Weekly Guide：Week 17
May 20, 2018
Forward
We continue reading the Book of Deuteronomy this week.
Deuteronomy is an important and applicable book for today’s believers. Moses’ exhortation and warning in Deuteronomy proved that human nature is the never ending idol factory. Although it speaks of the treachery of Israelite, but the same idol is worshiped by all mankind.
We will not see nor hear God if we forget the revelation and the grace in His salvation and covenant. We will turn a blind eye to God and act as if there were no God. Although we might not carve out idol out of a piece of wood, we continue to find other things to worship. Idols are anything that replaces God, whether animate or inanimate, concrete or abstract. Idols are not necessarily evil. Even God created the sun, moon, and stars. But they are to serve as witnesses to God’s glory, not for us to worship and rely on as the source of our ultimate happiness. Any good thing can become an idol and replaces God if we make it indispensable in our life. Insatiable desires will ruin the peace and joy from God and will trample on the glory and honor of God. Anyone with intelligence shall watch out and not be seduced by the created and worship them.
May our Lord’s word renew you all each day!
Question
- What did Moses say about the place of worship, idols, meat, blood, and the Levites?
- What did he say about how to deal with those who seduce the Israelites to worship other gods?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Chapters 12-16 are the detailed records of the requirements, decrees, and laws outside of the commands. Although much of the content has been recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, what recorded here is not simply a repeat of the same but targeted toward the specific situation in the land of Canaan.
-
Moses commanded the Israelites to completely destroy the places where Canaanites worshiped their gods, break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, burn and cut down their idols. He ordered them to worship at places where God would choose for each tribe, eat in presence of God the meat offered to God, must not eat blood at anywhere, but other meats at any place. The must share with the Levites for whom did not inherit any land. “Be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.” Do not worship as the Canaanites. “Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods.” “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.” “That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God.” They must not follow the Canaanites when mourning for the dead. “Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, for you are a people holy to the Lord your God.”
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” (12:30) Our environment influences us greatly. If we let our curiosity muddle us we would then stray unknowingly away from God. Do I have any unrighteous thoughts that’s popular today?
-
Community - Although there’s no longer Levites, are there any fellow Christians who serve our Lord is in need of my material help? Can I help anyone around me materially?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What did Moses say about clean foods, treating the Levites, the poor and the slaves, the Passover, the Pentecost (Festival of Weeks), and the Festival of Tabernacle?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
14:3-29 repeats what can be eaten and what can’t. Consumption of the tenth produced as well as the first born of herds and flocks in presence of God at the place where God has chosen. At end of every three years, the tithes were to satisfy the Levites, foreigners, fatherless and widows.
-
Chapter 15 reiterates the once every seventh year, the Sabbath year, the year of cancelling debts. Freeing the slaves and setting apart the firstborn male of the herds and flocks.
-
16:1-17 talks about the regulations on Passover, Pentecost, and Festival of Tabernacle.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - God gave me everything I have. Am I willing to offer a tenth to Him?
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Walking with God - We need to watch over and take care of the helpless to live out the life from merciful God. Have I paid attention to those around me who may need my help?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- What did Moses say about appointing judges and setting a King?
- What prophets God promised through Moses would raise up?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
16:18-20 and 17:8-13 talks about priests and judges. Judges must judge fairly, must not pervert justice or show partiality, must not accept bribe. One shall act according to the decision and instruction given by the judge and priest.
-
16:21-17:7 and 18:9-13 commands to not set up idols, to not offer sheep with defect or flaw, to punish those who worship idols, and to not imitate the detestable ways of the other nations.
-
17:14-20 talks about God’s permission to appoint a King. Notice that King Solomon violated these regulations in his later years.
-
18:1-8 talks about what should the Levites live on with no inheritance of their own.
-
18:10-22 is about God’s promise that points to Jesus Christ: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.”
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Jesus is the prophet God promised. God will call to account anyone who does not accept His salvation. Anyone who accepts Jesus must obey His teaching. Examine my own attitude toward Jesus’ teaching and pray to Him to go back to Him.
