Reading Through the Bible with Elder Linda

Prior to finishing the last three Chapters of Judges which devalued women, we want to briefly go thru the Bible highlighting awesome women and their contributions to God’s master plan. #foryou #foryourpage #judges #idols #women #christian #jesus #paul  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s episode from Judges Chapters 17 - 18 we see what was happening to individuals and the tribes as the entire nation of Israel was falling into idolatry. Everyone was doing what seemed right in their own eyes. These two Chapters and the next three show us what can happen to a nation when they turn away from God and His ways. It is not pretty. The sin nature took over and they were capable of doing the vilest things. The blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is what enables us to walk right, talk right, and live right. Thank God for Jesus. We would be lost without Him! #foryou #judges #foryourpage #biblestudy #isrealites #christian #idols #worship  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges Chapter 16 we concluded reading about Samson, the 12th and final Judge listed in the book of Judges (we will read about a couple more Judges in the book of 1 Samuel). We continue to be reminded of the grace and mercy of God. After all the things Samson did wrong, when he sincerely cried out to God, God answered him. What can we learn from Samson? That even when we are at our lowest, if we sincerely cry out (pray) to God, He will always hear us and come to our rescue. Thanking God right now for His unconditional love for us 🙏. #foryou #judges #foryourpage #samson #delilah #christian #philistine #strength #biblestudy #oldtestament  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges Chapters 14 - 15 we continued to read about Samson, the last judge talked about in the book of Judges. In this episode Samson marries a Philistine woman. She betrays him during their wedding feast resulting in Samson killing 30 Philistines and walking away from the marriage. When he returned after he calmed down, his wife had been given to another man. Furious, Samson burned up the Philistines crops, vineyards, and olive groves. The Philistines retaliate by burning his wife and her father to death. Samson attacks them again killing many of them. After this battle, Samson hid in a cave and then allowed the Israelites to capture him and take him bound with ropes to the Philistines (Samson wanted them to take him to the Philistines so he could kill some more of them). Once in their camp, Samson breaks the ropes and kills 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Samson had a lot of character flaws but God was using him to confront the Philistines. It tells us this in Chapter 14:4 that God would use his marriage to the Philistine woman to initiate a confrontation. What can we learn from this? That you can’t put God in a box and that all things will work out for our good when you belong to the Lord. Even when it doesn’t look good or feel good at the moment. We also notice that we didn’t read about the Israelites asking for God’s help against the Philistines, they seem to have accepted their fate of being oppressed by the Philistines. God still sends them help because they are His chosen people. This shows us God’s patience and His long suffering with us…even when we don’t deserve it. #foryou #judges #foryourpage #samson #philistine #christian #nazirite #strength  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges Chapters 12-13 we finished talking about Jephthah and the next three judges (Ibzan, Elon, and Ebdon). In Chapter 13 we began reading about Samson, the 12th judge. During this episode we read about the Israelites first civil war since entering the promised land. What can we learn from this? As Christians we must remember that we are on the same team. We should not be fighting each other. Our common enemy is the devil (the world and our own flesh also fight against us). Let’s remember when we gather together that love should be flowing-not jealousy, envy, or hatred. There is room for all of us in God’s kingdom. Each of us has been given gifts to be used in the body of Christ. According to John 13:34-35, when the world see us loving each other it confirms that we are Jesus’s disciples. Because we are not perfect yet, there will be times when we ‘bump heads’. When those conflicts arise we must do what Jesus tells us to do…forgive one another. I am not saying it is always easy, but God will help us walk in forgiveness. Jesus is our pattern and He loved unconditionally. #foryou #judges #nazirite #christian #biblestudy #oldtestament #samson  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges Chapters 10:17 - 11, we read about the 8th Judge, Jephthah and how he defeated the Ammonites after they had oppressed the Israelites for 18 years. However, Jephthah made the mistake of mixing the worship of the true God with the way the Canaanites worshipped their pagan gods. The vow he made to sacrifice his daughter was the way the Canaanites worshipped their gods - they sacrificed their children to them. Sacrificing our children was never a part of the true worship of God. You might ask, what about Abraham? God tested Abraham’s total dedication to Him to see if he was willing to give up his only son for God. God was not going to have Abraham kill his son. In fact God provided a ram for that offering (Genesis 22). We read numerous scriptures proving God did not require human sacrifices and He was not pleased with it (Deut 12:30-32, Lev 20:1-2, Deut 18:9-14, Jeremiah 19:4-6). Because Jephthah practiced both the worship of God and the worship of the pagan idols, he thought literally sacrificing his daughter was acceptable. This was one of the main reasons God thru Moses and Joshua warned the Israelites not to learn the ways of the Canaanites and do not mingle with them. What can we learn from this? That we are also called to live holy (separated from the world and dedicated to God). We are told to be in the world but not of the world. We must be watchful that we are living our lives by God’s standards and not the world’s standards. We are God’s ambassadors. God help us not to compromise and help us to represent You well!

