Foundations Week 11, Day 5

Scripture Read:  Deuteronomy 6 - 7
Title: The Greatest Commandment
​
H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your  might.""  Deut. 6:5

(E) Explain:  At the end of chapter 4 Moses introduces the law to Israel.  He begins by reminding them of the Ten Commandments in chapter 5.  In chapter 6 he lays down the greatest of all commandments and this commandment deals with loving God with every fiber of your being.  In doing so, they will teach their children from generation to generation.  God desires for His people to do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD in order to take possession of the promised land.
In chapter 7, God declares the people of Israel as His chosen people.  They are not to intermarry so as to stay away from turning to other gods and idols.  Moses tells them that God has not chosen them because they are a great and mighty people, but He has chosen them because He loves them and is keeping His promise that He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  He also gives a condition in 7:12, "And because you listen to these rules and keep  and do them, the LORD your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that He swore to your fathers."  God will be with His people no matter what, and He will bless them if they remain obedient and faithful.

(A) Application:   We are called to love God with all of our being.  I've often thought about what He had in mind when He told the people of Israel to love Him with all their heart, soul and might.  What does that look like for in today and am I successfully doing it?  For me loving God with all of my being would look something like this...

1. I trust Him in everything 
2. I am full engaged with Him in every area of my life (relationships, finances, work, play, down-time etc,)
3. I am in continual communication with Him
4. Every decision I make in life involves Him
5. I am obedient to His Word
6. I love His people
7. I forgive
8. I show grace
9. I am accountable not only to God, but to the body of believers
10. I strive for humility
11. I share the reality of his love, grace, mercy and the gospel of Jesus Christ with others
12. I live my life in a way that gives honor to Him and promotes His Kingdom
13. I live my life as a disciple of Christ
14. I live in the truth of knowing that God loves me
15. AND SO MUCH MORE!

What does loving God with all your heart, soul and might look like for you?

(R) Respond: LORD, I know I strive daily to live my life for you.  I want to live a life that is pleasing to you, but I fail so often.  Help me to pursue you in every area of my life.  I desire to be full committed to you in everything I do, say and think.  May I love you with everything I have?