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Take It To Heart

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SCRIPTURE

And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel he said to them, “Take to heart all these words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. - Deuteronomy 32:45-47

 

OBSERVATION

God’s word is meant to be taken to heart. It is not meant simply to be read or heard but to be brought the centrality of a person’s being to be meditated and obeyed. The core and essence of a person—thoughts, affections, desires, will are to be centered on the life-giving word of God. But it does not end there. There is a purpose to taking God’s word to heart. It is to model, teach and command our children.

 

APPLICATION

I want to be touched and filled to the core with God’s word. Doing my devotions is not just a routine to be filled with bible trivia and facts—it is my very life. It is through Scripture by the Spirit that I am able to understand the things freely given to me by God in Christ (1 Cor. 2:12). It is not idle or empty word that I read but God-breathed and inspired word of life that reveals the majesty of Christ and glory of God. My personal transformation is not an end to itself. I have to demonstrate and teach them to Judah, Noah and Ezra. 

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

You are my life. Where would I be with your word? How can I stand without your mercy? Please forgive me for not reading your word heart-first. I am different today because I am taking your word to heart. Help me to be like Ezra who read, meditated, obeyed and taught Scripture. May you use me to bring a revival to your word in Hawaii.

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in Love

To Love Is To Serve

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SCRIPTURE

And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul - Deuteronomy 11:13

 

OBSERVATION

One cannot love without serving. The inseparable union between love and service is a marriage that cannot be divorced in our relationships. God’s primary instruction of love, obedience and service to Israel as they were about to cross into the Promised Land stands true today. Just as we are to love the LORD our God with all our heart and all our soul, we are also to serve him with all our hearts and all our souls. 

 

APPLICATION

I cannot love God without serving him. I confess I have been lackadaisical in my effort to love and serve him. I have slacked off in my exercise. How can I love the Lord with all my heart and soul if I am lethargic and lack the energy to do so? I need to ratchet back to the basics of doing daily exercise, devotions, worship and prayer. Love God and serve him in my primary ministry of loving and serving Renee—do so with all my heart and soul. Put my heart into making sure that I communicate to her in her love language of words of affirmation and affection. Serve my family with all my might. Don’t feel entitled to be served but to serve my kids. Jump on the trampoline with them even though it’s the last thing I want to do. Watch them play video games simply because they take pleasure in their dad watching them do something they enjoy. Go back to the discipline of following up every Tuesday, studying at least 15 hours a week for a sermon, and showing hospitality by having people over for dinner.

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Please forgive me for my laziness and half-hearted posture of my worship and love to you. I repent and turn away from entitlement and laziness. Thank you for the grace of your correction and discipline. Holy Spirit please give me the strength, resolve and desire to serve you with all my soul and strength. 

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