In this episode from Judges Chapters 9:7 thru 10:16 the Israelites got God’s attention when they put away all the idols they were worshipping. Are we worshipping any idols? Remember that for us an idol can be anything we put before God (money, fame, ministry, a man, a woman, etc.) God has to be first in our lives. #foryou #judges #oppression #idols #isrealites #repentance #deliverance  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges Chapters 8 - 9:6, we see thru Gideon that our fallen sinful nature can get us into a lot of trouble. I think Paul summed it up best in Romans 7:21-25 ‘…when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong…’ (NLT) The book of Judges continues to show us how badly mankind needed a savior. As Paul says, Jesus Christ is the only answer to our sin problem. He is the only one that can help us live right. Thank God for Jesus! 🙏 #foryou #foryourpage #christian #judges #gideon #baal #midianites #abimelech #idols  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

If anyone is going thru a test or a trial, this week’s lesson from Judges Chapter 7 should be encouraging to you. God thru Gideon used 300 men to defeat 135,000 men. Sound impossible? Well that is just the kind of victories God has in store for us. It might look like the odds are against us but that is only so that our God will make our victory even sweeter! Our problems or test are a set up for God to show up! Remember all things are possible with God. He is fighting our battles with us and for us. We know what will happen in the end according to the Book of Revelation, 'We win'!!!! God got this! Trust in and lean on Him. We already have the victory because God is on our side. #foryou #victory #gideon #judges #midianites #foryourpage #christian #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s lesson from Judges Chapter 6, we read about the fifth judge, Gideon. We noticed in verse 12 that God called Gideon by the name of what he would become, ‘a might man of valor (a hero)’. God sees us as who we will become also - the righteousness of God in Christ, as the head and not the tail. He sees us victorious. No matter what we look like right now, we must believe what God says about us. When God first called Gideon he was hiding and afraid yet God saw him as a hero. What if we actually believed what God says about us? We would be a force to be reckoned with. Our enemies would tremble! #isrealites #foryou #foryourpage #gideon #judges #midianites #canaanites #christian #angel #biblestudy #baal #oppression  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Judges 4 - 5, God shows us that He uses women and men. Deborah broke the tradition of her time when God called her to be a judge. She was not only a well respected judge, but she was also a prophetess. What can we learn from Deborah? That God uses men and women. I want to encourage women to move in the gifts God has given you boldly. Remember that it is God that works in you both to will and to do His pleasure (Phil 2:13). In other words, God puts it on your heart and then He gives you the ability to do what ever He’s placed on your heart. Deborah also is a reminder to us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. As women we wear many hats (mother, wife, career, church member, daughter, sister, domestic engineer, home administrator, cook, housekeeper, the help mate…)Because of the God in us, we wear all those different hats with ease. I just want to remind us that as women we usually take care of everybody, leaving no time for ourselves. Make sure you take some time out to rejuvenate yourself. You deserve it ladies!

In this episode from Judges Chapters 2-3, we read God’s reaction to the Israelites failure to drive all the Canaanites out of the Land. God will no longer drive the enemy out for them and He will allow their enemies to oppress them. However, we see God’s mercy at work in Chapter 3 because He sends Judges to deliver them when they repent and cry out to Him. What can we learn from them? That God is also listening to us and whenever we cry out to Him, He hears us and will come to our rescue. In these two chapters as well as throughout the Book of Judges, we will witness the grace and mercy of God on an undeserving people. #foryou #joshua #judges #canaan #canaanites #christian #foryourpage #angel #rescue #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

