Weekly Guide：Week 16

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Weekly Guide：Week 16

May 13, 2018

Forward

We are moving to the study of the Book of Deuteronomy this week.

Deuteronomy may seem like an outdated book to many Christians today. We are living in the age of grace, the age of law is way past us. Jesus loved to quote Deuteronomy. If we don’t understand the Pentateuch, understand thoroughly the word that gives life, then we cannot see the salvation plan in its entirety. Deuteronomy is Moses’ remembrance of God. It’s a display of God’s work where He placed grace upon a people that did not deserve grace. It is where He patiently saved them from sin and gave them the mission of blessing. It’s a reflection of God’s plan for mankind.

Moses challenged the Israelites to respond to God by pointing out the covenant between God and man, by asking for forgiveness for man’s rebellion and unfaithfulness, so that they would see all God’s characters. It was Moses’ life long mission in watching over the herd God gave him and the blessings to them before his passing. He was paving the road in the wilderness for the Lord and to proclaim God’s word for millenniums.

May our Lord renew you all daily in His word!

Week 16 Day 1: Obtaining the Land up North ⇧ ⇩

Question

How did Moses summarize the way Israelites complete their wandering in the wilderness and the final push up north?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

All the men died 38 years after they refused to enter the land of Canaan due to fear. Now, Israelites obeyed God’s command and pushed northward. They entered the land of Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites peacefully. However, they battled Sihon king of Heshbon when they went through the land as God began to put terror and fear of the Israelites on all nations under heaven. (Deuteronomy 2:25)
Moses asked God to let him cross the Jordan river but God did not let him. God did, however, let him to go up to mount Pisgah to see the promised land.

Meditation: My Story

Walking with God Forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. We are often burdened by unimportant things and loose the peace from God even though we lack nothing. Can I let God carry my burdens?
Community Moses encouraged Joshua: Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you (Deu. 3:22) Is there someone I can give encouragement to?
Community Those two and half tribes gotten their lands before entering the promised land helped the rest of the people enter the promised land before settling on their one land. Have I thought about sharing what I have before indulging myself in Lord’s blessings?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 2: Plead Desperately ⇧ ⇩

Question

What did Moses plead desperately to Israelites?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Moses pleaded continuously to Israelites to obey God’s law and pass on the obedience to their descendants so they may continue living on the promised land.
Moses established three cities of refuge to the east of Jordan river for the two and half tribes.

Meditation: My Story

Walking with God As a result of obeying God’s law, 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. Is my head knowledge of God’s law real wisdom? Do I have the law embedded deep in my heart?
Walking with God God forbids idolatry because we believe what can be seen and ignore the unseen, the truth, the way, the life. Do I believe my own eyes and what I see more than God who cannot be seen?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 3: Ten Commandments ⇧ ⇩

Question

What were the ten commandments?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

God gave the Israelites the laws in chapters 5 to 11.
God reiterates the ten commandments to the new generation of Israelites. The ten commandments are the essence of the law. The first four are about God, the last six are about people.
Moses stressed: "it was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today." (Deu. 5:3)

Meditation: My Story

Walking with God The Israelites feared God as they heard His voice in the fire. Jesus said: "because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Do I fear God from the bottom of my heart so that I would obey His law and cause myself and descendants to be blessed?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 4: Love only God ⇧ ⇩

Question

How did Moses encourage the Israelites to despise idol and love only God?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Moses told the Israelites: "The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
God gave the Anakites to the Israelites, kill them without sympathy. Do not establish covenant, do not marry, and destroy all their idols.
Moses reminded the Israelites not to fear the strong Anakites in the land of Canaan. He asked them to remember what God had done to the pharaoh in Egypt.

