Tuesday

BIG IDEA: One of the enemy's top distractions is to convince us to build a DIY-god for ourselves.

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-38  

“‘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.”

Jesus’ call to love God wholly challenges us to examine where our allegiances lie. This love requires more than just emotional or intellectual growth; it demands our entire being….our head (mind), our heart (will), and our hands (actions). In a world filled with competing priorities and allegiances, maintaining this wholehearted devotion demands intentionality and commitment.

Cultural narratives often prioritize self-fulfillment and individualism, making it easy to develop a customizable faith. Yet, Jesus reminds us that fulfilling the greatest commandment requires surrendering our desires, aligning our lives with His will rather than bending His will to ours. This is not merely a command but an invitation to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God.

Faith in Jesus empowers us to live out this command by drawing us closer to God through His grace and love. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He transforms our desires and aligns our hearts with His, enabling us to love God more fully. Jesus’ life and sacrifice remind us of the depth of God’s love and inspire us to respond similarly.

ACTION STEP:  Dedicate time each day to worship and seek God’s presence, asking the Holy Spirit to help you love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind.

Prayer:  

God, in a world where individualism is celebrated, help me to celebrate You instead.  Help me to draw nearer to You rather than the world.  And when choosing you over the world causes fear or loneliness, help me to press into my walk with You even more.  

Song of the Day: "Place in This World" by Michael W. Smith. for KING + COUNTRY | Place In This World feat. Michael W. Smith (Official Visualizer)