The Book of Judges is one of the saddest and darkest Books of the Bible. As we begin reading this Book, I want us to think about what happens to a Nation when they forget about God. Also, think about our Nation and all that is going on now. When a Nation or people ignore God or refuse to walk in His ways, the consequences can be deadly! This book is very explicit showing us how depraved people can be without God.In this episode of Judges Chapter 1, we read about all the Canaanites they left in the land. This is going to be a problem for the Israelites because God told them kick the Canaanites out of the land. They were warned that if they didn’t kick them out, they would be trouble for the Children of Israel. What can we learn from them? That there are serious consequences when you ignore God and refuse to walk in His ways. #foryou #foryourpage #judges #canaanites #Othniel #christian #caleb  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we did an overview of the Old Testament 1. God’s dealings with the human race (Gen. 1-11); 2. God’s dealings with His chosen people (Gen. 12-Malachi); and God’s dealings with His Church (Matthew - Revelation). We also did an introduction to the Book of Judges. One thing we talked about and should all appreciate is how God continued to show mercy and grace towards the Israelites even when they didn’t deserve it. I know we can all relate to that. As much as we “mess up”, God is always so faithful to pick us up, clean us up, and use us for His Glory! What a patient and awesome God we serve! He continues to love us even when we fail Him and don’t deserve it. Thank You God for your mercy and grace! 🙏❤️#foryou #foryourpage #christian #judges #bible #oldtestament #isrealites #canaan #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In Joshua Chapters 23-24 we read Joshua’s final words to the people before he dies. He warns them to cling to and serve the Lord and not to fall into sin like the Canaanites. One notable statement from Joshua was when he said…’choose today whom you will serve….But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord’. We too have to be willing to take a stand for the Lord even if we have to stand alone. #biblestudy #foryou #foryourpage #christian #joshua #israel #promisedland ##covenant  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we read about how the Levites received towns and pasture lands from the other 11 tribes. We also read about how the 2 1/2 tribes finally get to go home after fighting with their brothers for 7 years. One thing we should take note of is Joshua’s exhortation to the 2 1/2 tribes as he sends them home. In Joshua Chapter 22:5-6, after the major conquest of the promised land is over, they are told to obey the Lord; love Him; walk in His ways; hold firmly to Him; and serve Him with their whole heart. This is for us as well. Once we accept Christ into our hearts, we should continue to obey, love, and serve Him with all our hearts. #biblestudy #foryourpage #foryou #canaan #joshua #promisedland #levites #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we read about how they finally finished dividing up the land. We also read in Chapter 20 about the 6 cities of refuge created to protect anyone who accidentally killed somebody. These cities of refuge are a type of Jesus who is our city of refuge. Jesus is even greater than these cities because he accepts the guilty! He died on the cross for us, took our punishment, and declared us ‘not guilty’. Jesus is also our High Priest. Because He lives forever, we continue to receive His protection as long as we stay in Him. Thank you Jesus!! #foryou #highpriest #refugee #promisedland #promises #isrealites #allotment #joshua #canaan #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we continue to see the fulfillment of God’s promises as the Israelites receive their land allotments in Canaan. In Chapter 17 we are reminded that even though they have been given the land they are required to go up and possess it, take it! What can we learn from them? That God has given us many promises and provisions, but we still have to apply ourselves and possess and receive those provisions and promises. Let’s receive all that God has for us today! Go get your blessing!! #foryou #foryourpage #joshua #promisedland #canaan #possession #land #god #promises #isrealites #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Joshua Chapters 11:21 - 13:22, we read about all the kings that were defeated by the Israelites. We also began to see how they divided up the land between the 12 tribes. One takeaway from the book of Joshua is that this book records ‘judgement day’ for the Canaanites, and records ‘promises fulfilled" for the Israelites. As we reviewed Genesis 12:1-3, 5, 7 and Genesis Chapter 15:5, 12-16, 18, we see some of the promises God made to Abraham being fulfilled in the book of Joshua. God is giving them Canaan land as he promised Abraham over 400 years before Joshua was born. Also in the book of Joshua the Amorites (Canaanites) are experiencing their "judgement day" (Gen. 15:16). God keeps all of His promises. Every promise God has spoken to you will come to pass no matter how long it takes. #foryou #joshua #promisedland #foryourpage #christian #inheritance #abraham #moses #battles #victory  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s lesson from Joshua Chapter 11, we read about how the Israelites defeated the Northern kingdoms of Canaan land. One thing we have continued to remind ourselves is that God is a just and patient God. He had given the people of Canaan over 400 years to repent. Leviticus Chapter 18 tells us what they had been doing for the past 400 years - incest, bestiality, sacrificing their own children, etc. God used the Israelites to bring judgment to Canaan land. This was ‘judgement day’ for the people living in Canaan land. The Israelites, in destroying them all, were doing just what God told them to do. We also should remember that was a different time and a mandate for them. In our day and time God will never tell you to attack those who are not Christians or who don’t believe the way we do. God will be their judge at the end of the age. What can we learn from this lesson? That judgement day is coming and we want to make sure we have given our hearts to the Lord before that day comes. It is not God’s will that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, He has given us this time of grace to surrender our lives to Him. