Deuteronomy 23-25 ; Psalm 45:10-17 ; Luke 16:19-17:10 "A Girl I Once Knew" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Caran d'ache on Paper The theme for all our readings today is “ remembrance ” – especially as emphasized in our Deuteronomy readings (cf., 23:4-7, and 21; 24:9; and 18-22). In this section, we see once again that God is deeply concerned that we live appropriately and do the right things with a concern for personal holiness . Here, God reiterates and emphasizes the

Deuteronomy 21-22 ; Proverbs 9:13-18 ; Luke 16:1-18 "Leaning Tree" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pen & Ink Sketch on Paper As we come to Deuteronomy 21-22, we recognize that today’s readings contain incredible truths about which we must meditate thoughtfully. In Deuteronomy 21, God provided a legal means for prosecuting an unresolved murder. We recall that murder pollutes the land (cf., Numbers 35:33-34). To protect the people and the land, in cases of unexplained

Deuteronomy 19-20 ; Psalm 45:1-9 ; Luke 15 "Afternoon in the Woods" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor & Gouache on Paper We continue in Deuteronomy today with chapters 19-20. In chapter 19, the Lord expands on a topic we saw earlier in the book of Numbers (cf., Numbers 35). Here, God tells them to “set aside for yourselves … cities of refuge … so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land” (verses 1-10). Killing another human being is not always murder.

Deuteronomy 16:21-18:22 ; Psalm 44:13-26 ; Luke 14:15-35 "Uracher Wasserfall" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pen & Ink on Paper Deuteronomy16:21-18:22 reminds us that following God’s plan for our lives preserves and ensures our Christian effectiveness. This section begins with God’s command forbidding the Israelites from setting up Asherah poles and sacred stones, both of which “God hates” (verse 26:21). Such reprehensible trappings were of Canaanite and heathen origin

Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20 ; Psalm 44:1-12 ; Luke 13:31-14:14 "Ethan Sleeping" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Colored Pencil on Paper Today we learn a lot about humility . We come to Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20 in which we read about the year for canceling debts and freeing slaves, the sanctification of firstborn animals, and some of the feasts in Israel. In Deuteronomy 15, Moses asserted that “there should be no need for poor people among you … for the LORD your God will richl

Deuteronomy 13-14 ; Proverbs 9:1-12 ; Luke 13:1-30 "Leaves Like Elephant Ears" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Ink & Styrofoam on Paper In Deuteronomy 13-14 we see further regulations about idolatry, false prophets, and issues relating to the separation of God’s people. God tells the people that He tests them (verse 3). God tests His people for their own benefit. He already knows where they stand with Him, but they do not. They need to know where they stand with Hi

Deuteronomy 11-12 ; Psalm 43 ; Luke 12:35-59 "Memories of Places Recycled, II" © by Terri L. Stricker - Collage on Paper Today our readings in Deuteronomy begin in chapter eleven with the one supreme responsibility that God intended for Israel to demonstrate before a watching world – to “ Love the LORD your God and keep His requirements, His decrees, His laws, and His commands always” (verse 1). God said, “if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you … then I will