Deuteronomy 1
As this book opens Moses begins by retelling the history of the Israelites as they came out of Egypt to the borders of the promised land. The Lord swore that He would give them the land 8,21,25. They had to go in and possess it. However they became fearful and rebelled again the Lord 26-33. The result was the 40 years of wandering in the desert 3,37-46. Note: The retelling of history is important so that we can learn from past mistakes. The new generation who was about to go into the land needed to hear this and heed the implied warnings. "Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are destined to repeat them"

Deuteronomy 2
It is interesting to note that the Lord gave lands to the descendants of Esau 4, the descendants of lot (in Moab) 9-12 and the descendants of Lot (in the Ammonites) 19-21. The Lord helped them to conquer these lands. Note: Knowing this would encourage the people to believe in the Lord and conquer the land God promised them. In fact, they had a record of victories from the Lord 24-37.  I also see Moses reminding them of the fact that God provided for them in the wilderness 6-7. God did this through others and supernaturally (manna and water from the rock). Note: How I need to be reminded of the greatness of the Lord. Also, sometimes the only way I can know He is provider is to be in need. It is encouraging to rest in the fact of God's gracious provisions and victories He grants.

Deuteronomy 3
Israel defeats Of king of Bashan 1-11. Was he a big man or just liked a big bed 11 ? The Lord is the One who gives the victory 3,21-22. Yet we have a part and role to play 6-10. I wonder if Moses spoke to the Lord many times about entering the land ? It is implied by the response the Lord gave him in verses 26. I notice Moses 'blamed' the people for the Lord's anger against him 26 & 1:37. Did he not realize his own sin ? (Numbers 20:1-12). He was allowed to see it but not enter it 27. Note: In terms of typology, Moses represented The Law and the law can not bring us into the promised land (spiritually), that occurs through the leadership of one named Joshua ( in Hebrew, 'Jesus' in the Greek) !

Deuteronomy 4
Moses extorts the people to careful observation of the Lord's laws 1-24. They were reminded not to make any idols 15-19.  In prophetic words, Moses tells of the consequences of turning from the Lord 25-31. God will continue to be merciful 31. Israel was uniquely created by God to be a testimony to Himself 32-34. They were to respond by acknowledging and obeying the Lord 35-40. When they did this other nations would take notice and also acknowledge God 5-8
Note: Does my life reflect the God whom I claim to know ? My life should line up with His Word in such a way that others can observe this. Note: Moses just can't seem to let go of the fact that he is not going into the promised land (verse 21).

Deuteronomy 5
Here we have the ten commandments restated 1-21. The new generation must hear them so that they will obey. They were also reminded of the awesome presence of God as He spoke to Moses these words 22-26. The response was a pledge to obey 27 to which the Lord says 'Oh that hearts would fear Me and keep all my commands..." 29. They are to be careful to obey 32-33. While the desire may be there to please the Lord the ability is not. The Law shows all of us our sins. We need a new heart given to us by God along with a new spirit so that we would be able to do what He desires (see: Romans 7, Ezekiel 36:24-27)

Deuteronomy 6
Here the people are commanded to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength 4-5. This is called the 'Shema'. Notice that they were to make God's law an integral part of life talking about it, writing it, even posting it in their houses 6-9. They were also warned not to forget the Lord once they were settled and satisfied 10-12, nor go after other gods as they had tendency to do 13-16. By keeping the laws and decrees of the Lord the people would be blessed by God 17-19. They were to communicate this to future generations 20-25. Note: God saved His people out of Egypt to bring them into the land He promised 20-23, they were to obey the Lord because they were His redeemed (saved) people 24-25. Likewise the believer in Christ is saved by the Lord and desires to keep God's law not to be saved but because he/she is saved.