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to give your heart to Him. You have His ear, simply say ‘Father I repent of my sins, asking you to forgive me, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior’. If you sincerely say that simple prayer, God will hear you and come into your heart changing your life forever. #foryou #joshua #promisedland #isrealites #warfare #christian #victory #chariots #horses #foryourpage  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Joshua Chapter 10:14-43, we read the details on how the Israelites defeated 5 kings and their armies of the Southern kingdom in Canaan land. After the battle they returned to their home base of Gilgal. I believe this is significant because Gilgal could be seen as their starting point, their foundation. Here at Gilgal, before they could fight the battle of Jericho (the first city the Israelites would attack) there were somethings they had to do. 1. It was here they set up stones so they would never forget how God parted the Jordan River for them. 2. It was here they had to get circumcised and renew their covenant with God. 3. It was also here they celebrated the feast of Passover (deliverance from Egypt) and the feast of Unleavened bread (a reminder of how fast they left Egypt and how they need to get rid of any sin.) 4. Finally, it was here that the manna stopped and they began to eat off the land (time for something new). What Gilgal speaks to me for us is that we must remember that we are what we are and where we are because of God. Gilgal speaks to me that we must stay humble and never forget what God has done for us. #foryou #foryourpage #joshua #gilgal #promisedland #passover #canaan #gibeon #jordan #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we read about how the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a treaty with them. Although a deceitful act, their desperation showed that they knew it was better to be on the side of Israel’s God. We also read about two miracles in Chapter 10. One miraculous event was when God sent large hail stones to kill Israel’s enemies. The second miracle was when Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still to give him more daylight to defeat the enemy. How awesome that God heard Joshua’s prayer and made the sun stand still. The scriptures tell us that the ‘effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much’. In other words, when we are living for Jesus, our prayers are powerful! #prayer #foryourpage #foryou #joshua #victory #canaan #promisedland #christian #victory #conqueror #battles  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we read about the Israelites victory over Ai. One thing we should take note of is how the Israelites included and treated the foreigners and those who were not Israelites. What we should learn from this is that we should remember that non Christians are always watching us. Do we represent God well? Do people look at us and want to know the God we serve? We are His ambassadors and we should be pointing people to Christ. Our life should be a testimony of who we serve. Another thing we should learn from this lesson is that sometimes God will allow us to go thru things that humble us just to remind us that we can do nothing without Him. #foryou #foryourpage #joshua #covenant #christian #canaan #biblestudy #promisedland  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s lesson from Joshua Chapter 7, we read about how God allowed the Israelites, His chosen people, to lose a battle because they sinned and disobeyed Him. Achan took some of the items from their Jericho victory instead of dedicating those items to God as God had instructed them to do. One of our takeaways from this lesson is that what we do (or don’t do) can affect the body of Christ. We should remember that we can’t hide our sin from God. He knows what we did. So we should be honest with God and confess our sins. When the prophet pointed out King David’s sins, David repented. I believe that David allowing his heart to be convicted is what God was talking about when He said David was a man after His (God’s) own heart. God is gracious to us because he will convict us quietly about a sin that we need to stop doing. If we continue to ignore the Holy Spirit, eventually we could be exposed publicly. So let’s not ignore the nudges of the Holy Spirit and learn to repent of sins as the Holy Spirit points them out. #repent #foryou #foryourpage #joshua #holyspirit #conviction #canaan #christian #sin #israel  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s episode we discussed some things we need to know like the unpardonable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what is a reprobate mind? #blasphemy #unpardonablesin #holyspirit #foryou #foryourpage #christian #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s lesson we read about the battle of Jericho which was the very first battle the Israelites fought after entering the promised land of Canaan. We noticed how they did everything God told them to do and the city of Jericho fell! What can we learn from this? Doing things God’s way results in us having victory in all our trials and tests. Just remember that God is with you as you go thru your trials and He is the one who will bring you out victoriously! Trust Him! #foryou #joshua #obedience #stillness #jericho #rahab #foryoupage #canaan #battles #victory #christian #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Chapters 4 and 5 of Joshua we summed up the process Joshua went thru before he was ready to start possessing the land. 1. He receives encouragement from God. 2. He tells the people to prepare themselves. 3. He made sure his army was ready. 4. He sent out 2 spies secretly to confirm what he already knew (the Canaanites were afraid of them). 5. He crossed the Jordan miraculously. 6. He gathered 12 stones from the Jordan River for a memorial. 7. He circumcised the new generation. 8. He celebrated the Passover. 9. He talked to the Commander of God’s army. All of the above prepared him for the battle of Jericho. If we want to be prepared for the major battles awaiting us, we will also need to do everything God tells us to do. To be victorious, Joshua also had to believe what God said about him. Do we believe what God says about us? If God said it we should believe it. He is God and He cannot lie. #foryou #joshua #jordan #canaan #christian #believe #spies #ark #passover  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

