Thoughts on Deut.

Have you ever had the feeling of near complete exaustion, and then realize it's only Monday? Yep, homegirl here is tired! Could it be because today was the first day I worked out in months? Probably so. Could it be the lectures (I hate being read to, especially when it is right in front of me to read. one of my absolute worst pet peeves!) I had to endure today? Umm...yep. Not to mention one turned the lights out to read to us off of the overhead. *yawn*

Enough yawning. I do want to mention the workout story, because it is quite hilarious. You see, my friend and I were going to work out at the school gym. Mind you, we have never been to the school gym, and were quite intimidated about 1)where it actually was and 2) where to go once we went there. I know, I know. Well, the problem was solved once there wasn't any parking spots except on the NEW PARKING DECK. You see, I don't know what it is about parking decks (well, actually I do. I've watched too many CSI's and Nancy Grace!), but I'm terrified to park on them. Y'all, it's taken me 4 weeks to get where I don't hyperventilate going up the one nearest my class (don't get me started on the time I ended up on the roof of that one!). Well, this one was worse. Going up to the 2nd floor was like driving up a mountain. My friend( who feels the same way!) and I promptly started praying, and drove right back down that mountain. Needless to say, we drove a few miles out to the track where we walked a mile in the heat. I hope there will be parking spots open on the ground next time. I know. I'm a scaredy cat. :)

Now onto what I've been meaning to write about for a few days. I mentioned that I've been reading Deut. and God has been revealing stuff to me big time. For one, I don't ever remember ever having the urge to read Deut. before, but this week, I've been craving it. It's all highlighted up in my Bible in bright pink. :)

Let's start with Deut. 6:4-5:

[quote] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [/quote]

Recognizable? Yes. Overrated? Definitely not. Used so many times most people overlook the true meaning? ABSOLUTELY! He didn't say love me with PART of your heart, soul and strength. He said with ALL of that. It requires dedication of the utmost. It is NOT something to take lightly. It is something DEMANDED of all. Yet, do most people love him with their all? No. They love him when it is convenient for them. When He fits best in their schedule. And most of all, when they are doing good. Think about it...how easy is it to love God when you know you are disobeying Him? Is disobeying even loving Him? No. My God is not a convenient God.

[quote]7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.[/quote]

Wow! This is how immersed God should be in your life, and vice versa. Parents, don't make it your children's youth leader's job to tell them about Jesus. I've seen it from people who mean well. Yes, you might go to church every Sunday and Wednesday. But what do you do at home together with your family to glorify and study Him together between the times you enter a church on these days? God doesn't care what day of the week it is. He wants you to be as focused on Him on Monday and Friday as He does on Wednesday and Sunday. He wants you to know what you stand for and make sure you spread it to the next generation! One thing that sticks out in my mind are songs. I taught music at VBS last year, and NONE of the pre-k or k students knew "The B-I-B-L-E" or any of the other common Christian songs for that generation. What was sad was that these weren't children I had not seen before. These were ones I saw every Sunday.

[quote] 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.[/quote]

God demanded this of the Israelites. These people did not have the Holy Spirit residing in them like you and I have the opportunity to. Instead, they were to make public symbols that would place them publically as God's people. Today, we have the opportunity to let Him live in us, which should make us want to live for Him. Do you ever see people who just exude the presence of God? He wants others to see Him through us and our actions! Will this always be true? No! There are more times than I would like to admit that people could look at me and not see Christ in my actions. However, I try and not to turn a blind eye to my actions. I strive daily to make my life mirror His and the choices He would make.

God is so good, ladies!!

Love,

~Sarah