Deut 26:16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Since Deuteronomy chapter 4, Moses has been reminding the Israelites of the LORD’s commands. Now he reminds them why he was reminding them—so that they can carefully observe those commands with all their heart and with all their soul.
Deut 26:17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to Him, that you will keep His decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to Him.
God created us to praise Him, to obey Him, to glorify Him. And He wants to bless us richly for our obedience and praise. But He will never force us. He wants a rich, intimate relationship with us, and that cannot grow from force.
Deut 26:18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possession as He promised, and that you are to keep all His commands.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the ability to choose You. Thank You for considering us Your people, Your treasured possession. Thank You for allowing us the freedom to grow and mature in our relationship with You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Deut 26:19 He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations He had made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as He promised.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.