Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

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

Today will be about intercession, which is:To Ask for another when they cannot askTo Act for another when they cannot actRemember for another when they have forgotten  It is done exclusively for knuckleheads. Perhaps there is one in your life.Comment, share, like and subscribe. https://youtu.be/LtRmx_i2nCo

To intercede is toAsk for others when they cannot askAct for others when they cannot actRemember for others when they have forgottenAnd when others have lost their standing before God, we stand before Him on their behalf.There is someone in your life that you can intercede for. Who is it?https://youtu.be/HdTDtD9jguY

How many days have you rebelled from God?  For the Israelites, it was 14,600 days in a row. For a good friend of mine, it was 26242.God writes a message to mankind on two tablets with HIS VERY FINGER. It is one of the  first direct contacts with heaven.  Later Jesus comes down to make even more contact with our world.  So, no matter how many days it has been for you, please listen. Maybe it is time to stop rebelling and receive Him. https://youtu.be/sEhE0v2-Ctw

Could it be that the Lord choses a wicked people (Israel) to root out a wicked people (Anak's clan) to save a wicked people (You and me)?If so, we should be pretty humble, no matter what people group we find ourselves in. We shouldn't be prideful of our wealth.  (God gave His "money slap" in yesterday's passage.) Nor should we be prideful of the group of people that we woke up in today.  Listen and watch 7 minutes today. You have 7 minutes. The caution today will be a blessing to you.  Subscribe for a blessing tomorrow. https://youtu.be/qrcgIUYQEVQ

What happens if you love money more than God? Longing for money results in consequences that go beyond money. The Bible calls it an idol and some very unpalatable things will follow.Moses and Paul both beg us: Don't end up with ruin, destruction, a fall into a senseless and harmful desires, temptations and snares. Don't  disregard God and end up in ruin. Let's get this right in the next 7 minutes.https://youtu.be/8rwMod2gwmI

Christians do not have pride parades. They are in remorse over their pride         Don't let your HEART BE LIFTED UP against the Lord. Specifically:Be ready to be wrong about your powers to get wealth. If there are unique things that make you successful at your job, they came from the Lord.Join me for 6.5 minutes to consider why I might be good at my job and how I got wealth.  I have a superpower.  Come discover what it is.https://youtu.be/v4aYXpbOcb8

I have had a live hornet in my mouth for a moment.  I am not recommending it.  Of note, one of the ways the Lord clears out the promised land for the promised people is, wait for it, HORNETS. Trust me, it is an effective tool to throw the people into confusion. Listen 7 minutes as we work our way thru Deuteronomy to watch God setting His love upon the people of Israel. Subscribe and like.  Thanks. https://youtu.be/-3RJgFLdle8

God is in the PURSUIT business.  He pursues humans.  Why? Well, it is not because of our amazing attributes. Here's how it goes:1.Because of His love: He had plenty of it amongst the trinity. Always had a lot of love going on with the Persons.  He never lacked for love.He could have been  self contained but  He did something with it:      2.Because He is a setter. He's decided to “share the love.”He SET it ON you. He decided to plop this down on your head.      3. Because of His promise to the family of God that came before youHe  SET HIS AFFECTION on the people of Israel, so that he could someday SET HIS AFFECTION on YOU. So that you would SET YOUR AFFECTION ON HIMhttps://youtu.be/UBsGTJEZJmk

He brings us out, that he might bring us in. Where?To HIMSELF. He is the treasure. He is the reward. He is the prize.Know that the LORD brings us out for a reason: It is to bring us into a relationship with HIMSELF.  And that, is the greatest treasure of all.Subscribe:https://youtu.be/A_KlEXMk69M

Today we'll learn that it is easier to find God in the tempest than in tranquility; That there is a special caution for Abundance, when times are good:Take care lest you forget the Lord.The Lord has a caution today for the famished and the full.For the famished, have faithFor the full, have fear. Don't forget. Take care lest you forget.Subscribe so you don't forget.https://youtu.be/QYJESjrkIhM

If you peel the onion of any command of God, you'll find at the core: LOVE.By extension then, At the core of your relationship with the commandments of God should be an affectionate relationship with the Person of God. Obedience to the commandment of God is INSEPERABLE from the love of God for us, and our love for Him.So today, I WISH YOU LOVE: love of the commandments and the love for the Commander of the commandments. subscribe:https://youtu.be/Jl6qzfoPKlk

