No one shall be found among you who practices divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer. Whoever does these things is abhorrent to the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:10, 12

The fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:9-11

It is amazing to me that God knows all of the transgressions of humankind. He knows us, his children, better than we know ourselves. Several of humankind’s transgressions are mentioned in todays’ verses. The texts around each of these verses list more of the transgressions known to God and done by humans. Yet, God loves each of us anyway. Dark deeds and thoughts enter each of our minds at times; however, God is always within a prayer’s reach to forgive us and bring us back to what is good and right in His sight.

The chapters around today’s verses also explain how to avoid falling into the temptation of letting idols, dark deeds, and superstition shape our actions.  When we accept God into our hearts we are able to see what we need to do to be aligned with God’s word. We are most fortunate, indeed, to have the word recorded in the Bible to guide us and bring us back to what God wants for each one of us.

Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways to keep his statutes still!
Oh, that my God would grant me grace to know and do his will!

Order my footsteps by your word and make my heart sincere;
let win have no dominion, Lord, but keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul, too apt to stray, a stricter watch to keep;
and should I e’er forget your way, restore your wandering sheep.

Make me to walk in your commands, ’tis a delightful road;
nor let my head or heart or hands offend against my God.* Amen.

*Text: Isaac Watts,  1674-1748, alt.

Florence Smallfield

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party