Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 4-6 (NRSV)

So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God with which I am charging you.
…
while those of you who held fast to the LORD your God are all alive today.

See, just as the LORD my God has charged me, I now teach you statutes and ordinances for you to observe in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!”

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Reflect

Moses is sending a warning to the people of Israel. They are losing focus, bending the law to self-serve rather than keeping the commandments of the Lord. Moses has taught them how to live in ways that are pleasing to God, but they have forgotten the importance of their covenant. How often are we like the people of Israel?

It is easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. The demands of our job keep many of us working more than 40 hours a week. Raising a family requires time spent driving children to sporting events, school obligations, and social engagements. Mobile devices constantly inundate us with notifications and diversions. Our “to do” lists get longer, and our schedules get congested. When do we find time to be still with God? Maybe that’s the problem—we’re looking for time instead of making it a priority. I wonder what would happen in our lives if we didn’t let thoughts of God slip from our minds.

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Pray

God, in the midst of doing life, I often forget that you are the One who gave me life. I’m distracted by schedules, to-do lists, work, and obligations to the point that I forget about you. Guard my mind from losing sight of you. Guide me in remembering to live my life in ways that are pleasing to you. Let me be an example to my children and friends by walking in your light and in accordance to your commandments. Amen.

Go with God.