Doing because He first loved Us

Deuteronomy 6:20-25.

Growing up as a teenager, "Why do I have to do it?" would be my first response to something I didn't want to do, like, then, doing the dishes. If you can relate, we're not alone on this:

In the book of Deuteronomy, after Moses had reminded Israel of God's law (ch 5) and given directions on keeping it close to heart and memory (6:6-9), he then tells them why they ought to do it (6:20-25).

In the future when your child asks you "what do these commands from God mean", why do we have to do it? Tell them (v20):

We were slaves in Egypt (v21).
We were slaves to sin (Romans 6:17).
God did all His wonders, all it takes (v22).
God sent His Son to the cross (Romans 5:8).
He pulled us out of there to bring us in (v23).
He pulled us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
And give us the land He promised (v23).
He gave us eternal life (John 3:16).
So that we would live reverently, in obedience before GOD (v24).
So we can live in Christ our righteousness by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25, Romans 6:18).

Moses paints a picture of God's love as a response to why we do God's Word.
We know and rely on God's love for us...we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:16, 19).

Reflect & Pray

What recent event has reminded you of God's love for you? How might you share your experience of God's love with others?

May God's beautiful love encourage us to continually long for, and to do, His Word, in Jesus name.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

Disciples are Blessed

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV. [Series on: The Blessed] How would you describe a blessed and happy life? One of my friends believes there’s only one happy person each week, the lottery winner, and the rest of us just have make-believe happiness. Maybe you share my friend's view or have your own picture of happiness. The Bible also has its own picture, and in this short series on the Blessed we'll see who are the blessed of Scripture. In today's passage, Jesus gathers His disciples to the mountainside, away from the crowd and teaches them what a truly blessed and happy life—beatitude—looks like. Jesus shows that a blessed life is the life of a disciple, those who are: Poor in spirit (v3, Psalm 42:1; 63:1): who depend on God in everything. Mourning (v4, Isaiah 61:2-3): who seek God’s rescue/forgiveness by repentance. Meek (v5, Psalm 37:9-11): who humbly wait for the Lord amidst life’s ...

Accompanied by unfailing love

Ruth 1:1-22 NIV. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break. Happy New Year! The Book of Ruth has been called the most beautiful short story ever written because of its simple narrative. A narrative that shows how God’s provision for our needs or challenges is often woven into the simple acts of human kindness. Chapter 1 shows the kindness of a daughter-in-law, Ruth, to her mother-in-law, Naomi (v8, 16, 22), and we’ll see God at work through that. But first, the passage sets the context by introducing us to Naomi’s loss… Naomi lost her family… When Naomi (which means pleasant) is first introduced, we are told of her loss. A woman in a foreign land who lost her family (v1-5). She feels bitter, empty and afflicted by the Lord (v21). Why so? …Because Naomi knows Israel’s God to be the Almighty—Sovereign. He can bring famine to a disobedient Israel (v1) a...

In trials, Remain in the fold!

1 Peter 5:1-14 NIV. Despite its fleeting nature, the allure of worldliness can be powerful. The world presents a supposedly better way of life accompanied by trendy hashtags like #yolo, #choplife, and #softlife. How appealing such worldly invitations would have been for Peter's audience in the face of stern trials, the thought that switching sides to the worldly alternative could relieve their trials. As Peter ends this first letter, he encourages believers to remain in the fold—in the family of God, in Christ's sheepfold—because those who are in the fold will share in Christ's glory (vv 1, 4, 10-11). So, remain in the family of God by continuing to... Be shepherds (v1-4). If entrusted as a shepherd or leader, faithfully serve those under your care with exemplary living as one accountable to God (1-3). This is how you will receive a crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd (4). So,...

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