-
Integrity - God again put emphasis on punishing those who worship idols. We have too many idols in the world today to displace God. Looking in my own life, am I still being bond by my job, my status, my family, my property, and entertainments and view them as sources of joy?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- Who were the cities of refuge established for?
- What is proper way of going to battle in the eyes of our Lord?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God established the cities of refuge for those who killed unintentionally. However, those who willfully kill would be put to death.
-
Any crime or offense needs two or three witnesses to convict the accused. No malicious witness is allowed.
-
Do not be afraid when going to battle. However, those who have just build a house, just planted vineyard, just got married may stay behind. Anyone who is afraid may stay behind. Offer peace to enemy first, engage in battle only if they refuse.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - God established the cities of refuge because He knows that people would avenge on those who harmed them even if it was unintentional. Have I forgiven those who might have hurt me?
-
Integrity - God is fully considerate of those who have just build, planted, and married to allow them to stay behind. Am I being considerate of others and put myself in their shoes?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What did Moses say about the rights of various people and marriage violations?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
21:1-22:12 are regulations on unsolved murder, captive woman, firstborn, rebellious son, dead body on pole, stray animal, clothing as opposite sex (God hates sexual indistinction), mercy to animals, roof parapet, mixing of kinds (God dislikes disorder: Gen 1:4, 12, 21; Luke 16:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18), and tassels of the cloak.
-
22:13-30 talk about proof of virginity, adultery (exclude rape), forbid marrying father’s wife.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - It can be seen clearly from the rights of captive woman and firstborn, and the lost things as well as the roof parapet that God wants us to treat others like ourselves and not take advantage of them. Have I recently forced others to follow my will? Atone to God for what I have done wrong.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What did Moses say about the assembly, camp, shrine prostitute, loan, and vow?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Not everyone may enter the assembly of the Lord. Holiness and cleanliness must be kept as God is around. Properly treat the runaway slaves. Ban on shrine prostitutes. Ban on loan interest. Vow payment must not be delayed. Grapes and kernel of grains may be eaten but not taken away.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity – The Israelites’ camp must be kept clean and holy because God moves about in the camp. God is among us every day. Am I constantly examining myself to ensure there’s no uncleanliness or unholiness in my heart or behavior to separate me from God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God reaffirm His promise to Abram?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Genesis 17 continues the theme on God's Promise, the Covenant of Circumcision, reaffirming the promise of the nation, the descendants, and the land.
+ Before the promise of descendants was fulfilled, God made Covenant with Abram with circumcision, from which Abram and his descendants were chosen and to be the blessings of all people. God renamed Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God's promise seems to be out of reach. Abraham lowered himself to God in flesh but not in his heart and laughed. Am I a superficial follower by doing things my way? How does God's reaffirmation of His promise encourage me?
+ **Identity** - God's renaming of Abram and Sarai signifies their new identity. Do I value the new identity Jesus Christ has given me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
When will the promise of descendants be fulfilled?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Continues the theme of promise, God's messengers pointed out the time when Sarah would give birth.
+ Like Abraham, Sarah laughed at the promise. However, this time God reproached Sarah in addition to reaffirming the promise.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God reaffirmed his promise repeatedly to strengthen Abraham's faith. Do I remember God's promise to me? Ask God to strengthen my faith and keep me focused on His promise.
+ **Integrity** - There's nothing God cannot accomplish. Am I facing insurmountable difficulties? Remind myself of God's promise, omnipotence, and love.
+ **Fidelity** - Abraham served as servant to the three man who appeared before him. How am I reminded by his attitude? How can I serve those whom God has placed beside me today?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
God promised a land to Abraham. What would the sinful land which did not please Him become?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The becoming of the land, people, and nation that were not pleasing to God.
