If you are following The Plan, you should be through Deuteronomy Chapter 23 by the end of today.

Let's just reset the stage a bit - the Israelites are encamped east of the Jordan and are preparing to enter into the land God promised them.   Two tribes - Reuben and Gad - have settled in these lands, but have agreed to send soldiers across the Jordan when the time is right.   The generation that rebelled against the God has died away and only 3 are left - Moses, Joshua, and Caleb.  Moses is preparing Israel to inherit the promised land, and reminding this younger generation of all that has occurred before them.  So if it sounds like Moses is repeating himself - he is.   As a matter of fact, the word "Deuteronomy" means "Second Law" (thank you Wikipedia!).

Some observations:

• One of the best passages from scripture is Deuteronomy 6:5 - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."  Pretty clear, eh.
• There is this interesting passage in Chapter 4 (25-31) that includes this:

The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Remember this when we get to Judges, Kings and Chronicles.   Because this is EXACTLY what is going to happen.

• Parents take note:  There are some pretty harsh instructions for dealing with wayward sons and daughters - like stoning them to death at the city gates....
• Beginning in Chapter 20, Moses is starting to prepare the people of Israel for Battle.    And once Moses dies and Joshua takes over, it will get very bloody very fast.  So keep reading and stay tuned for the Bible as Saving Private Ryan - The Book of Joshua.

Blessings.

Keep Reading.

Pray