Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 3:23-29.
“I also pleaded with the LORD at that time, saying, ‘O LORD God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the LORD said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan. But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’ So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor.” Deuteronomy 3:23-29.
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Today’s Scripture of the LORD not allowing Moses to go into Canaan, the Promised Land, but allowing Moses to go to the top of the mountain, “Pisgah”, to see into Canaan, reminds me of not having money to go to exotic travel spots but being able to watch Travel shows on TV of such places. The first lesson is contentment, even joy, in what the LORD does provide for us.
“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:6-9.
The LORD also commanded Moses to “charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.” The second lesson is that even though we may not be able to do the Christian work that we desire, we can encourage and strengthen others who will do such work, and we can pray for them.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
But, there is more! God has given us much more!
“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6.
“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.
“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 