Meditation: My Story

Walking with God Moses asked the Israelites to not forget God after they enter the land of milk and honey and enjoy its richness. We always want more of the worldly wealth instead of God. Think about all the blessings God has given me. Do I thank Him for what I have more than complain to Him for what I don’t have?
Fidelity 6:20-24 is about teaching the next generations to fear God and remind them the blessings. Am I a good example of God’s blessings? Can I testify to my children for what I have received from the Lord?
Identity In 7:7-8, Moses reminded the Israelites that God loved them not because they were better in anyway, it was simply God’s love and faithfulness to all those who love Him and obey His law that He is merciful to them for thousands of generations. What makes me stand before others with full confidence? Is it because I’m better or is it due to my relationship with God?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 5: Remember the True God ⇧ ⇩

Question

Moses reminded the people whom they can truly rely on.

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

Moses reminded the Israelites that God had provided them everything they needed during the forty years of wandering. They were given manna, their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. Reliance on God was the source of their blessings, not material wealth.
The Anakites and their city were tall and strong. But Israelites was able to defeat them by obeying God.
Israelites defeated Anakites not because their righteousness or integrity, but it was the Anakites’ wickedness. Israelites have rebelled against God many times. Moses reminded them that it was God’s mercy that they were spared in the forty rebellious years of wandering.

Meditation: My Story

Walking with God Jesus quoted a familiar verse when Satan tempted Him: "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Am I facing challenges that may seem better solved with man’s solutions, but I’d rather put it in front of God and ask Him for guidance?
Identity Moses reminded the Israelites that it wasn’t their righteousness defeated the Anakites. Do I often display my self-righteousness or let others see God’s blessings?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 6: God Intends to Bless ⇧ ⇩

Question

What happens if one obeys God? What happens if otherwise?

Scripture Reading

Meditation: God’s Story

God commanded Moses to chisel out of two stone tablets and make a wooden ark. God wrote the commandments on the tablets and Moses put them into the ark.
Moses reminded Israelites that "God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome." God wanted them to fear Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to serve Him with all their hearts and souls so that they may live in His grace and blessings.
Moses reminded Israelites that they must observe all commands God gave them so they may be blessed.

Meditation: My Story

Fidelity Moses reminded the Israelites again to fix God’s word on their hands, foreheads, doorframes, gates, and in their hearts and minds. Do I often read God’s word in the book right next to me? Let me set a goal to strive in fixing God’s word in my heart.

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇩

Scripture Reading

Psalms 112 | [YouVersion]

