside for a day when there is not harvest. https://youtu.be/CA6gaerAdFk

If I sliced your heart open, would I find an inclination to LOVE the Lord?Consider your LOVE. If it is poor, then CONSIDER the discipline of the Lord.Seriously, if our AFFECTION is poor, then consider His DISCIPLINES.Then, Let this consideration of His disciplines inform the conduct of our LOVE.Subscribe, for we can only do this when it is today.https://youtu.be/2QLWzxzA_CQ

Our passage today will have a lot to say about how to move off our obstinate stubbornness. I call it Knuckleheadedness.  It is a real, persistent problem with people of all ages.There is No such thing as a fruitful functioning, fellowshipping Christian, who thinks wrongly; walks in error, fears not the Lord, is commandment-optional, serves poorly, & doesn't love.Join me for 7 minutes each day as we endeavor to not be a knucklehead. https://youtu.be/kl3bl3w4Tqc

What happens after a big fiasco with the Lord? We need to know, because we've all had a few. Watch with me how our Old Testament friends return to the basics with God. If you have failed horribly then you are a friend of mine...IF...Watch 7 minutes. Do the basics. Subscribe. Come back tomorrow.https://youtu.be/azFz7F9rG8I