Deuteronomy 19 & 20: THE CAPTAIN
Verse of the Day: (20:9) And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. 

1. Cities (19:1-21)
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee. (19:7)

God commanded Israel to separate three cities from all the cities that they conquered so as to protect the alleged murderers until they were proven guilty by witnesses and evidence. Our God is a just and loving God, and He shall protect and preserve the innocent until they are proven guilty. However, we are all sinners, and though God loves sinners, He hates sins. This is why God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, and whoever believes in Him shall never perish, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven. Thank God that He loves us so much that He shall keep us safe on earth, and one day, He shall promote us to His holy city in heaven. (Revelation 21:1-4)

2. Chariots (20:1-4)
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (20:1)

Everyone fears the unknown, and most of us fear death, and Israel was no different. They feared their enemies who had more horses and chariots than them, and they thought they shall never prevail against them, and possess their Promised Land. However, God kept encouraging them to look to Him, and assured them that He was with them, and He shall fight for them, and grant them victory over their enemies. Let us never trust in chariots or horses or material wealth, but in God who never fails us, not even once. (Psalms 20:7-9)

3. Captains (20:5-20)
And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. (20:5)

Though God is a holy and just God yet He is also a loving and kind God as He commanded Israel that those who had new houses or just planted vineyards or just married, to return and enjoy their houses, vineyards or wives. He also commanded those who were fearful not to join the army as they might demoralise the rest of the army. God then appointed captains to lead the armies, and commanded them that they shall destroy all their enemies except the women, the children, the livestock and possessions. God loves and cares for Israel, and He is the Captain who shall lead them to victory and possess their Promised Land. Indeed, Jesus is the Captain of our salvation, and He shall lead us to victory over temptations as we follow Him to the end. (Hebrews 2:9-10)
 
Prayer of the Day: 
Dearest God, thank You that You are the Captain of my salvation now and forever.