Quiet Contemplation - Day 8

Deuteronomy 5:29, 32-33 (NIV)

            Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

            Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

            I have friends who only believe what the New Testament says to the exclusion of the Old Testament. I have friends who only believe what the Old Testament says to the exclusion of the New Testament. Clearly, I believe there is a reason we have both an Old Testament and New Testament in our Bibles.  Furthermore, I find agreement rather than conflict when reading both.

            Today’s message is simple. Do those things commanded by our Heavenly Father. When you love the Lord your God with all of your being; it will be a natural response to place no other god or idol in the way of serving him, to abhor the misuse of his name, and to take time (make time!) to worship him.  When you love your neighbor and others just as much as you love yourself; it will be a natural response to honor your parents, avoid obvious sins (e.g., murder, adultery, and theft) as well as less obvious sins (e.g., false testimony {gossip} and covetousness {greed}).

            The bottom line? Whether you are an Old Testament, New Testament, or Both Testaments Christian—Love God first above all else, then value others just as much as you value yourself.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

             Thank you that you are indeed a loving God. Thank you that in your great love for us you provided the means of salvation through your one and only Son, Jesus Christ. May we respond by sharing that love to those with whom we have contact.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!