Bible Chapter: Deuteronomy 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Drive out the evil.  Destroy the places of evil worship.  God wanted them to completely destroy anything that had to do with the false gods the people served in the lands they would conquer.  He even told them to not take the gold the gods were made of.  It would become a detestable thing to them and pull them away from serving God.  They were to have no close contact or relationship with the heathen, they were not to intermarry, but destroy everything connected with the heathen lands where they would live.  They were to only serve God.  Israel was warned that the evil one wanted to pull them away from worshiping the true God who had helped them along the way.
    God reminded them that He was the powerful One.  He would fight for them.  He would drive out the enemies.  Their weakness allowed God’s strength to be shown.  Israel was reminded over and over, don’t forget the Lord.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Chapter eight ends with a sobering reminder and challenge.  When the time came that they were prosperous, when they had lots of food and comfort, they must not forget to worship God and give Him the glory He is due.  If they would forget God, they would then say how good and smart they were.  Pride!!!  All the good things came because of their amazing abilities.  Pride!!!  Then, if they did that, God would destroy their land.  They would realize that they were not as awesome as they claimed.
    As I read this section the thought of our modern world, and especially the United States jumped out to me.  Our land is filled with people who mock and ridicule God.  We have so much.  And yet, God is mocked and people brag about all they have accomplished.  People are very blatant about saying that the Bible, those who believe in it, are foolish and worthless.  People claim they are smarter than previous generations and they know better.  This is a quick road to failure and destruction.  Pride and arrogance is destroying this nation.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The book of Proverbs tells us to trust God and don’t lean on our own understanding.  That is a good application of these chapters.  I want to help people see these truths and apply them in life.