---

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Moses told the Israelites to think carefully about their experience at Mount Sinai (Deut 4:9–14). The mountain burned with fire, and there was darkness, cloud and thick gloom, but you never showed yourself to them. You did this to emphasize your true nature—you are a spirit. Jesus told the woman at the well that you want me to worship you in harmony with who you are. I magnify your name today, and I worship you “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24). Today in Your Word Today you told me the conclusion of Moses’ first sermon to the Israelites in the plains of Moab at the end of the 40-year wilderness period. Moses finished his review of Israel’s recent history, emphasizing how you had delivered Og of Bashan into their hand. This teaches me that the key to facing the future without fear is to remember what you have done in the past (Deut 3:21–22). Moses then urged the people to obey your commands and follow your leadership. He warned the people not to forget: “Take care…lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen” (Deut 4:9). He also commanded them to tell their children and grandchildren what they had experienced. This teaches me the importance of documenting your grace in my life and sharing the lessons I’ve learned with my family. Moses then warned Israel that they would be exiled from the land if they forsook you and worshipped other gods. This teaches me that I can expect to be disciplined for sin. Your discipline is designed to motivate me to repent and return to you. Moses then challenged the people to meditate on what you had done: “Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?” (Deut 4:32 NIV). He wanted them to think about the implications of your mighty deeds, namely, that there is no other god but you (Deut 4:39). This knowledge would produce the only proper response: obedience to your commands (Deut 4:40). Reflection Moses begged you to let him enter Canaan, but you said, “Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter” (Deut 3:26 NASB). There is forgiveness for sin, but the consequences remain. Request Father, I ask that you would humble me and keep me on the narrow way. Help me reject the passing pleasures of sin and look ahead to the reward (Heb 11:24–26). Thanksgiving Thank you for the security and safety that is found in trusting you. “You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Ps 9:10). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds” by Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 4:39.