The definition of the word must is; expressing necessity. I wanted to look this word up simply because the word “must” was used 54 times during this weeks reading. During this week’s reading  we find Moses reexplaining the importance of the message the Lord God ask him to share. Did it catch your attention? What did it mean to you? Did the words make you feel uncomfortable? Were you reassured by any passages? Why?

Moses continues to address the Israelites before they enter the promise land of Canaan. He tells them “You MUST be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail.” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33)  He continues on in detail as to the commands the Lord has given. These issues are some that stand out to me: 

·      “You MUST love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all you strength”. (Deuteronomy 6:5) How many times do I use these words and undermine them by having my job be my biggest love, or my family, or?, or?, or?…  and put my Lord on the back burner?  

 ·       The Lord wants us to tell the children about all that we know of Him. Teach the children by example and by words. (Deuteronomy 6:20)  I ask myself, “how do I feed into my grown children or the children in my sphere of influence about the Grace of God?”

 ·      “People do not live by bread alone; rather we live by every word that comes from mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3z)  How regimented am I in being in the word daily?

 ·      “You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure” (Deuteronomy 14:2)   Do we consider ourselves a special treasure and holy? 

. We are commanded to “Celebrate” and “ be joyful” in Deuteronomy 16. We know that fellowship is important for us but God finds it important for us too!

 In this weeks reading I find an understanding of how the Old Testament does have credence to my life. The commandments from God on what food to eat, how to treat servants, and canceling debts are foreign to me yet, true nuggets of divine inspiration and direction on how God wants me to live my life and what I MUST do to achieve His will are found throughout this week’s reading.

May you be blessed by this week’s reading!