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 1: The Great Flood ⇧ ⇩

### Question What is the result of sin? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + This is the third segment of Adam and Eve's family, the account of Noah's family. + Like Enoch, Noah walked with God. The flood was brought by the sin of the world. Noah was saved because of his righteousness and submission. The flood renewed the world, God established new covenant with Noah and commanded him to "be fruitful and increase in number." The sons of Noah continued to sin but Shem was blessed. + A race was selected from the sinful world and brought hope that the final salvation will come through them. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Am I drifting in the sinful world like everyone else or live in God's light as His children like Noah? + **Fidelity** - It seemed that Noah had an impossible task at hand but "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Am I facing some tasks that seems to be impossible? Am I following His command?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 2: Became the Nations ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did the human history develop after the great flood? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The fourth segment of Adam and Eve's family history, the account of Noah's sons and their families. + The offspring of Noah's sons. Shem, Ham and Japheth became many of the ethnic groups familiar to Israelites. They built the tower of Babel which caused them to scatter and speak different languages. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - People built tower of Babel to glorify themselves. Am I to glorify God or myself with the works I do? + **Fidelity** - My service at church came from God's calling or to satisfy my own desire? Do I often ask God and follow His will in serving?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 3: Dawn of Salvation ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did God's salvation plan continue among the nations? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The fifth segment of Adam and Eve's the family history. The account of Shem's family. + This history connects Abram (Abraham), the ancestor of Israel, to Noah's son Shem and the history of the world. In another word, it connects the history of man's downfall to God's salvation plan. Luke 3:34-36 reminds us the importance of this family for their offspring Abraham would bring blessings to all people. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - God saves the people of His election. Do I know I am of the elected? + **Fidelity** - Can God use me to bring salvation to those people I know, such as family, friends, or co-workers?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 4: Calling and Promise ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did God call and protect Abram, the one He selected? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The seventh segment of Adam and Eve's family history, Terah's family. Mainly the story of his son, Abram. + Abram followed God's calling and left Ur. Abram's wife Sarai was unable to bear child. God promised Abram land, offspring, and nation. Despite Abram's lie, God kept His promise and protected Sarai to bring forth the offspring He has promised. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - From God's calling of Abram, we can see the calling to every Christians. Do I have faith to answer His calling? + **Integrity** - Even Abram, the father of all faith, had moments of weakness and lied in Egypt. But God did not give up on him. Am I willing to lean on God to strengthen me when I'm weak?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 5: The Blessed Land ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did God protect the land He promised Abram? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Continue from previous day's scripture, God protected the land He promised Abram. + Abram and Lot separated due to the arguments between their shepherds. Lot chose the land that looked fine but full of sin. Abram rescued Lot and people of Sodom and became the blessing of these people. + Abram did not accept the gift from Melchizedek, the king of Sodom. Rather he gave a tenth of everything he owned and became the first in history to give tithe. ### Meditation: My Story + **Integrity** - Abram did not accept the gift from king of Sodom but rather accepted Melchizedek's blessings and gave a tenth of his wealth to God. What do I learn from this in answering God's calling? + **Community** - Abram reconciled his differences with Lot and bravely rescued him. Are there differences between myself and others? How may I reconcile with them?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 6: Promise of Descendants ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did God promise Abram of descendants? {% include BibleLinks2020.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The story of promise continues. God's covenant with Abram on his descendants. + God promised Abram that he would have descendants too numerous to count and would return to the promised land. Despite the promise, Abram and Sarai attempted to conceive with their own effort and went their own way. Even in human's weakness, God is still faithful in His promise. His love went beyond Abram to take care the suffering Hagar. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Although Hagar was a slave, she was still in God's care. What encouragement and comfort does her story give me today? + **Integrity** - Despite the promise of God, Abram and Sarai often lacked patience and attempted to do things on their own. Have I or am I waiting impatiently? What does the story of Abram and Sarai remind me of?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇩

{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 1: Descendants of Esau ⇧ ⇩

### Question What was God's plan for Isaac's other son Esau? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The ninth segment of Adam's family history. Realization of God's promise to Esau. + Esau is Edom. Edom was ruled by Kings before Israelites. The sons of Edom were living in the promised land but Esau took them to Seir. Jacob's sons except Benjamin were all born outside of the promised land but he lead them back to it. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Esau was strong and Jacob was weak on the surface. However, God's blessing is not superficial nor material. What is my focus when I lead my family to follow the Lord?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 2: Selling of Joseph ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did God continue with His plan through Jacob's sons? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Jacob's sons sold their brother Joseph to Egypt foreshadows God's redemption plan. Genesis 38 is an important chapter of Jesus' genealogy. Tamar was one of the few women recorded in the lineage. Her faith humbled and ashamed Judah. + God proceeded with His salvation plan through the jealousy of Jacob's sons as well as Tamar's faith. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Although Tamar followed the tradition to give her husband an offspring, but God was still pleased with her faith. Judah also admitted that Tamar was more righteous. How does Tamar's faith encourage me? + **Integrity** - Joseph's brother sold him to Egypt driven by their jealousy. Such jealousy came from the dissatisfaction brought forth by comparison. How do I practice "Love is not Jealousy" and apply that to my life?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 3: Imprisoned in Egypt ⇧ ⇩

### Question What happened after Joseph was sold to Egypt? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + The story of Joseph after he was sold to Egypt. + Joseph became a slave, was tempted, framed, and jailed. But God was with him the whole time. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Joseph prospered and succeeded in everything because God was by his side during difficult time. But this does not mean he would not be persecuted by the sinful world. Ask God to help me realize what is the real meaning of "Walking with God." + **Integrity** - When faced temptations, Joseph tried to refuse and elude, but had to run away when he was unable to hide anymore. Joseph kept himself clean and had peace in his heart even though he was framed. What is my weakest point facing all the temptations of the world? What have I learned from Joseph's example?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 4: Prosper and Success ⇧ ⇩

