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Today you should read: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Choosing Life, Daily…

It couldn’t be more straightforward. For the Israelites, this decision shouldn’t be too hard for them to make. What’s the decision between? Well it’s simple, it’s between living a whole life for God or not. The instructions have been given, it’s not like the people have to somehow get themselves to heaven to figure out how to live for God. It’s not like they have to travel beyond the sea in search for God’s instructions. No, the instructions have been graciously given. Not only that, but the conviction has been laid upon every human heart. The conviction that God is real and that there is a right and wrong way to live. (v.11-14)

So, at this point, it all comes down to a choice.

Today’s “Walk-a-Way”

As we see in the second section of our passage, it is clear that the choice has been laid before the people. One choice has blessings as a result and the other choice has destruction as its result. Here are the two options:

“Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster…

Option 1:
“For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.”

Option 2:
“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.”

Seems pretty simple when we see it like this. So, God summarizes this for us:

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (v.19-20)

Today, you and I have the same choices in front of us. We can, once and for all, choose life by receiving Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him. But from there, we can continue to choose life daily by following Him closely and making Him the centerpiece of our love and commitment.

The choice is yours. What will you choose today?

Posted: Sam Cirrincione

Today you should read: Deuteronomy 22:1-12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

This is the passage we call the Golden Rule. Jesus said it sums up the rest of His commands for us to treat others in the manner we want to be treated. We all know this verse – but what does it mean to live it out practically in our lives?

Think Selflessly
We are by nature – very selfish. We focus on what we want, how we want it, and the quickest means to arrive there. If you don’t believe me – just keep up with how many times you switch the conversation to a subject about you – try and get ahead of someone in line – think about yourself first. Living the golden rule means getting our attention off of ourselves and onto others. Listen to the words the Holy Spirit wrote through Paul’s hand in Philippians 2…

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4

Live Carefully
Manners have become – in many ways – a thing of the past. This is unfortunate. If we are to live the Golden Rule – we must live carefully. Thinking before we speak – weigh our steps before we act – always conscious of how we affect others around us. This is especially difficult when it comes to reactions. Reactions can’t be planned like actions can.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

So… the next time your run into your neighbor’s ox or sheep or donkey – or a bird along the way – ask yourself – What would I want them to do for me? …and do it.

Posted: Tim Parsons