Day 56

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God our King!

Scripture

February 25—Deuteronomy 17-20: Civil Laws in the Land

Observation

In addition to the religious laws regulating national worship, Moses delivers a set of civil laws to be used in governing the internal affairs of the nation. Holiness should not be practiced in the tabernacle only. Justice, truthfulness, and humane treatment must characterize all the nation's dealings. Moses anticipates three situations that are sure to arise once the people are in the Promised Land: (1) the desire to crown a king; (2) the need to examine a prophet's credentials to determine if he speaks for God; (3) the need for a refuge to protect those who have committed manslaughter unintentionally.

Application

When was the last time you had a brush with the occult? Before you pass off the question lightly, consider the pagan activities that the Israelites were strictly forbidden to practice: magic spells, witchcraft, interpreting omens, consulting with spirits. Now compare that list with some of the seemingly harmless activities that Christians sometimes engage in today—reading books or viewing movies dealing with the occult, foretelling the future using cards, stars or Ouija boards, planing the day's activities on the basis of a horoscope.

Are you dabbling with the very things God has told you to despise? God told his people that "anyone doing these things is an object of horror and disgust to the Lord" (18:12). Those who belong to God have no business trafficking in the things of Satan. Check up on your life for any innocent-looking forms of the occult, and deal with them today. For God expects your full devotion.

Prayer

Oh God you are our true King and there is no other besides you so help us to not look other places for our future outcomes when they are all written in your word. For we might not know what the future holds, but we do know who hold the future. In Jesus name, amen!

Our Future!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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