### Question Can Joseph avoid prison? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Joseph got released from prison and put in charge of the whole land of Egypt for interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. God blessed through Joseph everyone around him. At the same time, Joseph tested his brothers who came to Egypt to buy grain. + Joseph saw God's plan through his own experiences and gave glory to God in front of Pharaoh. God brought Joseph's brothers to repentance through his test. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Joseph gave all the glory to God for his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. He did not aim to benefit himself from the God given ability. How does Joseph's example remind me about my own work and service? + **Community** - It wasn't that Joseph did not forgive his brothers that he tested them. It was quite conceivable that Joseph was full of vengeance when his brothers bowed down to him. Can I learn from Joseph and look up to God instead of taking matters into my own hands when someone wrongs me? + **Fidelity** - Joseph was faithful to his job, responsibilities, and worked for Pharaoh who did not know God. Take a close look at my own job. How does Joseph remind me what my attitude should be?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 5: Joseph and Brothers ⇧ ⇩

### Question Would Joseph's brothers change? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain the second time. Joseph tested them again. + Through Joseph's test, God led and changed Judah's life from brother-selling to self-sacrificing. God put us through difficult situations to help us to face our sins and cause our lives to change. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Judah's life was changed with the test. Judah pleaded for Benjamin and was willing to substitute for him. Do I have similar experiences? How can I rely on God to help me win over my past sins and turn me around? + **Integrity** - Judah praised Tamar for being more righteous. Judah's life was renewed and his family was greatly blessed with Lord Jesus Christ to come from his descendants. From his selling of Joseph, failing of father-in-law's duty to Tamar, to the second grain buying, what do I see in his spiritual growth? How does the story of Judah remind me about my own spiritual growth?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 6: Joseph's Identity Revealed ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did Israel arrive in Egypt? {% include BibleLinks2022.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Joseph made himself known to his brothers and comforted them. Israel brought the whole family to Egypt. + Through the dreadful act of selling Joseph, God saved Israel's entire family. God fulfilled the promise that Abraham's descendants would go to Egypt. ### Meditation: My Story + **Identity** - Israel went to Beersheba to offer sacrifice and prayed to God before going to Egypt. His spiritual life grew even more. God led Israel and made him humble, gentle, and faithful. How does the story of Israel's life encourage me? + **Community** - Joseph comforted his brothers when he made himself known to them. He told them that even with the evil heart of man, God's plan is always for the good. Man's forgiveness is limited but God's salvation is boundless and infinite. Only by leaning on God can man obtain the true freedom. Joseph relied on God to better his relationship with his brothers. How does Joseph's story encourage me about my relationship with members of my family?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 7: Mend the Loose Ends ⇧ ⇩

{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 1: Pushing up North ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did Moses summarize the way Israelites complete their wandering in the wilderness and the final push up north? {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + All the men died 38 years after they refused to enter the land of Canaan due to fear. Now, Israelites obeyed God's command and pushed northward. They entered the land of Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites peacefully. However, they battled Sihon king of Heshbon when they went through the land as God began to put terror and fear of the Israelites on all nations under heaven. (Deu. 2:25) + Moses asked God to let him cross the Jordan river but God did not let him. God did, however, let him to go up to mount Pisgah to see the promised land. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. We are often burdened by unimportant things and unable to enter God's rest even though we lack nothing. Can I let God take the burden off my shoulder? + **Community** - Moses encouraged Joshua: Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you (Deu. 3:22) Is there someone I can give encouragement to? + **Community** - Those two and half tribes gotten their lands before entering the promised land helped the rest of the people enter the promised land before settling on their one land. Have I thought about sharing what I have while indulging in God's blessings?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 2: Plead to Israelites ⇧ ⇩

