Daily Reading
Daily Thought
When words are repeated, they are often significant. In Deuteronomy 30, “heart” (vv 2, 6, 10, 14, 17), “soul” (vv 2, 6, 10), “command” or “commandment” (vv 2, 8, 10, 11, 16), “turn” or “return” (vv 2, 10, 17), and “life” (vv 15, 19, 20). The message is clear: When God’s people turn from their sins and return with all their heart and soul to God, obeying his commandments, they will enjoy life as only God can give. When they don’t, they won’t. The choice is theirs.
My junior high P.E, coach would watch the class playing dodgeball. At the end of each game, he’d call out several names, and those boys would step forward. “You boys are removed from the rest of the games,” he’d inform them. “You cheated. Go sit on the bench.”
The boys would often object, “You’re kicking me out of dodgeball?!”
“No, I’m not kicking you out. You’ve removed yourself.” countered Coach. “You made it clear you no longer desire to play when you broke the rules. I’m simply granting your wish.”
Daily Prayer
Lord God, Your ways are good. I have choices and I am baffled at how often I choose something other than You. It never works out. God, thank You for Your Word. May I keep it treasured in my heart, ready in my memory on any occasion, to guide me toward righteousness
Thank You for life, for making me alive again when I was born again by Your Son. May I listen, obey, and follow You, as Your Spirit speaks to me. May I always choose life in You.
Amen
Daily Question
Do you find that breaking the rules makes you more successful or less successful?