Reading Deuteronomy 26, I was struck by how it affected me today. Moses is reminding the people what they have been taught about Firtsfruits and Tithes so they will remember Who it is who blesses them with good land and food to eat. V. 3-11 gave me trouble because of the ritualistic nature of how they would bring their offering of thanks. It felt off. I took it to God in prayer.

I am learning to be honest with God in my conversations with Him…a very personal relationship. Sometimes I find myself in prayer saying thoughts by rote and I have to stop and really think about Who I am talking with; at other times words seem so inadequate and I cry for help knowing He knows me better than I do. Honesty is needed and important. In being honest with Him, I’m being honest with me.

I keep thinking of when Jesus was with His disciples teaching, laughing, mourning, serving….depicted so beautifully in The Chosen series. There was nothing ritualistic or formal; it was real and messy and honest. How can we grasp God? Truly grasp Who He is?

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20.

Back to the people in Deuteronomy. God reminds them who they are if they obey Him and listen to Him: 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. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God as he promised. v. 18-19.

God was with the people then; He was with the disciples and He promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age. How can we measure so great a promise?

I don’t know about you but I need Him every single day. I am so grateful for Him and His sure promises. He makes the sun shine, the rain to fall, the blessings every one we so easily take for granted. Remember. Remember that God is good and rejoice in so great a love that we are His treasured possession. Can you imagine?