### Question What did Moses plead desperately to Israelites? {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Moses pleaded continuously to Israelites to obey God's law and pass on the obedience to their descendants so they may continue living on the promised land. + Moses established three cities of refuge to the east of Jordan river for the two and half tribes. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - As a result of obeying God's law, 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." Is my head knowledge of God's law real wisdom? Do I have the law embedded deep in my heart? + **Walking with God** - God forbids idolatry because we believe what can be seen and ignore the unseen truth, way, and life. Do I believe my own eyes and what I see more than the unseen God?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 3: The Ten Commandments ⇧ ⇩

### Question What were the ten commandments? {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + God gave Israelites the laws in chapters 5 to 11. + God reiterates the ten commandments to the new generation of Israelites. The ten commandments are the essence of the law. The first four are about God, the last six are about people. + Moses stressed "it was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today." (Deu. 5:3) ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - The Israelites feared God as they heard His voice in the fire. Jesus said: "because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Do I fear God from the bottom of my heart so that I would obey His law and bring blessings to myself and descendants?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 4: Love Only God ⇧ ⇩

### Question How did Moses encourage the Israelites to despise idol and love only God? {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Moses told the Israelites: "The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." "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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." + God gave the Anakites to the Israelites. Kill them without sympathy, do not establish covenant, do not marry, and destroy all their idols. + Moses reminded the Israelites not to fear the strong Anakites in the land of Canaan. He asked them to remember what God had done to the pharaoh in Egypt. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Moses asked the Israelites to not forget God after they enter the land of milk and honey and enjoy its richness. We always want more of the worldly wealth instead of God. Think about all the blessings God has given me. Do I thank Him for what I have, or do I complain to Him for what I lack? + **Fidelity** - 6:20-24 is about teaching the next generations to fear God and remind them the blessings. Am I a good example of God's blessings? Can I testify to my children for what I have received from the Lord? + **Identity** - In 7:7-8, Moses reminded the Israelites that God loved them not because they were better in anyway, it was simply God's love and faithfulness to all those who love Him and obey His law that He is merciful to them for thousands of generations. What makes me stand before others with full confidence? Is it because I am better or is it due to my relationship with God?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 5: Remember True God ⇧ ⇩

### Question Moses reminded the people whom they can truly rely on. {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + Moses reminded the Israelites that God had provided them everything they needed during the forty years of wandering. They were given manna, their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. Reliance on God was the source of their blessings, not material wealth. + The Anakites and their city were tall and strong. But Israelites was able to defeat them by obeying God. + Israelites defeated Anakites not because their righteousness or integrity, but it was the Anakites' wickedness. Israelites have rebelled against God many times. Moses reminded them that it was God's mercy that they were spared in the forty rebellious years of wandering. ### Meditation: My Story + **Walking with God** - Jesus quoted a familiar verse when Satan tempted Him: "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Am I facing challenges that may seem better solved with man's solutions, but I'd rather put it in front of God and ask Him for guidance? + **Identity** - Moses reminded the Israelites that it wasn't their righteousness that defeated the Anakites. Do I often display my self-righteousness or let others see God's blessings?

Prayer

Notes and Responses

Week 16 Day 6: The Blessing God ⇧ ⇩

### Question What happens if one obeys God? What happens if otherwise? {% include BibleLinks2024.html %} ### Meditation: God's Story + God commanded Moses to chisel out of two stone tablets and make a wooden ark. God wrote the commandments on the tablets and Moses put them into the ark. + Moses reminded Israelites that "God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome." God wanted them to fear Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to serve Him with all their hearts and souls so that they may live in His grace and blessings. + Moses reminded Israelites that they must observe all commands God gave them so they may be blessed. ### Meditation: My Story + **Fidelity** - Moses reminded the Israelites again to affix God's word on their hands, foreheads, doorframes, gates, and in their hearts and minds. Do I often read God's word in the book right next to me? Let me set a goal to strive in affixing God's word in my heart.