Scripture to Read: Exodus 22:20, 29–30; 23:14–18, 29–30
In today’s passages, God gives more details on how to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Exodus 22:20, God reminds the Israelites that they are never to make a sacrifice to a false god. Though we no longer sacrifice animals to God since Christ’s blood is our perfect sacrifice, we must guard against loving anything more than our God and King! Then God commands that no one ever curse Him or a ruler over the people. When it comes to the authorities in our lives, God said this in Romans 13:1, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” God also laid out some details in Exodus 22:29–30 about never delaying the offering to Him. God also deserves the first of the fruit of our labor. That means we give out of our gross income and not our net income. If we choose to give out of our net income, we rob God and give the government the first fruits of our labor. Then God reminded the Israelites in Exodus 23:14–18 that they must observe three feasts to Him every year: The Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of the Harvest of the first fruits, and the Feast of the Ingathering at the end of the year. Each feast was a reminder of God’s abundant provision. We also remember God’s abundant provision through the Lord’s Supper, through tithes, offerings, and serving our Lord with gladness.
Challenge & Application
· What are three significant things God taught you today about loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
· How are you doing giving back to God what you know He has richly blessed you with?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!