Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-20
Pray: We face hundreds of choices daily. Some of these choices seem minor like what to order off of a menu or how to respond to a coworker. However even these so called minor choices can have far reaching consequences in health and relationships over time. Pray and ask God for wisdom in how to weigh choices and choose life in all of our thoughts, words, and actions today.
Read: It’s important to compare and contrast the weight of the results of our decisions. Further, contrast God’s revealed intentions for us with our choices. What is it that the Lord wants to do in our lives if we’d only accept it?
Edify: Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Although they appeared to be making the right choices in the most intensely detailed portions of the law, their heart was far from God. Jesus exposes their hearts by affirming their practice of tithing (This is in the New Testament!) but calling out their hardened heart towards injustice. They gave money while thinking nothing of those who have nothing, because their primary concern was their comfort rather than the comfort of others. The Old Testament reading repeatedly points to who the people were becoming as covenant partners with God, people who worship God purely, and a heart that is changed to love Him. God’s desire is that His people take His instructions to heart instead of testing God with their hearts. “This is the key to your life” (Deut. 30:20).
Practice: The Proverbs connect with Jesus’ warning of lies and deceitful hearts having a day where they will be exposed. Plan peace today as the proverb encourages. Know that you are valuable to God as Jesus emphasizes, so you are free to lift others up. Surprise someone with generosity, a kind word, or an act of service as someone who has discovered the heart of the law instead of being self-absorbed like those trying to keep the letter of the law.
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