Sadly, our current worldwide cultures seem to have grasped the concept that we get to choose how to live our lives while deciding on our own what is right and what is wrong. Pride stands in the way of absolute truth, which has produced heartbreaking results we all experience day in and day out. Thank God, we have today’s Readings which clearly convey the solution our world so desperately needs.
Let’s together take a look at Reading #1 from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. Unfortunately, too many believe that the entire Old Testament contains boring history with no relevance to our lives today. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The God of the universe saw fit to provide us with these books because He knew we would desperately need their truth to live a successful life today, the life He created specifically for each one of us. In the fourth chapter of Deuteronomy, God spoke through Moses. He reminded all the people of Israel that it would be critical for them to learn and to observe all the Lord’s statutes and decrees. Following them would provide evidence of wisdom & intelligence to all nations, along with evidence that their God was indeed close to them. That fact would enhance their peace and prosperity – real world practical result of following God’s absolute truth. Moses went on to earnestly plead with them to be on guard not to forget all that God had taught them. This, of course, includes teaching the statutes and decrees to their children and grandchildren to help ensure God’s blessings upon future generations. We, of course, are a part of those future generations, and likewise we share that obligation to teach our children and grandchildren all of God’s statutes and decrees!
Palm 147 reinforces the need to praise God while following His statutes and ordinances. We are reminded that doing so provides God’s protection. The protection that blesses our families, as well as all the unborn children. This continually reminds us that God’s Words are as relevant today as they were in Moses’ time. God’s truth has indeed spread swiftly throughout the world. That truth is reinforced in the sixth chapter of John, where we are reminded by God that His words are Spirit and Life – the words of everlasting life.
Jesus himself specially addressed the power of His absolute truth in the 5th chapter of Matthew. He reminded us that He did not come to abolish the law or prophets, but that He had come to fulfill them. Jesus goes on to remind us how important the entire Bible is to each of us, which of course includes the Old Testament. He clearly stated that “until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place”. This truth, of course, holds me accountable today to continually study God’s Word. That is the secret to better enable us all to follow and observe all of God’s statutes and decrees. I can only know what God requires if I spend time drawing closer to Him and His Word – which is the profound answer to our world’s troubles.
Dear Heavenly Father, we all seek your blessings and guidance. Your absolute truth provides all that we need to follow you and to experience your incredible blessings. Help us to overcome whatever might stand in the way of our growing closer to you and faithfully following all that you have taught us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Larry Hopp
As I enter my second retirement, I can only express my deep appreciation to God for the opportunity to touch the lives of the amazing students here at Creighton. After 40 years as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I felt that I had completed my life’s work. God, however had a different plan – a MUCH BETTER plan. He opened a door to Creighton University and its Energy Technology Program which I would never have imagined. An opportunity to teach and lead a program that has proven to be some of the most rewarding and satisfying work of my life.
That process has only further refined my total trust & faith in following God and seeking Jesus with all my heart. His plans are always so much better than anything I could have ever imagined.
But of course work could never be the top priority of my life. Over the years, I have been engaged with a truly amazing church with an un-apologetic commitment to Jesus that has changed my life and future forever. My wife Linda and I have four children, 4 grandchildren and 5 foster “grandchildren” that have all been such a daily blessing in so many ways.
I am looking forward to see what God has in mind for this next stage of my life.
It is not surprising that God provides these reflection opportunities with the precise readings that I need to hear at that specific time. Spending time in prayer as I write & rewrite each Daily Reflection opportunity is truly a blessing. My prayer is that God can use these thoughts to bless you as well.
