We continue to read the earnest words of Moses to the people; he is imploring them to remain faithful to the eternal God, their Lord. “For the LORD your God”, he says, “is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great and mighty and awesome God … you shall serve him and hold fast to him … he is your praise” (Deuteronomy 10:17,20,21).

When we praise God, sing praises to Him, we must make sure there is a genuine spirit of praise in our hearts. Moses reminds the elders, who were teenagers when they came out of Egypt and witnessed the awesome events at Sinai, saying, “your eyes have seen all the great work of the LORD, that he did” (11:7). And us?

We have the whole of God’s word to read and absorb its message – and to be inspired by that message in its many parts – realizing how those parts combine and relate together in a multi-dimensional picture. He warns them that when they come into the land and prosper to “take care lest your hearts be deceived, and you turn aside … then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you …” (verse 16).

Now apply this picture of God’s blessings and warning to today. What a transformation came over the world when God’s word became available in every language – and was largely read and preached! We all know what the scene in the world is like today. How long before God acts to punish the world for turning so totally away from Him?

In Acts 1 the final words of Jesus before he ascended to heaven are, “It is not for you to know the time and seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority … but you will be my witnesses … to the end of the earth” (verses 7,8). The witnessing has continued through the words they wrote and the rest of the scriptures. The times are nearly finished – and only those who have “laid up God’s words in their hearts” will rejoice in that time. Make sure you are among them.