Prayer Series L
Did you ever wonder how it was great martyrs of the past were so able to stand steadfast for their FAITH?
While of course, I have no proof, I would suggest that they held fast to the Word of Law, taught to them as children.
Deuteronomy Brief Summary: The Israelites are commanded to remember four things: God’s faithfulness, God’s holiness, God’s blessings, and God’s warnings. The first three chapters recap the trip from Egypt to their current location, Moab. Chapter 4 is a call to obedience, to be faithful to the God who was faithful to them.
Chapters 5 through 26 are a repetition of the Law. The Ten Commandments, the laws concerning sacrifices and special days, and the rest of the laws are given to the new generation. Blessings are promised to those who obey (5:29; 6:17-19; 11:13-15), and famine is promised to those who break the Law (11:16-17).
The theme of blessing and cursing is continued in chapters 27-30. This portion of the book ends with a clear choice set before Israel: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing.” God’s desire for His people is found in what He recommends: “choose life” (30:19).
In the final chapters, Moses encourages the people; commissions his replacement, Joshua; records a song; and gives a final blessing to each of the tribes of Israel. Chapter 34 relates to the circumstances of Moses’ death. He climbed Mt. Pisgah, where the Lord showed him the Promised Land that he could not enter. At 120 years old, but still, with good eyesight and the strength of youth, Moses died in the presence of the Lord. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a short obituary on this great prophet.
Many folks shy away from reading Deuteronomy and Numbers because they are two analytical. They may be, but they are no less filled with gems of scripture. One of my favorites is Deuteronomy 11:26-28. At a turning point in my life, God laid this one on me. You see I had been trying to walk the picket fence of Christianity. I was uncommitted, thinking I could handle life on my own and call on God just when I needed Him.
One of the very next things I read was Foxes Book of Martyrs. I found most interesting the stories of the Apostles, An Account of the Life and Persecutions of John Bunyan (his classics read-only second to the Bible), Persecutions of the French Protestants in the South of France (since I have ancestry from France I found this interesting), and Adoniram and Ann Judson founders of the American Missionary movement.
The one common denominator among all these martyrs was a resolute commitment to their Faith. Whether it was taught to them as young children (chronological) or young children (spiritual) they remained committed to the teachings of the Law of God.
Oh, that we would have the strength and courage to do the same in the time of peril.
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 
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