The Israelites were told to watch the ark carried by the Priest and follow it into the Jordan River (which parted like the Red Sea). The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God. We are also supposed to keep our eyes on God and follow where He leads. If we keep our minds stayed on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace even with all the chaos going on in our nation. Pray for those in authority that they do right by the people. 🙏🙏 #foryou #joshua #arkofthecovenant #jordan #christian #biblestudy #foryourpage  ⁨@readingthroughthebiblewith3242⁩ 

In this episode we read about God’s charge to Joshua and about how Rahab hid the spies. We talked about how Rahab’s faith was mixed with her works. She believed in the God of Israel and she showed it with her works by hiding the spies. We talked about faith without works is dead (James 2:19-26). Faith and works go hand in hand. If we have faith, we will do works. Our works include the gifts God has given us. We must use our gifts for the kingdom. We need what everyone has to offer. The Body is not whole without you. We need you! #foryou #bible #biblestudy #joshua #rahab #spies #promisedland  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

We reviewed the books of the law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). We also did an overview of the rest of the Bible. We will start on the Historical Books next week beginning with Joshua.

In this episode Moses blesses the people just before he dies. Moses was not able to go to the promised land with the Israelites because he didn't do what God told him to do. The people were complaining about not having water. God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out of the rock for the people. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses got angry and struck the rock twice. What can we learn from this? We must do things God's way or there could be negative consequences. At first I felt sorry for Moses because he had dealt with those complaining Israelites for 40 years and he makes one mistake and miss out on going to the promised land. So from that incident we can see that God requires more from his leaders. Some of us have probably even said, 'how can they get away with that, God doesn't let me get away with any thing'. Just remember, 'to whom much is given, much is required'. Also remember that although Moses was disciplined for that mistake, he is still with Jesus as we see in Matt 17:3. He appeared on the Mountain of Transfiguration with Elijah and talked with Jesus. Moses is OK! #moses #foryou #foryourpage #promisedland #christian #biblestudy  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In Chapter 32 Moses teaches the Israelites a song that warns them about what will happen if they disobey God. God also tells Moses he will see the promised land, but he will not be allowed to go there. Although we might feel sad for Moses after he put up with the Israelites for 40 years, there is something we can learn from Moses. Namely that we must always do what God tells us to do. Taking matters into our own hands or doing what we want to do will not give us the best outcome. We must remember to be like Jesus and always say ‘not my will but thine be done’. Remember God knows what is best for us and He will always work things out for our good. #moses #foryou #foryourpage #song #rebellion #laws #demons #integrity #judgement #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Joshua is chosen to replace Moses, and Moses gives them instructions to read the law to all the people every 7th year at the Feast of Tabernacles. In this Chapter Moses is also told that the people will disobey after Moses dies. One thing I want us to remember from this lesson is how Joshua use to spend time in the presence of God (Exodus 33:11) which helped prepare him for his destiny. If we want to be well prepared for our destiny, we must also spend time in God’s presence (praying and just laying before Him). #moses #joshua #foryou #foryourpage #destiny #promisedland #victory #obedience #deuteronomy #christian  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses reviews the covenant with the Israelites and reminds them that in the future if they repent, God will restore them to their land. Moses is days away from dying. So these last words are very important. This lesson reminded me of the grace and mercy of God. Even after the Israelites fail, God tells them ahead of time that if they repent He will forgive them. The same is true for us today. No matter how many times we fail God, He is right there to forgive us if we repent. Thank God for His mercy and grace! #moses #canaan #deuteronomy #foryou #christian #israelites @Reading through the Bible with Elder Linda