+ As God going to judge Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pleaded to God for them. Lot protected the angels and the angels led him out of Sodom. Lot's daughter got their descendant through their own way.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Although Lot has learned God's mind; his wife ignored the warning and looked back; his daughters got descendants through their own way. How does Lot's story remind me of? How should I build a Godly family?
+ **Fidelity** - Abraham pleaded to God for the sinful Sodom. What can I do for our sinful world today?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God fulfill His promise to Abraham's descendants?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The story of promise continues. The birth of the son, Isaac, whom God had promised.
+ Abraham was on the move again to the land of the Philistines and he lied again calling Sarah his sister. God kept Sarah, and she gave birth to Isaac the son of promise. Isaac grew, and Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. Abimelek and Abraham in peace with each other.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Abraham, the father of faith, once again lied to the Gentiles that Sarah was his sister and put others in danger. Have I been overpowered by sin repeatedly? What lessons can I learn from Abraham's sin?
+ **Fidelity** - Ishmael was not the chosen descendant of God, but God still watched over him. How does this remind me of how to treat people who don't know God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the proper response to God's promise?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Through God's test of Abraham's faith, we learn how should we respond to His promise; Abraham got the first piece of land God promised him.
+ God tested Abraham and asked him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham was obedient through faith and God supplied the ram instead. God's Covenant to Abraham was reaffirmed again. Sarah died and Abraham bought land to Bury Sarah. It was the first piece of land he had in the promised land.
### Meditation: My Story
+ Walk with God - Abraham got to know more about God through the test: The Lord Will Provide. Have I or am I experiencing tests in my own journey of faith? How have these tests helped me to know more about God?
+ **Integrity** - What have I learned about faith and the actions that come from faith through the story of Abraham's offering of Isaac? (Ref. Hebrews 11:17-19, James 2:21-22)
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the end of Abraham's lifelong journey in God's promise?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The theme on God's promise to Abraham came to an end with his passing.
+ Abraham asked his senior servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. With God lead the way, he found Laban and brought Rebekah back to marry Isaac. Abraham took another wife, died at a good-old age of 175, and left everything to Isaac.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Before Rebekah knew anything, God was already working to send Abraham's senior servant to find her. Think and thank God for what He has done for me in my life.
+ **Fidelity** - The senior servant was faithful to Abraham's trust and sought God's will. When he saw Rebekah as God's chosen wife for Isaac, he testified in front of Laban's family and did not linger. Do I serve with the same fidelity? Am I lacking in any area?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Israel in Egypt?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israel settled in Egypt. Joseph continued to serve faithfully and used his power to save even more people. Israel made Jacob promise to take him back to the land where his fathers rest. Israel blessed Joseph's two sons.
+ Although he died in Egypt, Israel was full of hope and faithful to God's promises. God never fails to fulfill his promises.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Israel worshiped God even on his death bed. There's never an end in walking with God. When do I worship Him? Pray to God to help me follow Him every second of my life.
+ **Identity** - Joseph loved God with all his heart but according to Israel's blessing, God did not elect his tribe as the tribe of Kings. We might believe that Joseph deserved more. Do I often question why some of the Godlier Christians never get blessed with worldly riches? How do I view and submit to God's sovereignty?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened to Israel's descendants?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Death of Israel. Israel blessed all his sons. Joseph buried Israel in Canaan by his wish. The brothers were still afraid that Joseph would revenge. Joseph comforted them. Joseph died, and like his father, he asked his descendants to take him back to the promised land.
+ Through Israel, God promised the Messiah would descend through Judah.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The story of Genesis ended but God's work has not. Through Israel's blessing, God promised the coming of Messiah from Judah's descendants. What do I see reflecting on the story of Genesis and connect the stories of God and of man? How does my story connect with God's? What encouragement and hope do I receive?
+ **Community** - It can be depressing and feeling furious when wronged and persecuted by others. Joseph cried but did not revenge. Instead, he comforted his brothers. What can I learn from the grace and gentleness of Joseph to face the persecutions?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened to the descendants of Israel in Egypt?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The background of Exodus. The curtain raiser of God's salvation plan.