It is not everyday when God tells His people, "YOU GOT THIS RIGHT". So, we should pause, understand, admire, and then imitate. Like them, let's AIM FOR AWE. Start by watching for 7 minutes. Then subscribe and comment.https://youtu.be/Y0gpfQQ8v24

Watch 7 minutes with me as humans respond to 5 of the 10 commandments of God.  If we finish today with ½ as good of a response, I think God will be pleased. See what placing before them murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting does to them.  It doesn't harden their hearts. It MELTS their hearts...Just like it should ours. Subscribe to melt more tomorrow. https://youtu.be/_mXIcy8HULc

What if there were only 5 commandments?  Would that improve your standing before God?  Would you achieve and accomplish the five successfully? Join me as we assess our achievements in light of the commands that came directly from God Himself.  Perhaps you will do better than I did. ;-) subscribe. like and comment. https://youtu.be/20jntkFGta8

Historians recently made a very big deal about finding a single ring in a castle in Poland.  It was from the 11th century, gold, and found in a castle that housed kings.Similarly, we should be treasuring the revelations that God gives us about Himself. One of His revelation tools is His LAW. It is older,  more complete, comes with cross-references, and better describes its originator than a dusty old ring. Make a big deal about it for 7 minutes today and tomorrow by subscribing.https://youtu.be/e-32WIDCG5Q

If you sit in the butter tub of grace, what should you be thinking?If you sit in the butter tub of grace, what should you be remembering?If you sit in the butter tub of grace, what should you be doing?Moses asks this 3500 years ago. It is just as current as I ask it this morning.One thing perhaps to do: subscribe so you get more butter to sit in tomorrowhttps://youtu.be/mo6wAAHEnF0

When our hearts go out to something that the Lord would have reserved for himself only, it is called idolatry.  The Lord feels strongly about this.  We should too. There are affections, treasures, connections, energy, time, and devotion  due only to Him.There is a place in your heart that is only for Him.  Today, we'll see it and defend it together. https://youtu.be/SpXUvf-0910

There is wonderful stuff, 3500 years old, that is for us TODAY. There are revelations and principles that are just as true today as they were fresh out of heaven's mouth.  Our challenge is to go find them.  He's left treasures in the Old Testament for us to make new today.  If you love the treasures of Deuteronomy and the "Old" Testament, you are a friend of mine. Friend, let's go find them.https://youtu.be/CcC-CsRGAio

Moses hears some news from God that he does not prefer. It involves not getting the desire of his heart to go into the promised land. He recounts God's goodness and might before he receives his charge: go get Joshua ready.encourage Joshua: build COURAGE into himCharge Joshua: build VISION into himStrengthen Joshua: build TOUGHNESS into him.If this podcast doesn't build something into you today, subscribe and come back tomorrow. There will be something there for you:https://youtu.be/Vi46Ezf72U0

Why does the Lord set His love upon people? Exactly how is that love for a specific people group, and later the world, enacted? Join me as we watch the Lord destroy some kings and their sin, to make room for the people of God.  Later, a Savior that fixes everybody's sin-problem will come from that people group.  Why did God destroy OG? So He could come and get you.Why did God destroy Sihon? So He could demonstrate His love for you. subscribe so you can hear more about His love tomorrow: https://youtu.be/aEfnhMvBk8k

The people of Israel must fight for the place of Israel until the Lord gives PEACE to Israel. Up in today's story: the probably gigantic king OG.Watch as God exercises HEREM (destruction to an evil people group) to demonstrate His Hesed. (His faithfulness to an undeserving people group.)Og will be given into the hand of God, IN WHOSE HANDS were the people of God. Subscribe please!https://youtu.be/YuDJidhUY4E

Today we'll squirm as we see a people be entirely devoted to destruction.  This is a surprise to us, as we don't often see immediate and appropriate justice in real time. But you cannot understand the wrath of God, without understanding KINDNESS God.Is God sometimes severe to those of unbelief? Yes Justly so. Is God sometimes kind to those of belief? Yes. Mercifully so. Please subscribe. https://youtu.be/4x3sy6v9dX8

