Leviticus 26 : 13 “I am the Lord your God, who bought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright.”
Dear God,
I wish to give thanks and praises again, because I love You, and know that what I do for any other person, or in Your name, will be more worthwhile when Your Spirit attends me. I have found in the past when I was actively occupied in the community and able to interact with sensitive damaged souls that You put it into my mind, not go without asking that all my attitudes and words to be from You, and not from my sinful, ‘bumbling’ self as had happened at times. I am so glad I did.
I know Your promises assured to we on earth, can be mine if I am faithful to and walk in obedience to You in all ways. Your word was given in Leviticus 26:3, 4 “If You walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” As an agricultural community, they were dependent upon the harvest of their crops, which spoke of Your provision and love for The Children of Israel.
The Israelites also had Your promise of being kept safe from those who desired to harm them, as well as wild animals. Leviticus 26:12 “I will walk among you and be your God, and you are my people.” As with all Your promises, they were and are conditional on them and me accepting You as God, then in love and obedience, doing as You ask. When so occupied, they and I will not serve another god. Another god need not be a physical object, but anything that occupies much time and thought; such as money, prestige, people and relationships, which has a place in my heart above my allegiance to You, the One and only true God.
The story in Matthew 19:16 – 26, of the rich young ruler, who came to Jesus, has illustrated this truth, down through the ages until our present age. The young man had asked, in Matthew 16:16 “….what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” In His answer Jesus revealed it was not about the good deeds he could do, or possessions owned, but by his obedience to Gods commandments, (vs 17). Knowing the heart of this young man, and the influence wealth had upon, him, “Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell, what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” The young man went away sorrowfully.
Lord, You know my heart better than I do. Am I willing to give all up, to follow You? Search my heart, and fill me with Your Spirit, so that I love and obey You, truly.
History and personal experience has shown me that many times You bless me (us) with double what we give. You just love to bless us, and I thank You again.
Amen