Title: 3 Observations/Topic: Various

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4

Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:1-4
1 If you see your brother's ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him. 2 If the brother does not live near you or if you do not know who he is, take it home with you and keep it until he comes looking for it. Then give it back to him. 3 Do the same if you find your brother's donkey or his cloak or anything he loses. Do not ignore it. 4 If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet.

Observation/Application: These are practical ways to follow the golden rule of treating others as we would want to be treated. We have no excuse for apathy or for being too busy to help someone else.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:5
5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.

Observation/Application: There is something holy about the sexes. I believe our sexuality is a reflection of God's image in us and he doesn't want us treating our sexuality lightly. I don't quite understand it all, but apparently cross-dressing is offensive to God because it demeans his creation of us as distinctly male or female. We are to be thankful for being created as one or the other and to treat our own gender with respect.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:11, 12
11 Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.
12 Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear.

Observation/Application: These verses have always amused and befuddled me somewhat. One lesson is that God is interested in the smallest details of our lives. Apparently, he even likes to be a fashion coordinator! Other scriptures indicate what the tassels were for: They were to be a reminder of the commands of God so that the people would remember how they were supposed to behave. But they were also decoration. I think God likes beautiful things, even in clothing made by man. The wool and linen thing has me flummoxed. I have no idea why that is important. It's just interesting to me that God cares about it.

Prayer: Father, I want to be obedient to you in everything and live according to your principles. I know I often fail, but I thank you that as I grow spiritually, I do better and better in following you. Where I don't understand your Word, give me insight.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.