R³ Devotional - Day 75

Have you gotten frustrated with someone who asks a lot of “why” questions? That person may have the right perspective, (a strong maybe). Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah. The word Deuteronomy has the literal meaning “second law” or “repeated law.” If you are not careful, the book can seem to be a message of dos and do nots.

In Deuteronomy chapters 14-16, it seems that the main idea the LORD is stating is what to do because there are a lot of:

Chapter 14: 

What we are not to do with our body
What we are not to put in our body
What we can put in our body
What we are to give

What not to hold back
What attitude not to have when giving

What to observe
What to keep

Real: Life Principles:

If you struggle with the dos and the don’ts, it might be because of having the wrong perspective.
The temptation of focusing on just the dos and don’ts is borderline legalistic. Some signs and symptoms of this are: resentfulness, complaining, quick to judge others, focused on rules, and possibly angry a lot  
Let’s go back to Deut. 14.2, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to a people for his treasured possession, out of all the people who are on the face of the earth.”
The LORD doesn’t want us to focus on the “what” but the “Why.”
With the right perspective, these things happen through us because He has called us out as peculiar people to represent Him to the World.
These things happen through us because we KNOW what true FREEDOM is.
These things happen through us because we have not forgotten we were once in exile (slavery) also.

Relevant: Life Applications:

 Recognize the temptation to forget true freedom. Recognize the dangerous signs and symptoms of having just the “what perspective.” Take it to heart, we can have a ripple effect experience on others.

Ready: Life Action Steps:

Focus on the “why” and realize the “what’s” will automatically happen even in challenging circumstances.  God’s love letter is the best place to start to learn who we are to Him and why He looks at us like that. This is done through His word. Always hear from Him first, then use devotionals, music, commentaries, etc. Think of it this way, if someone you adore so much wanted to tell you they love you, would you prefer to hear it firsthand or by word of mouth (third hand information).  Don’t be afraid to share, for example, when a man asks a woman to marry him, she usually can’t help to go to everyone and proclaim she is engaged. Do you do that as a bride (church; Believer) to be? As a Believer we are betrothed to Jesus Christ.


Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Mercy and Grace! Thank You for the freedom You give by Grace through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your promises that are challenged everyday by the World, Satan, and our flesh. Thank You LORD we can use Your power to be ambassadors for You to represent You in a World that is lost and confused, but You are not the author of confusion. Thank You Lord we have Hope.
In Jesus name
John 3.30