“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:12-14
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
The Scripture reading today is called “The Shema”. The command ‘hear’ in English, is the translation of the Hebrew word ‘sh’ma’, and it carries the sense that a person should hear and obey. Throughout the centuries, devout Jews have begun and ended their day by reciting Deuteronomy 6:4-5. That practice emphasizes the work of parents. The most important work in all life is to acknowledge God as Sovereign over all of one’s life. The LORD is to be feared, praised, honoured and adored.
The next emphasis of the Sh’ma is that those who belong to the LORD are to love the LORD. Our lives are to be consumed with the sole (and soul) purpose of expressing to God the Father our deepest love. The guide to such love is found in obedience to His commandments which He has given them as a rule for life and the path of thanksgiving.
Do you find your enthusiasm waning? Is training up your children in the LORD a lack-lustre enterprise? You must ask yourself this: “Am I myself overwhelmed with love and awe at the loving-kindness God demonstrated when He rescued me from death and brought me into the kingdom of the Son He loves?” If your own experience of faith is not Spirit-fueled, then the task of teaching your children will be hard slogging. Perhaps, for the remainder of this month, recite the Sh’ma, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 morning and evening. Pray for the Spirit to revive your love for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask the Spirit of God to transform your personal Bible reading times so that the Word becomes for you living, powerful and rich. Ask God to help you to count your blessings and to see the evidence of His grace poured out in your life so that you will have a greater zeal in holy service.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com
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