In this episode we read about the horrible things that would happen to the Israelites if they disobeyed God’s instructions and laws. This was a rough Chapter to read as it talked about how the Israelites would even be forced to eat their own children because they were under siege and starving to death. What can we learn from them? That there are serious consequences for disobeying God. God is both severe and kind as it tells us in Romans 11:22. He is grace but He is also judgement. If we fail to accept Jesus into our hearts (He is the provision God sent to take away our sin) we will also face serious consequences. Jesus was sent to take on our judgment and punishment. If we don’t accept Him, we will have to take on our own judgment and join the Devil in the lake that burns with fire forever. There is a judgment day coming, let’s choose eternal life instead of eternal damnation. #hell #damnation #eternity #foryou #foryourpage #biblestudy #cannibalism #warnings #moses #disobedient #curses  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this lesson we read about the blessings and curses the Israelites will receive depending on if they are obedient to God or not. Although Moses was talking to the Israelites, God also has blessings for us if we walk in His ways. Our sin nature is cursed. If we give our lives to Jesus and invite Him into our hearts, He takes care of our cursed sin nature. The choice is ours, Jesus already made a way for us to escape the curse, but we have to let Him in. How? By saying ‘I repent of my sins, come into my heart and be my Lord and savior.’ Jesus is the only way we can be free from the curse of the law which tells us, ‘the soul that sins must die’. Give Him your heart today. #canaan #bible #deuteronomy #moses #sins #cursed #blessed  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Deuteronomy Chapter 26, Moses tells the Israelites that they will have to give a tithe to the Lord from their very first harvest. They were also told to give a tithe every three years for the needy in their towns. As Christians today God still expects us to give. We are not only to give to the Church and the kingdom of God, but we are also expected to bless others when God puts it on our hearts to do so. We read the scripture in Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus indicated that helping others who are in need is the same as helping Him. Jesus makes it very plain that those who helped others are considered His sheep, considered righteous, and are welcomed into the kingdom. Those who did not help others were considered cursed and was thrown into the fire with the devil and his demons. I believe this scripture is a warning to us. When God has a needy person cross your path, and He pulls on your heart to help them, remember the scripture in Matthew. We definitely don’t want to be one of the goats who becomes excluded from the kingdom because we never helped anyone. Don’t miss you opportunity to bless someone when God puts it on your heart. #canaan #bible #deuteronomy #foryou #foryourpage #bible #moses #oldtestament #harvest #tithe #give  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode from Deuteronomy Chapters 25:17 - 26:10, Moses continues to give the Israelites instructions about what they must do once the get into the promised land. At the end of Chapter 25, Moses instructs them to destroy the Amalekites. The Amalekites had attacked God’s people when they first left Egypt. We read Galatians 5:16-25 and Romans 7:21 - 8:4 where Paul talks about the war between the flesh (sin nature) and the Spirit. Because we will constantly be fighting our flesh until Jesus comes back - Amalek is a type of our flesh. In Exodus 17:16 it tells us the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation - just as we will continue to have war with our flesh (sin nature). As Paul said, thank God that Jesus Christ is our help and the answer to our sin problem. Because of Christ, we are no longer condemned to follow the demands of our flesh. Jesus has set us free. Now we get to choose each day to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh. Let us continue to choose the Spirit daily! #canaan #moses #promisedland #deuteronomy #biblestudy #amalek #joshua #foryou #foryourpage  ⁨@readingthroughthebiblewith3242⁩ 

In Deuteronomy Chapters 24:8 - 25:16, Moses continues to give instructions to the Israelites about the laws they must keep once they enter the promised land. One of the laws he gave them was about having integrity in their business practices. This law still holds true for us today. We must have integrity as Christians, in everything we do. One way you know you have integrity is when you do the right thing whether someone is watching or not. Remember, God is always watching. He is the one we will one day have to answer to. God wants us to have a heart like David, ready to repent when we are made aware of our faults. Thank God for His grace!

