Time in the Scriptures
Pray: Thank God for loving you as a parent loves their child
When you think of yourself as a child of God, what kind of feelings come to you?
Read: Deuteronomy 8:1-20
The Scripture is not afraid to use the idea of “God’s children” to explain rough times as times of discipline. What were some things Moses hoped the Israelites would learn from their wilderness wanderings?
Consider “wilderness” times in your own life. Are there ways you learned to rely on God during those times? Other lessons you learned?
The Israelites were moving into a land of “abundance” (verses 7-10). Though full compared to the wilderness around it, the fruitfulness of Israel is nothing compared to the vast resources of America. What did Moses fear would happen (verses 12-14)?
“My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” (Verse 17) Are you a self-made man/woman? Or has some combination of God, luck, and the system helped make you who you are today?
Consider our past as a nation and consider whether Moses’ warning to the Jews (verses 19,20) is applicable to us as well. What are some “gods” that are worshiped in America today?
Intercessory Prayer
Spend time in prayer for the following people:
- People going through “wilderness” times.
- Leaders in government – especially as they deal with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Caring through Action
Remind your children (or your parents, if you have no children) that you love them.