Deuteronomy

Another Great night at Vacation Bible School!  Over 500 in attendance, with over 100 being saved!  What a blessing to look out and see a sea of red VBS shirts on everyone!  I'm in Deuteronomy (second law) this morning, and here are a few thougths: 1) LOVE-WALK-CLEAVE- In Deut. 11:22 it says: "to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;"  All three of these things are very distinct and something we should pay attention to observe.  Love is an emotion that creates a response!  Walk is a habit of perpetual effort.  Cleave is a commitment that must be reinforced often!  We are to LOVE-WALK-CLEAVE! 2) THE TITHE- In Deuteronomy 14:22, the Bible says:  "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year."  The tithe is always tied to a promise.  If we obey, God has a blessing in store for us!  If we chose not to obey, then we do not receive the blessing, but the curse.  The destroyer will be active and we will have money we put in bags with holes!  I've tithed all my life and know that God honors and blesses it.  To those who believe otherwise, they will learn through the hard knocks of life.... I chose not to learn my lessons that way! 3) LET THE LORD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES- Deuteronomy 20:3,4 say:  "...let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;  For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."  Do not fear... do not get frustrated by people who oppose you for no reason at all.... let the LORD vindicate you.... let the LORD fight your battles.  In this life, those who oppose us could easily overwhelm us IF we try to defend ourselves on every side, or if we get frustrated with the battles; BUT, IF we yield all of that to the LORD, it clears our minds and hearts to do what God has called us to do, and it allows God to vindicate you in due time and to fight your battles.  David said:  Psalms 86:17  "Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me."  God will bless you when you let Him fight the battles and those blessings will show those who oppose you that apparently God is not opposing you, but blessing you!  This verse is my theme verse for the summer months!  Everyday, I pray for God to show me another "token for good".  My how He has blessed!! Well, so much for today.... have a blessed day!  Pastor Mike Mutchler