Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

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

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