+ Israelites were tortured in Egypt, but they grew stronger with God's blessing. Moses was born and saved by God when Pharaoh was killing all newborn male Hebrews. We must remember God is always in control no matter what dangers and circumstances we may face.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The God-fearing midwives saved the life of eventual Exodus leader, Moses. Am I God-fearing and willing to walk with Him under any circumstances?
+ **Identity** - All Hebrew male infants were being slaughtered when Moses was born. Through God's blessing, Moses was taken by Pharaoh's daughter and grew up in the palace. He killed a person and fled to Midian. Everything happens to a person, be it persecution or setback, comes from God for the good purpose of equipping him/her. How does knowing this fact help me identify myself and recognize my own experiences positively?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did the descendants of Israel experience in Egypt?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God is loving and faithful. He has a perfect plan for His people. He listens and cares for them. So, we lean on Him and keep hope in His plan for all who leans on Him will be brought out of darkness into light to experience His abundant blessings.
+ God elected man to work with Him. He needs no one's help because He is omnipotent. And yet, He chooses man to work with Him so that we may experience Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How did Moses feel when God first called on Him? How do I identify myself when I hesitate from answering God's calling?
+ **Fidelity** - God always gave Moses the perfect solution each time he pushed back on His calling. Am I pushing back God's calling because I distrust my own ability to handle rather than depend on Him to supply and equip?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the first meeting between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh go?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Pharaoh laid more burden on Israelites after the first meeting with Moses and Aaron. God might allow many unreasonable things to happen but through them, we get to know better God's power, faith, righteousness, and love.
+ Israelites complained to Moses because they had to do more works. God restated His promise and let Moses know His faith and love to the Israelites.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - God let Aaron to help Moses because he spoke with faltering lips. Do I seek help from others with different gifts, so we can form a unified spiritual team to serve God?
+ **Fidelity** - Israelites bad mouthed Moses when He obeyed God's will. While serving, what should I do when facing complaints? What can I learn from the interactions between Moses and God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did God do when Pharaoh failed to let the Israelites leave?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God told Moses and Aaron that He would multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt so they would know He is the Lord.
+ Pharaoh would not obey God to let Israelites leave after being warned repeatedly. His heart hardened after each plague. His stubbornness brought destructions to his people and country.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It is necessary to overcome the bondage of the world to live a Godly life. In Moses' time, it was the Pharaoh. Today, it is money, work, and many other challenges. What did I learn from today's passage to face these challenges?
+ **Fidelity** - Moses repeatedly asked Pharaoh to "let my people go." Moses might have felt frustrated and defeated but he continued to obey and serve God. Can I continue to obey and serve God faithfully like Moses when facing difficult struggles repeatedly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about the place of worship, Idols, meat, blood, and the Levites? What did he say about how to deal with those who seduce the Israelites to worship other gods?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Chapters 12-16 are the detailed records of the requirements, decrees, and laws outside of the commands. Although much of the content has been recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, what recorded here is not simply a repeat of the same but targeted toward the specific situation in the land of Canaan.
+ Moses commanded the Israelites to destroy completely the places where Canaanites worshiped their gods, break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, burn and cut down their idols. He ordered them to worship at places where God would choose for each tribe, eat in presence of God the meat offered to God, must not eat blood at anywhere, but other meats at any place. They must share with the Levites for whom did not inherit any land. "Be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land." Do not worship as the Canaanites. "Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods." "If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer." "That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God." They must not follow the Canaanites when mourning for the dead. "Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, for you are a people holy to the Lord your God."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - "How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same." (12:30) Our environment influences us greatly. If we let our curiosity muddle us, we would then stray unknowingly away from God. Do I have any unrighteous thoughts that's popular today?
