READING: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1
I may be wrong, but it seems to me that many believers in North America (and, I’m learning, some believers in places of the world where prosperity has been strong) have come to the place where they love God not with all their heart and soul but with a part of each. That is, they say they love God, but their love is limited at best. That failure to love fully is probably most evident in their lifestyles that suggest less than a full commitment to God and His standards.
Compare that conclusion to the expectation God had for His people, in addition to their affirmation in what may have been their ratifying the covenant: “Today the Lord your God has commanded you to obey all these decrees and regulations. So be careful to obey them wholeheartedly. You have declared today that the Lord is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the Lord your God, just as he promised” (Deut 26:16-19).
Obey all His decrees.
Follow God wholeheartedly.
Promise to walk in His ways.
Do everything He tells you.
Obey all His commands.
Be a holy nation.
Hear this repetition and clarity, and there is no room for loving God with a part of us.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What does your life say about your love for God?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, help me to love You with all my being.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29