The Blessing of Moses (continued)

Deuteronomy Chapter 33 verses 18-29

Moses blessed the people of Israel before his death like this:
About the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar he asked that they prosper at home in their tents. That they summon the people to the mountain to offer sacrifices there. They benefit from the riches of the sea and hidden treasures in the sand.

About the tribe of Gad, Moses said: Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad's territory! Gad is poised there like a lion to tear off an arm or a head. The people of Gad took the best land for themselves; a leader's share was assigned to them. When the leaders of the people were assembled, they carried out the Lord's justice and obeyed his regulations for Israel.

About the tribe of Dan, Moses said: Dan is a lion's cub, leaping out from Bashan.

About the tribe of Naphatali, Moses said: O Naphtali, you are rich in favor and full of the Lord's blessings; may you possess the west and the south.

About the tribe of Asher, Moses said: May Asher be blessed above other sons; may he be esteemed by his brothers; may he bathe his feet in olive oil. May the bolts of your gates be of iron and bronze; may your strength match the length of your days!

Moses said: There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge and his everlasting arms are under you. He thrusts out the enemy before you; it is he who cries "Destroy them!" So Israel will live in safety, prosperous Jacob in security, in the land of grain and wine, while the heavens drop down dew. How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord! He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will bow low before you, and you will trample on their backs!

BIBLE NOTES SHOW Moses' song declares that GOd is our refuge, our only true security. How often we entrust our lives to nonsense things like money, career, lifelong dreams. But God catches us when we start to fall and nothing can destroyus when we take refuge in him.

How does this chapter relate to us today? Living for God in this present world may seem shakey, but it is the godless who are in trouble. HE is our refuge! We can do anything with God behind us or better yet- in front of us, leading the way. Moses blessed each tribe with unique strengths. Have you discovered your strength? Your talent? Many of us don't think we have found our strength and that could be because we are already living it, doing it and need a reminder from God to recognize what he has given us. God is our refuge and our shield. With him we can do anything. Praise be to God!
Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
Health: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who weighed less than two lbs.
Spiritual Uplifting: Gail, Mary
Restoration of faith: Al, John
Support: Haiti, Chile, those cleaning up the gulf coast oil spill and those who lost their livelihood there. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.