In this episode Moses continues to give the Israelites more rules and regulations they must follow when they get into the promised land. Remember the law will just show them what a kingdom citizen should look like and how they should behave. However, due to their sin nature, they will not be able to keep all these laws. But God knows they will not be able to keep them all. Jesus Christ is God’s secret weapon. The ultimate plan is for God to come down in the form of Jesus and die for us taking care of our sin problem. Christ fulfilled the law and He now lives in us. In Him we live and Move, and walk in our purpose. Thank God for Jesus! #canaan #moses #deuteronomy #biblestudy #foryourpage #foryou #laws #christ #jesus  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode we zoomed out to study the 7 major dispensations (periods of God’s dealings with His people through the Bible). The Dispensations include the following: 1. Dispensation of Innocence (the time in the garden - Adam and Eve), 2 The Dispensation of Conscience (men’s evil thoughts led to the flood), 3. The Dispensation of Human Government (tower of Babel where the people were dispersed ), 4. The Dispensation of Promise (God chose Abraham and made a nation from his descendants and entered into covenant with them. 5. The dispensation of law (Moses), 6. The dispensation of grace (this is the time we are in now - ends with the rapture, ) 7. The dispensation of the millennial reign (ends with the final judgment day) and then we enter into a new heaven and a new earth. We have been studying the dispensation of the law. The purpose of the law was to bring us to Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the law. He promised to write his laws in our heart. With Christ living inside us, He enables us to walk right, to talk right, and to live right. We are complete in Him. #canaan #moses #dispensation #law #grace #deuteronomy #foryou #foryourpage  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses begins by telling the Israelites who would be restricted from joining the community when it was time to gather in the presence of the Lord. The list included those who had been emasculated, those born from forbidden foreign relations (they could participate after 10 generations), the Ammonites and the Moabites (who refused to help the Israelites and tried to get Balaam to curse God’s people-they had to wait 10 generations before they could join the assembly), and the Edomites and the Egyptians (they had to wait for 3 generations to pass). One thing I want us to remember is that God sees everything. It’s a dangerous thing to mistreat God’s people. The scriptures tell us that anyone who touches us, touches the apple of His eye. The Israelites had no idea that the Ammonites and the Moabites were looking down at them from a mountain trying to put a curse on them. This should really give us comfort to know that even when we are not aware of the enemies plans, God is always watching over us and protecting us. Thank you God for loving us always! #canaan #moses #foryou #foryourpage #deuteronomy #assembly #biblestudy #promisedland  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses continues to give the Israelites rules and regulations that they must live by when they get into the promised land. One thing that really stood out to me was in verses 6-7, where God shows His concern for the birds. This was encouraging to me because Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:26-34 and 10:29-31 that God not only feeds the birds, but He knows when one of them falls. Jesus said if God cares for the birds, you know He cares for you and me. He knows how many hairs we have on our head. God cares about everything that concerns us. We are loved!! #moses #laws #canaan #promisedland #rules #holy #god #deuteronomy #birds  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses continues to give the Israelites instructions, rules, and regulations they will have to live by once they get into the promised land of Canaan. It was a capital offense in the Old Testament to disobey and dishonor your parents. We are under the new covenant so we no longer have capital punishment for disobedient children. That being said, I do think we have to continue to put our children in God’s hands. If we have counseled them and warned them about some bad decisions (I am speaking of adult age children) we have to learn to let it go. Even if we know they are going to learn the hard way. Remember, God is molding and making our children just like He’s molding and making us. God can take care of our loved ones better than we can 😊. Pray for them and trust that God knows what He is doing. #canaan #moses #deuteronomy #biblestudy #laws #promisedland #regulations #christian #dishonor #foryou #foryourpage #oldtestament  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses tells them not to steal anyone’s property, you must have more than one witness to convict someone, and what to do about a false witness. In Chapter 20 Moses gives them instructions about going to war. One thing I want us to remember is that as soldiers in God’s army, we cannot afford to be distracted. In Chapter 20:5-9, Moses tells them to dismiss any soldier who is distracted. We must be focused if we want to win our battles. The scripture says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Once we have decided to follow Jesus we must not turn back. We must continue to fight the good fight of faith. Remember we wrestle daily against wickedness and demon spirits. The battle is real and we must stay focused as God gives us the victory in every battle. And remember that the end of the Book (Revelation), says WE WIN! #canaan #moses #deuteronomy #promisedland #stayinyourlane #war #distraction #foryou #christian  ⁨@readingthroughthebiblewith3242⁩ 

