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Scripture: Deuteronomy 29

Just as the famous "m" on every piece of M&M’s chocolate plays a significant role, life’s milestone moments (M&M’s) also play a significant role on our journey as God’s people. These moments are orchestrated by God and should never be underestimated. They remind us of our identity as the people of God, and prompt us to love Him with all of our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength (cf. Dt. 6:5). In Deuteronomy 29, God orchestrates a milestone moment for the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land.

Two motivating factors for living faithfully in covenant relationship with God:

1. Exhortation: Recall and respond to God’s grace in your life (vs. 2-15)

- Recalling God’s gracious care for us in the past, helps us to trust that He will continue to care for us in the present and in the future (vs. 1-8; Dt. 6:12; Ps. 103:1-2; 2 Cor.12:9)

- Through His grace, God demonstrates His love for us (vs. 6; cf. Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8)

- Obediently following the commands of God is the proper response to having experienced His grace (vs. 9; Dt. 27:10; Jn. 14:21; 1 Jn. 5:3)

When was the last time you intentionally slowed down to recall God’s grace in your life? Are you so busy that you have become indifferent to the amazing ways He cares for you? Does how you live your life reflect that the LORD has given you a mind that understands, eyes that see and ears that hear?

2. Warning: Don’t ignore God’s grace and go your own way (vs. 16-29)

- Turning your heart away from the LORD to worship other gods is the most offensive way to ignore God’s grace (vs. 18; Ex. 20:2-5; 34:14)

- Do not be deceived, ignoring God’s grace and persistently going your own way will result in judgment and discipline (vs. 19-21; Dt. 8:5; Prov. 13:15-16, 19-21; 14:12-16; Lk. 8:17; Gal. 6:7-8)

- On the journey, focus on following what God has graciously revealed to us in His Word. The secret things belong to the Lord (vs. 29; Dt. 12:28; Josh. 1:8; 22:5 Isa. 55:8-9; Mt. 28:20; Jn. 8:31)

Is there anything other than God that gets the best of your time, talent and resources? Are there any areas in your life where you are persistently going your own way rather than following what God has revealed to you through Jesus and His Word? What are you doing to strengthen your roots in Christ?

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” - Jesus

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