Daily Devotions

Posts tagged “Deuteronomy 31

Bullies and Schemes

KATHY —As big as Goliath was, his greatest strength lay not in his muscles but in his schemes (sounds like a present-day, ongoing face-off if you ask me).  Today we are facing a more sophisticated monster with many mouths. Nevertheless, like Goliath, this monster has stood on the battlefield, arrayed in armor that implied its own success and presumed to set the parameters for battle. A giant’s voice launched an attack on the ear, the mind and the heart of the hearers (as has the voice of the monster’s fake media). The voice appealed to reason and logic, to narrow everyone’s thinking down to a dark, one-sided agenda. For 40 days, twice daily, Goliath challenged Israel to be “reasonable” and believe that he had thought things out and was offering the best scenario for all concerned. Are we talking giants, monsters or politicians or all of the above? (Did I mention that bullies lie?) Daily the giant and monster were convincing them that the outcome was a given so they might as well just suck it up, get it over with and walk into slavery, (with the least bloodshed possible, especially on their side.) Bullies will threaten and intimidate with brute strength or accusation or blackmail or logic or sentiment or an edge of superiority (in knowledge, intellect, reason, information, experience, wealth, age, etc.). An experienced bully can even swing to the other end of the spectrum and use his own neediness or weaknesses or lack of self-worth to manipulate people and events. In fact, a cunning bully can make a weapon of most anything. For example, he can condemn someone into action by manipulating their “sense of responsibility”. Then he can twist his own “sense of responsibility” to justify his brutal or selfish behavior. The bottom line is that an established bully intends to be king of the mountain . . . at any cost. Deut.31:6, Amp — “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”

(Kathy is speaking Mar.3 at KINGDOM CONGRESS 2023 at Grace Church WillisTX. Information for schedule, location, etc. click here: martygabler.com/kc2023/)


Redemptive Intervention in Days to Come

As the people of God assemble today may they know and speak of and sing of the nearness and preparedness of Almighty God for their tomorrows. May they rest assured of His presence and redemptive intervention in their days to come. Deut.31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”


Testimony and Encouragement

As the people of God assemble today may they hear the life-giving, powerful Word of God preached and may they rehearse it to one another as testimony and encouragement for strength for the battle and hope for tomorrow. May they approach the coming week and coming challenges of life with assurance that God Almighty is with them and will not forsake them. Deut.31:8,Amp—“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].”