Today's reading: Deuteronomy 28, 29; Galatians 6
S) "30 You shall betroth a wife, but another man will violate her; you shall build a house, but you will not live in it; you shall plant a vineyard, but you will not use its fruit."
Deuteronomy 28:30 (NASB)
O) The first thing I noticed was that the blessings covered in this chapter, are about 14 verses, while the curses are nearly three times as long. Second, this particular verse is a near mirror of the verses from my journal entry on 03/12/2014. These, I suppose, are some of the primary concerns for a man. His wife, his home, and his career. Moses goes into some pretty detailed, and prophetic, descriptions about the consequences Israel faces for turning their backs on the LORD, but this verse stays somewhat generic. Consequently, it remains as one of the most portable verses into today's world.
A) Very shortly into my marriage, I was driving home one night from a band practice, and God (seemingly at random), invaded my mind with a terribly foreboding thought: If I continued down my current path, I would lose my marriage. It wasn't a detailed warning, it wasn't an audible declaration from the cloud-split heavens, but in my heart, out of nowhere, I was sure. I wrestled with it awhile, in secret, because I was so wrapped up in my selfish pursuits. I did not want to submit to the LORD and give up the various sins that had ensnared my heart. Thankfully, after about a year of wrestling through this internalized battle, God won. What I've come to learn, is that my core desires (outside of Him directly), are in jeopardy, as long as I try to protect them my way. It is very like what Jesus said, "Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." (Luke 17:33).
P) Father, this warning is heard loud and clear. Forgive me for my sins, and in grace, continue to save me from myself. Whatever the cost, LORD, I submit myself to Your sovereignty over my life. My marriage, my home, my career, and everything else, I submit to You alone. Whatever it takes, Father, discipline me to be faithful and devoted to You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) Very shortly into my marriage, I was driving home one night from a band practice, and God (seemingly at random), invaded my mind with a terribly foreboding thought: If I continued down my current path, I would lose my marriage. It wasn't a detailed warning, it wasn't an audible declaration from the cloud-split heavens, but in my heart, out of nowhere, I was sure. I wrestled with it awhile, in secret, because I was so wrapped up in my selfish pursuits. I did not want to submit to the LORD and give up the various sins that had ensnared my heart. Thankfully, after about a year of wrestling through this internalized battle, God won. What I've come to learn, is that my core desires (outside of Him directly), are in jeopardy, as long as I try to protect them my way. It is very like what Jesus said, "Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." (Luke 17:33).
P) Father, this warning is heard loud and clear. Forgive me for my sins, and in grace, continue to save me from myself. Whatever the cost, LORD, I submit myself to Your sovereignty over my life. My marriage, my home, my career, and everything else, I submit to You alone. Whatever it takes, Father, discipline me to be faithful and devoted to You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
Glory To God!
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