Revived by His Word - Deuteronomy 26

Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm - verse 8

God's mighty hand speaks to the His superior strength and power over what would otherwise be formidable obstacles for us escaping suppressive situations.  Our challenges today could be sinful addictions, unfavourable family, work and school situations.  In the midst of all these challenges we can afford to say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil 4: 13.

The outstretched arm of God reminds me that He cares.  I see here a father or a husband slipping a reassuring arm around a child or wife as they sit together in worship. Or maybe he holds their hands as they wait to hear the child or wife's name called to go in a see the doctor and to get results from a critical medical examination.  The outstretched arm moves at the impulse of a caring heart.  Of Jerusalem Jesus did say, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"  Luke 13: 34.  So Peter says, "Casting all your care on Him, for He careth for you." 1 Pet. 5: 7.

Giving Back

As we seek to give as we have been given we’ll discover an amazing synergy when God’s people unite for such a purpose.  Nature’s lesson book provides us with a simple lesson in rainfall:

It takes many little raindrops to create a flood that can totally reshape a landscape, both physically and socially.  The key is consistency.  What indeed this church would be able to accomplish if every member gave, even a little at a time, consistently.  LORD, please help us to be faithful.

God has done a lot for us; He’s the source of all the good things we possess.  He didn’t supply us so we can hoard, but that we participate in His great work of reaching the lost, destitute, and hungry.  Our possessions must not be viewed as blessing, but rather great stores of potential blessings – because it is how we use it that will determine whether it is a blessing or a curse.  Let us give faithfully, for indeed it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Read or listen to the passage and read other blogs at  http://revivedbyhisword.org/en/bible/deut/26/.