Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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"Heart of Obedience and Love"

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 10: 12-20

Key Verse " To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you" (Duet 10:14-15)

DEVOTION

Let's take a moment to consider, what does God truly desire from you? Obedience? Reverence? Praise? No. The one thing he truly cares about is your love. God wants to build a relationship with you. Not the facade you show to your friends or family, but your true self. He doesn't want perfection, only surrender.
Imagine, the creator of the universe, the one that made all things possible, wants to know you. He sees you for who you truly are. Despite your past mistakes, he still chooses you. God is waiting for us to open our hearts to him, but it's up to us to take that first step. He is a God of never-ending love that fights for the forgotten and he is calling you to do the same. Follow his ways, embody his heart, love beyond your comfort, and serve beyond your convenience.
Just as the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt, each one of us will go through a period in life where we feel like an outsider. Be the person you yourself would want in those situations and know that God is right there beside you - always supporting you. So ask yourself today: Is your heart truly open for God? Are you letting him guide you and your decisions? Or are the actions you take in the name of being a model Christian hollow?

   PRAYER

Our heavenly father, you have called me by name. You have chosen me - not for what I have to offer but because of who you are. You invite me to walk in your ways and love you with all that I am. Let my love for You be more than sentiment—let it be action. Let my obedience be more than duty—let it be delight. Let my service be more than obligation-let it be worship. I surrender to you Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen..

Thought for the day

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." — Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Sharon Varughese, 
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Yonkers, NY

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