Be careful what you ask for.  Everybody THINKS they want to go to and enter the promised land.  But it does require something of you. We often think that we are the heroes of the Bible stories. If you want to enter, there'll be some obedience; some following and maybe even some fighting. Subscribe: https://youtu.be/vkBqu_xGuHc

The people of Israel are on an epic journey.  It's taken 40 years for a trip that was less than 40 days.  They are learning obedience, obedience of LOCATION. They go through a land-lessons on the way.  The Lord has given land to people groups previously, so He can give land to you.  Listen 7 minutes to hear how The Lord asks them to be obedient of PLACE. Subscribe please. Share. Like. Coment, Etc.https://youtu.be/mIlSN8neUM4

 Watch as the wrong ANALYSIS of God results in wrong action and wrong BELIEF of God results in wrong BEHAVIORS. This is in the shadow of God reminding them that I am YOUR God; I fight for you. I go before you. I show you the way to go. I carry you like a father carries his son.Even so, after God speaks to them so tenderly, they'll not obey, not follow and not really repent. There'll be lots for us to learn. Subscribe too: https://youtu.be/xG5HMZD-RXw

Statements of fact for the Israelites:I am YOUR God; I fight for you. I go before you. I give clear guideposts to you in the day and the night. I show you the way to go. And Most beautifully: I carry you when necessary. How far? All the way. When? when you are in the wilderness. Subscribe to be carried a bit tomorrow: https://youtu.be/nCZyPoQecW4

The burdens of the church are too much for one person to carry.The burdens of one person are NOT TOO MUCH for one church to carry. Why? Because God set up a system for burden-bearing that involves a community not an individual.  Can a 3300 year old book have an authoritative impact on loneliness, discrimination, justice and burden bearing? Yup. This is why we are talking about  Deuteronomy. It is current for today (and tomorrow if you subscribe): https://youtu.be/wFLqN1xZ9Lg

If you love the God of the Old Testament, this is the place for you.If you don't know if you love the God of the Old Testament, this is the place for you.If you want the Lord to open your heart to love the Old Testament, this is the place for you.         Those we read about will have trust/obedience issues. That's OK: Those who read this book will also have trust/obedience issues. Welcome to Deuteronomy.  Subscribe. This is a daily 7 minute consideration that is best digested one day at a time.https://youtu.be/Ifq_JoqHOcw

This is the last word on John, at least from me. We'll remind ourselves what John reminds us of.  It is the big conclusion and the best of the best of his primary themes. Thank you for being here.  Tomorrow we start Season 29. It will be different. It will be new. It will be OLD. Please join me.https://youtu.be/fNbRqXfYZWI

It is a big ask for God to request some interaction with specks of dust like us.  Fortunately, He tells us how to do it.  He Helps with the process. He comes to get us, first and foremost. He gives us people to help.  He gives us His Spirit locally and His Son to intercede at a distance. Please listen and be encouraged. Subscribe to be encouraged tomorrow with the Lord's will. https://youtu.be/padhcmu7cOI

Do you understand the book of John? You'll know one way or the other by telling me a few stories.  Here are 7 stories that YOU should tell ME to demonstrate that the Gospel of John has struck home. Thank you for considering and maybe subscribing.https://youtu.be/VIaFAAipA0o

It's probably not the best method of Bible scholarship: "Pithy Soundbites" is not a volume on any seminary shelf. But here we are, and if you love a soundbite, today is the day for you!They may be summarized in a bite, but there is a smorgasbord of truth behind them. Listen. Taste and see. Please Subscribe on YouTube or Buzzsprout.https://youtu.be/4f0_XjC_mQo

If we get all the good stuff out of the book of John, how should we respond? If we get the gift of the Good Shepherd, and accuracy in His Word, and diamonds of revelation, how should we respond?Give Him MORE COWBELL. Let's be wildly generous with our response.  It is formally called belief, and sometimes worship, but is best understood as MORE COWBELL.https://youtu.be/Q_0Htb0dg2g

Join me for 7 minutes to receive the 4 benefits of belief.  They answer the question we all ask: WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?Help with your big needProtection of an earthly shepherdClarityprosperityWho wouldn't want these things? I thought so. Listen!https://youtu.be/joje2vsBjWM