In this episode, Deuteronomy 18:9 - 19:13, Moses warns the Israelites not to do what the nations around them were doing (witchcraft, sacrificing their children, etc.) when they get into the promised land. He also tells them how to spot a false prophet. In Chapter 19 Moses tells them to create 3 cities of refuge once they get into the promised land. These cities would be a place of protection for the innocent to keep them from being murdered. This would bring the number of cities of refuge to six, 3 on the east side of the Jordan River and 3 in the promised land. The cities of refuge is a type of Christ who is our refuge. We run to Jesus when we have sinned or made mistakes and He washes us in His blood, taking away our sins. Jesus is our protector and our savior. He has declared us 'not guilty'! #canaan #moses #foryou #holy #biblestudy #deuteronomy #jesus #cityofrefuge  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses reminds the Israelites of the punishment for worshiping other gods. Moses also instructs them to bring all difficult cases to the Priest and the appointed judge. Chapter 17 ends with Moses giving them instructions about choosing a king. In Chapter 18:1-8, Moses reminds them of their responsibility in giving to support the Levites. One thing I want us to see in this lesson is how God is faithful to warn us and tries to keep us from doing the wrong thing. We see that in Chapter 17. God already knew that Solomon was going to fall because of his many wives, power, and wealth. So in this Chapter, long before Solomon is born, God warns that a king should not have many wives, too much power, or too much wealth. Even today, God loves us so much, He will warn us and try to stop us from doing wrong. The problem is that we see the warnings and the ‘stop signs’ but we plow ahead and fall in the devil’s traps. God make us more sensitive to your warnings so that we can represent You well in this world 🙏. #canaan #moses #deuteronomy #idols #king #levites #christian #foryou #biblestudy  ⁨@readingthroughthebiblewith3242⁩ 

In this episode Moses continues to tell the Israelites that they will need to travel to the tabernacle three times a year to celebrate the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. For the Israelites the Passover represented their deliverance from Egyptian slavery; Pentecost showed their joy and thanksgiving for God’s blessings and the harvest; and the feast of Tabernacles was to be celebrated so that they would remember their wilderness journey and how God was with them and kept them for 40 years. Although we are not required to celebrate these feasts, they have spiritual meanings for us. Passover for us would represent our salvation experience, Jesus delivered us from the bondage and slavery of sin. The feast of Pentecost represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which ushered in the Church age. In Acts Chapter 2, 3,000 souls were saved on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is still saving souls today. The feast of Tabernacles represents God dwelling with us. We rejoice that Jesus lives inside us. He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. #canaan #moses #foryou #passover #pentecost #tabernacles  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this episode Moses tells the Israelites that after 6 years of service, they must release their servants (fellow Israelites who willingly agreed to be their servants). They are also reminded that the first born (animal and child) belongs to God. In Chapter 16, they are reminded to celebrate the Feast of Passover annually. The Israelites celebrated this feast so that they would always remember how God delivered them from Egyptian slavery. Although we are not obligated to celebrate any of the Jewish feasts, we are told by Jesus to remember how He died and shed His blood for us. We do this every time we partake of communion. See Luke 22:19-20. #canaan #moses #christian #promisedland #passover #communion #release  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​

In this week’s episode (Deut. 14:3 - 15: 11) we read about what foods the Israelites could and couldn’t eat. We talked about a couple of reasons why they were given food restrictions: 1. Because they were to be set apart as God’s holy people (see verse 2) and 2. Many of the restricted foods would keep them from getting diseases (for instance from birds that eat dead animals). Although these food laws were for the Israelites at that time, we can still learn from their restrictions One thing for us to see here is that we can’t do everything the world does. We also touched on tithing. The law required the Israelites to give a tithe (10%) of their crops and goods to the Levites for their upkeep and for the upkeep of the tabernacle. In the New Testament there’s not a tithing law (10%), but we are expected to give generously and cheerfully whatever God tells us to give (2 Cor. 9:5-7). Ten percent, although not mandated in our new covenant, is a good starting place. We should give for the same reasons the Israelites gave…thanking God for His provisions, His protection, thank Him for delivering us (saving us), and just for all that He has done for us. There are many way for us to give: our finances, our time, our talents, etc. As we give and empty ourselves, God fills us right back up. (Luke 6:38) #canaan #moses #deuteronomy #give #food #christian #tithes #foryou #foryoupage #debt  @readingthroughthebiblewith3242 ​