+ **Community** - Although there's no longer Levites, is there any fellow Christian who serves our Lord in need of material help from me? Can I help anyone around me materially?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about clean foods, treating the Levites, the poor and the slaves, the Passover, the Pentecost (Festival of Weeks), and the Festival of Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ 14:3-29 repeats what can be eaten and what can't. Consumption of the tenth produced as well as the first born of herds and flocks in presence of God at the place where God has chosen. At end of every three years, the tithes were to satisfy the Levites, foreigners, fatherless and widows.
+ Chapter 15 reiterates the once every seventh year, the Sabbath year, the year of cancelling debts. Freeing the slaves and setting apart the firstborn male of the herds and flocks.
+ 16:1-17 talks about the regulations on Passover, Pentecost, and Festival of Tabernacle.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God gave me everything I have. Am I willing to offer a tenth to Him?
+ **Walking with God** - We need to watch over and take care of the helpless to live out the life from merciful God. How have I paid attention to those around me who may need my help?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about appointing judges and setting a King? What prophets God promised through Moses would raise up?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ 16:18-20 and 17:8-13 talks about priests and judges. Judges must judge fairly, must not pervert justice or show partiality, must not accept bribe. One shall act according to the decision and instruction given by the judge and priest.
+ 16:21-17:7 and 18:9-13 commands to not set up idols, to not offer sheep with defect or flaw, to punish those who worship idols, and to not imitate the detestable ways of the other nations.
+ 17:14-20 talks about God's permission to appoint a King. Notice that King Solomon violated these regulations in his later years.
+ 18:1-8 talks about what should the Levites live on with no inheritance of their own.
+ 18:10-22 is about God's promise that points to Jesus Christ: "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Jesus is the prophet God promised. God will call to account anyone who does not accept His salvation. Anyone who accepts Jesus must obey His teaching. Examine my own attitude toward Jesus' teaching and turn to Him through prayers.
+ **Integrity** - God again put emphasis on punishing those who worship idols. We have too many idols in the world today to displace God. Looking in my own life, am I still being bond by my job, my status, my family, my properties, and entertainments and view them as source of joy instead of God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the cities of refuge established for? What is the proper way of going to battle in the eyes of our Lord?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God established the cities of refuge for those who killed unintentionally. However, those who willfully kill would be put to death.
+ Any crime or offense needs two or three witnesses to convict the accused. No false witness is allowed.
+ Do not be afraid when going to battle. However, those who have just build a house, just planted vineyard, just got married may stay behind. Anyone who is afraid may stay behind. Offer peace to enemy first, engage in battle only if they refuse.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God established the cities of refuge because He knows that people would avenge on those who harmed them unintentionally. Have I forgiven those who might have hurt me?
+ **Integrity** - God is fully considerate of those who have just built, planted, and married to allow them to stay behind. Am I being considerate of others and put myself in their shoes?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about the rights of various people and marriage violations?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Verses 21:1 to 22:12 are regulations on unsolved murder, captive woman, firstborn, rebellious son, dead body on pole, stray animal, clothing as opposite sex (God hates sexual indistinction), mercy to animals, roof parapet, mixing of kinds (God dislikes disorder: Gen 1:4, 12, 21; Luke 16:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18), and tassels of the cloak.
+ Verses 22:13 to 30 are about proof of virginity, adultery (exclude rape), forbid marrying father's wife.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - It can be seen clearly from the rights of captive woman and firstborn, and the lost things as well as the roof parapet that God wants us to treat others like ourselves and not take advantage of them. Have I recently forced others to follow my will? Atone to God for what I have done wrong.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about the assembly, camp, shrine prostitute, loan, and vow?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Not everyone may enter the Assembly of the Lord. Holiness and cleanliness must be kept as God is around. Properly treat the runaway slaves. Ban on shrine prostitutes. Ban on loan interest. Vow payment must not be delayed. Grapes and kernel of grains may be eaten but not taken away.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites' camp must be kept clean and holy because God moves about in the camp. God is among us every day. Am I constantly examining myself to ensure there's no uncleanliness or unholiness in my heart or behavior to separate myself from God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses