February 15, 2020

Covenant of the Heart

Christine and John Valters Paintner | Read Psalm 119:1-8 , Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

February 10–16, 2020

Scripture Overview

This week we continue to explore the importance of Christian morality. We do not earn God’s grace by our actions; rather, our obedience is a response to God’s grace. In Deuteronomy, we read that the choice of life will bring prosperity and is the proper response from a heart of gratitude. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, for blessed are those who follow the Lord not just with words but also with actions. The Corinthians have not understood this so they continue to act like those in the world around them, living by the flesh instead of by the Spirit. Jesus pushes us even further. God sees not only what we do on the outside but who we are on the inside. A true life of obedience begins on the inside and flows outward.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20. When have you experienced the choice God sets before us of life or death, prosperity or adversity, blessings or curses? How have you discerned how to obey God?
Read Psalm 119:1-8. How does following God’s commandments bring you joy?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. Consider the forms of love Paul and Saint Valentine display in their letters. What types of love help you serve God, who gives growth?
Read Matthew 5:21-37. When have you experienced legalistic interpretations of scripture? How do you get to the heart of scripture?

Respond by posting a prayer.

In this passage from Deuteronomy, God makes clear that life and death, blessing and curse, are set before us. Our task in this world is to choose life again and again. The heart of discernment is to recognize that life presents a call to make choices each moment and to...

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Giver of Life, help me to choose love each moment of the day. Bless my footsteps so that generations to come may know the grace of life over death. Amen.

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