The final chapters of Deuteronomy give an ominous indication of what will begin to happen in Israel. There is a call to consistently reinforce God's word every seven years so that all the generations of Israel would know and serve the Lord. God reminds the people of Israel that his word is life to them. Pray that God would strengthen and nourish you with his word, that you may know, love, and follow God all the days of your life.
Deuteronomy 28-30 rehashes the blessings and curses seen in Leviticus 26. They also present us with an interesting idea: Moses challenges Israel, saying that the commands are not too hard to follow, because the word is in their mouths and in their hearts. Then Israel is presented with a choice: blessing & life, or curse & death. Pray that God would remind you that his word is in you, and that he would strengthen you through the Holy Spirit to obey his commands and choose life.
In Deuteronomy 23-27, numerous commands are given and a call is presented to Israel once again to obedience. God promises to make Israel his treasured possession and to set them above all other nations in honor and fame. We are reminded that God's blessing accompanies obedience to his commands. Pray that you would see the beauty and wisdom in God's commands and that he would equip you with strength in the Holy Spirit to walk in his ways.
Deuteronomy 19-22 features numerous unrelated commands which are given for Israel, but in the midst of the commands is another unique call: to not have fear. The passages teach us to remember that God is ultimately the victor, that what he says will come to pass, and his plans shall not fail. Pray that you would walk confidently in the will of God.
Chapters 14-18 in Deuteronomy remind us of God's intention to set Israel apart as a holy people. They were to be lights in the world, reflecting the intended relationship between God and his creation. They shouldn't look like the other nations surrounding them. That call remains for Christians today. Pray that God would continue to refine you so that you may shine his light in the world.
Deuteronomy 10-13 presented a pointed question: What does the Lord require of you? The answer is that our call is to walk in his ways in obedience, in light of his goodness and love for us. We see that ultimately our lives are boiled down to a simple choice: to live our lives in obedience to God, or to go our own way. Pray that God would reveal the intentions and thoughts of your heart, and that you would confess yourself before him so that you may be cleansed and walk humbly before him.
In Deuteronomy 5-9, we see a clear message that blessing is the result of obedience. However, we recognize in these passages that it is not our actions or our words that justify us or earn us the right to God's blessing, but it is God's love and because of his reputation that he chooses to redeem us and have relationship with us. Pray that God would remind you of his great love for you, so that your loving and worshipful response to him would be obedience.
The first chapters of Deuteronomy open with a recalling of Israel's history following the exodus from Egypt. Then, chapter 4 shows us a call to remember the commands of God, to do them, and to reinforce them constantly through action and teaching. There is a call to examine ourselves constantly, that we might be aware of and shut out the temptations that may pull us away from God and follow more closely in his ways. Pray that God would bring to remembrance the way he has moved and acted in your life, and that he would equip you and give you boldness to live out his commands and share them with those around you.
The final chapters of the book of Numbers recount the journey Israel took from Egypt into the wilderness and finally to the edges of the promised land. God once again reminds the people of Israel that they are not to be defiled or stained by what is evil, because he dwells in their midst. Pray that God would continue to refine you as you walk in his ways, so that you may be set apart for him and bring honor to his name.
Numbers 26-29 hit the reset button in Israel by the instruction to take a new census of the people of Israel. Joshua is also commissioned as the new leader of Israel when Moses is finished. We see the importance of leadership and are reminded how our ultimate shepherd is Jesus. Pray that God would bring you more fully into his fold under his leadership, that you may walk confidently in his ways.
Numbers 21-22 juxtapose the ways in which two individuals view and approach God. Balaam is unable to curse Israel, but instead speaks blessing upon blessing. Phinehas, zealous for God's name, upholds God and his word as holy among the people. Pray that God would help you to choose the path of life through obedience to his good word.
Numbers 21-22 chronicle some significant moments in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. We see once again the consequences of sin and disobedience among the people of Israel in their rebellion and grumbling. We also see God's hand in ordaining victory for the people of Israel against those who come against them. And we see a story about a donkey who could see what a man could not see. Pray that God would open your eyes to see his wonders and that you would walk in confident obedience to his word.
Numbers 18-20 reveal how God planned his provision for the priests and the Levites because of their service to him. Sadly, we also see the results of more rebellion among the people of Israel, including in Moses' disobedience. God is to be regarded as holy, and his name is to be held in high honor. Pray that God would help you to live your live as a living sacrifice that you may honor God in your words and deeds.
In Numbers 15-17 we see more examples of rebellion against God and his designs. A man breaks the sabbath and a whole multitude comes against Moses and God. We see once again the destruction which is brought about because of our sin. God calls on the people of Israel to remember his commands. Pray that God would help you to remember his commands and his words.
These sad chapters of Numbers chronicle the first of numerous rebellions of people against Moses, Aaron, and, ultimately, God. They also reveal an amazing truth we all should remember: God's power is unending. Nothing can shorten God's hand! Pray that God would remind you of his steadfastness and holiness, and that you would walk in confidence of his power, provision, and presence.
Numbers 5-10 wraps up the major laws and commands given by God to Israel before they begin their journey from Sinai to the promised land. They continue to demonstrate God's good order and his provision. Within these chapters is a blessing to be given to all Israel that God's presence and countenance would always be with and upon the people of Israel. Pray that you would be reminded that God's presence and spirit goes with all whom call upon his name!
Numbers begins with a census which carries into the first few chapters. The men of Israel are counted and then the tribe of Levi is counted separately. Both are for the purpose of assigning roles, though it is more obvious for the Levites. The census is important to the people of Israel, particularly later in the Old Testament, but it also reveals once again God's orderliness and the fact that God has designed us to live in community in which all contribute in very specific ways for the good of all. This seems to be an early look at the concept of the Church, with many parts to one body. Pray that God would continue to amaze you with his wisdom and design.
Leviticus 26 outlines a lost of blessings which would Israel would enjoy if they are obedient to God and curses which would come upon them if they disobey. God cares deeply about his people walking in obedience. One of the things we must realize is that God's commands are meant to give life and meant to produce abundance physically and spiritually. The curses are a warning that things can always be made worse, and that ultimately the cost is death and destruction. Pray that God would help you to walk in obedience to his commands so that he may lead you into life abundant.
Leviticus 23-25 details the instructions for each of the festivals the people of Israel were to have. They are intended to be celebrations of God's work, opportunities to teach the younger generations about God, and provide a mechanism for the refreshment of God's word. The Sabbath and Jubilee years are also discussed, which remind us that God is our provider and the one in whom we trust for prosperity. Pray that you would be reminded daily to celebrate the work of God in your life and act out your faith through resting in God's provision.
Leviticus 20-22 shows us once again the central idea of God's laws: God is holy, and God desires his name to be made great among the peoples of the world. God called Israel out from all the other nations so that he could make a people for himself. God's people therefore must not engage in the acts of the other nations because this would profane God's name rather than being him glory and honor. Pray that you would be empowered by God to walk in obedience to his commands so that you may bring honor to his name among all the peoples you encounter.