Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Love the Lord your God: A covenant of Fellowship

Bible Reading:  Deuteronomy 6:1-12

Key verse:  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
 
DEVOTION

In Deuteronomy 6:1–12, Moses addresses the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of God’s commandments and the importance of loving the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength. This passage includes the Shema, a foundational declaration of Jewish faith, recited by loyal Jews, including Jesus Himself: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (v. 4).
This passage teaches us three key lessons. First, monotheism—the Lord alone is God. This truth calls us to exclusive loyalty. In a world filled with distractions and idols, we must continually return to the One who alone is worthy of our worship.
Second, we are called to love and remain loyal to God in all circumstances. Moses warns the people not to forget the Lord when they begin to enjoy the blessings of the land—houses they did not build, vineyards they did not plant. Prosperity can lead to complacency. We, too, must be careful not to let comfort replace commitment.
Third, we are called to pass on our faith to the next generation. Moses instructs parents to talk about God’s commands constantly—with their children, at home, on the road, and at every opportunity. Teaching begins with example. Our daily habits, priorities, and conversations should reflect our devotion to God.
In a time when faith is often kept private, this passage urges us to live it out boldly. May we love God fully, remember Him always, and lead our children in doing the same.

PRAYER

Lord, help us love You wholeheartedly, remember You in every season, and faithfully lead the next generation in Your ways. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"True devotion is not just spoken—it’s lived daily, remembered in blessings, and passed on through example."

Tresa Varghese
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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