See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way our Lord God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:5-9
and then...
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1Peter 2:9-12
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i read the deuteronomy passage twice this morning, in two totally different place/contexts {God obviously had something He wanted me to hear and see and learn this morning}. so here are my thoughts...
* God is the same today as he was yesterday. His word in Deuteronomy is his word in 1Peter is his word alive and working in me right now, today.
* I must live as a part of his nation, his people every day, because my decisions affect not only me but show others who he is. I am responsible for others knowing that my God is an awesome God.
* I must guard my heart and soul and dwell in his word every moment of every day. I can not forget.
I've been weary. God is my strength, and He alone sustains me. His word truly is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path....
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I love it. How crazy that you saw that verse two separate times. I love your application of it to 1 Peter--they both ring "kingdom of God" bells in my head, since that's where I am right now, as you know:). I have been very inspired lately to live as a full citizen of God's kingdom, meaning that He reigns fully in me and through my actions.
I hope that you get some physical rest, even as God sustains you spiritually. I have some thoughts along those lines from ol' Clive, but I'll wait until you guys come over to discuss our reading. Can't wait!
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