Deuteronomy 11:18-22 NLT
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors. “Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the LORD your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.
What a mouth full.
Let’s unpack this a little bit.
”So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine.”
The definition of ”wholeheartedly” is ”with complete sincerity and commitment.” I would also add ”to take seriously.”
For us to commit, we need to know and understand the words, which requires consistent study of the Word. And that commitment requires time. When we continue reading these verses, it gives us that time commitment.
”Talk about them when you are home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”
When you look at that statement, it seems like we are to talk about it… All of the time.
Think about it, what is being discussed when you’re not considering God’s Word.
It could be sports, news, politics, other people. And now, let’s be honest with each other. How much of that conversation is edifying? Edifying to mean building up or positive.
Doesn’t most of that conversation revolve around how we feel things should be?
”What a boneheaded call the coach called on that play!”
”President ____________, has no idea what he is doing.”
”Did you hear about _________? They did it again; when are they ever going to get it.” And to add insult to this one, we may add a ”Bless their heart.”
I struggle with this myself. I pay attention to what I am thinking more now simply because I know that my thoughts and words have power and want them to build up and not tear down.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
How do we show God we love Him?
”Show love to the Lord your God by walking in His way and holding tightly to Him.”
Consistent time in His Word is the only way to know His way. From my personal experience, the more time you spend in the Word of God, the more your heart is convicted and the more change that happens in your heart.
Your heart starts to change, you start to love God and you really start to love others.
Here’s the promise:
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 NLT
”Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.
Look what He does here; as always, the choice is ours. ”I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse!”
”You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God…”
”But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God…”
James 4:8 NLT
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Heavenly Father, please continue to give me the desire to be in Your Word every day. Let it dwell richly in my heart and let it affect my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Let my life glorify You in every way. Let me be a source of hope to those around me. Let my life stand as an example of a life submitted to You in every way.
I pray for this world in this time of great darkness and pray that You are glorified and pray that You hasten the return of Jesus Christ and have mercy on us through this time of challenge.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray this in His Holy and loving name, Amen!! 🙏❤️
