Days of Praise – The Secret Things

 

by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

This portion of Scripture follows a lengthy restatement of the covenant of God with His people, Israel. In this chapter, Moses reminds the people of the works that God wrought on their behalf in their deliverance from Pharaoh, in His provision for them in the wilderness, and in His protection on the battlefield (vv. 2–8).

In this final address, he encouraged them to “keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do” (v. 9), and he stated the various blessings that would be theirs if they would do so. Lastly, he described in graphic and burning words the results of breaking the covenant and incurring the judgment of God (vv. 18–27). “And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day” (v. 28).

Recognizing the limitations of humankind, Moses wrote in our text that there are certain things known only to God—things that cannot be understood by the human mind and things that He simply chooses to keep to Himself. But he goes on to say that He has revealed certain things to us, and these things we must obey. Consequently, our text consists of a great principle of life: we must do what we know to do. We don’t know everything, but we must act responsibly and properly on what He has told us, leaving the “secret things” and their consequences to God. Elsewhere, He promises that even the secret things will “work together for good to them that love God” in His sovereign plan (Romans 8:28). We must obey, doing what we know to do, and leave the results with Him. JDM

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer – A Life of Adventure

 

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23 (AMPC)

We were never created to live a boring life. God put a craving for adventure in us, and adventure means trying something we have never done before. If you are going to be adventurous, you may need to step out into something new. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life and watch the brave people live exciting lives—join them. Step out of your “boat of safety” and see if you can walk on water as Peter did (Matthew 14:26–31).

I assure you, if you are stepping out into God’s will for you, He will make you able to succeed. You do not have to feel able, and you do not have to have experience. All you need is the desire to be obedient to God, a thankful attitude, and a heart full of faith. God is not looking for ability; He is looking for availability. He is looking for somebody to say, “Here I am, God, send me. Here I am, use me. I want to serve You, God. I want to do all that You want me to do.”

Prayer of the Day: Father, I am thankful that You want me to enjoy an amazing, adventure-filled life. Whatever You have for me to do, I pray that You will make it clear. Thank You for the opportunities You are sending my way and the boldness You are giving me to make the most of them.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado – A Prayer Life Reboot 

 

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I’m a recovering prayer wimp. For years my prayers seemed to zig, then zag, then zig again. Maybe you can relate. Perhaps your prayer life could use a tune up, a reboot? If that sounds overwhelming, I’m inviting you to a simpler plan. Four minutes, plus four weeks, equals forever change! Every day for four weeks, pray for four minutes, focusing on these core elements of prayer:

Father, You are good.

I need help.

They need help.

Thank you.

It’s that simple. Really! Talking with God doesn’t have to be complicated or complex. The power isn’t in the words we pray, but in the One who hears them. Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

 

 

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Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Elect Exiles

 

Read 1 Peter 1:1–2

Peter is one of the most memorable apostles. In the Gospels, he is often the first to speak and act. He jumped out of boats (Matt. 14:22–33) and cut off ears (John 18:10–11). He denied the Lord Jesus three times (Matt. 26:69–75). In a remarkable act of grace, Jesus forgave Peter and reinstalled him as a church leader (John 21:15–19). This month we will study two letters written by Peter. They were not written by the young, impetuous Peter, but by a then mature Christian leader who had given his life to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter called his audience by two different descriptions. First, they were addressed as “God’s elect” (v. 1). To be elect means to be chosen. Followers of Jesus are recipients of God’s grace, and it is God who took initiative to make our salvation possible. Peter’s readers were also exiles “scattered” all over Asia Minor (v. 1). An exile is someone displaced from their home country to live elsewhere without legal rights as citizens. Peter’s readers, mostly comprising Jewish Christians, lived outside of Israel. So Peter likely used this term with a double meaning. On one hand, they were literally exiles. But they are also exiles in a spiritual sense—awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus, their true King and Lord.

Peter continues by reminding his readers that their identity is most firmly grounded in the triune God. The Father chose them, and the Spirit is sanctifying them for the goal of obedience to Jesus Christ, who cleansed them with His blood (v. 2). We also need a regular reminder that our most important identity is not found in our career, nation, or family. Rather, we belong to God who chose us. In Him, we can have grace and peace “in abundance” (v. 2).

Go Deeper

Do you realize that you are an exile? In what do you place your identity? How is “exile” a part of that?

Pray with Us

Lord, as we study 1 and 2 Peter, help us see the truths You have for us. Thank You that though we are spiritual exiles on earth, our identity is in You and heaven is our eternal home.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect.1 Peter 1:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/