Daily Devotional Feb 14h 2021: Two Valuable Bible Books for New (and true) Christians Part 1 (2)

Many new Christians are uncertain where to start in their Christian walk. It all seems so overwhelming. Pastoral care isn't what it used to be, and many corporate churches use their flock as cash cows or to advance their personal agenda, which rarely aligns with God's will for the church. That's my experience. When I confessed Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I didn't know where to start. But God directed me toward two people: Myriam, a chef from Belgium who guided me through the jungle of the world and taught me how to honor God without compromise. She treated me like an unruly child when I made even the slightest mistake. I am still glad she did. Then there was Dr. Chuck Missler, a scientist, a corporate leader, a defense contractor, a patriot, and a Bible teacher, all first-class. Both Myriam and Chuck Missler helped me find my way to godly living. Friends, I am imperfect in so many ways, but I seek guidance from God Himself through His Word, from my pastor, and from the lessons learned throughout the years. The access to Christian teachers does not reduce the need for being in the Word of God daily. It's spiritual food, you see. 

Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” 

Dr. Missler inspired me to LOVE the Lord, His Word, and to stay in it, to study, to worship, and simply to read the Bible. Myriam guided me like no other to apply the Word in daily life. Both helped to grow my faith. Many of Dr. Missler's teachings are available for free on a widely used video platform. All of them are available, some for free, at the Koinonia Institute website and store.

Though the teachings of Dr. Missler and the friendship with a true Christian have helped me, we must always follow up with staying in the Word ourselves. While the Bible is an integrated message system, there are two books that are particularly helpful to the new Christian, and also the ones who have backslidden and wish to renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. One is in the Old Testament, and one in the NT. It's exciting that God has put in our hands His Word and grants us an understanding of His Will. How many times are Christians asking: What is God's Will? It's right there, brothers and sisters. Read Deuteronomy, and the scales shall fall off of our eyes.

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy means literally: "Second Law". The book was written by MOSES, about 1645 B.C., just before the Hebrew's entrance into Canaan. It is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the bible. 

It contains a summary of the exit from Egypt on their way to the Land of Milk and Honey. Moses states the Ten Commandments a second time. The Ten Commandments are still the pillar of Western law that underpins their judicial systems, and it is the principle guide for righteous living for all humans. Deuteronomy has 34 chapters, 959 verses, 28,355 words, 33 questions, 690 verses of history, 230 verses of fulfilled prophecy, 37 verses of unfulfilled prophecy to date. Deuteronomy has 33 separate messages from God, 519 commands, 47 promises, and 497 predictions. 

Wow, if this is not a book to read. 33 direct messages from God? How blessed are we that we have access to God's guidance? For the new Christian, it is a manual to keep on a righteous path. One of the most profound parts is Chapter 28 with its 14 blessings and 54 curses. 

While we are no longer under the law, the law is still fulfilled today through the blood of Jesus. It's purpose today is not the adherence to religious law. But the question many Christians wonder about: How do I live a life God is pleased with?

Here are some things Deuteronomy addresses, and I am merely citing a few examples:

• 6 Reasons for Curses (28:45)
• Man's Responsibility (29:4)
• Backsliding (28:63)
• 56 Things God Promises to Do 
• 198 Things Men Can Do
• 6 Judgements of God Upon Apostates
• 8 Things God Blots Out
• The Return of God
• When Israel is Regathered
• 20 Blessings of the Last Days
• 10 Sets of Things to Choose From
• 10 Facts About God
• 6 Reasons to Read the Law
• Marks of Idolaters
• 7 Reasons Enemies are Victorious...

...and so on. The 7 reasons enemies are victorious alone is a reason every Christian Patriot should read Deuteronomy, making careful notes. These alone warrant reading Deuteronomy, right?

I am listing them here. Chapter 32

• Israel was void of counsel (v. 28);
• They had no understanding;
• They had no wisdom (v. 29);
• They would not consider their latter end when their Messiah would reign;
• Their Rock had sold them into captivity (v. 30);
• Their vine was of Sodom, and the fields of Gomorrah.

Does any of these apply today?

Ecclesiastes 1:9
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” 

The Book of Deuteronomy is the Old Testament masterpiece of guidance for any Christian. I am reading it just now over two days. There are so many treasures in this tome alone; reading it will help understand God's will and how He wants us to live. If you don't do anything else this week, please read Deuteronomy. It's an awesome book.

The Perfect Bible App

If you're not much of a reader and prefer to listen to the Word of God, I am using YouVersion via Bible.com for mobile and tablet. There you can download your favorite bible version, many with excellent audio presentations to listen or read along. My three favorites are the KJV (for poetic reading), the NASB (for detailed reading/study), and the NLT, for casual reading. Find me on there!

What About the NT Guide to Righteous Living?

We'll go into it next Sunday. But for today, I am looking forward to finish reading Deuteronomy. Will you read it, too?

How to Pray

Psalms 100
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Lord, we thank you for your Word. We thank you for preserving it for us to learn from You and about ourselves.
Lord, grant us the knowledge of Your Will, and understanding to see things through Your eyes.
Lord, let us have discernment in dealing with friend and foe.
Lord, let us not fall into sin, but guide us every moment to live righteous, and
Lord, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

All praise belongs to You, O Lord.

In Jesus' name
Amen

#Devotional #Scripture4TheDay #RighteousLiving #GodlyAdvice #GodlyProtection #Deuteronomy #NewChristian #Backslider

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