GOD, our God! GOD the one and only! Deuteronomy 5 - 7

As it turned out, when you heard the Voice out of that dark cloud and saw the mountain on fire, you approached me, all the heads of your tribes and your leaders, and said, "Our GOD has revealed to us his glory and greatness. We've heard him speak from the fire today! We've seen that God can speak to humans and they can still live. But why risk it further? This huge fire will devour us if we stay around any longer. If we hear GOD's voice anymore, we'll die for sure. Has anyone ever known of anyone who has heard the Voice of GOD the way we have and lived to tell the story?" "From now on, you go and listen to what GOD, our God, says and then tell us what GOD tells you. We'll listen and we'll do it." GOD heard what you said to me and told me, "I've heard what the people said to you. They're right — good and true words. What I wouldn't give if they'd always feel this way, continuing to revere me and always keep all my commands; they'd have a good life forever, they and their children! Deuteronomy 5:23-29 THE MESSAGE

Why didn't the Israelites want to come and hear God's voice? God said because they revered Him. As I read God's word, it lights up the ugliness and sin is exposed. I'm sure it is an uncomfortable place to be. As we approach God and His holiness, it is sure to expose what is within our hearts.

So be very careful to act exactly as GOD commands you. Don't veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road GOD commands so that you'll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you're about to possess. Deuteronomy 5:32-33 THE MESSAGE

I love the promises of God's word! His word gives clear direction that "if" we do as He commands, "then" He will do what He says He will do. Sometimes we want to make following His will difficult when He gives very specific directions.

Attention, Israel!

GOD, our God! GOD the one and only!

Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!

Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 THE MESSAGE

Lord, continue to give me the desire to know Your word and to get it inside me so I may honestly reflect You to my children and those around me.

--michele