Today's Reading:

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Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Deuteronomy 4:4-6

This verse is known to the Jewish community as “Shema” which means “hear” or “listen” in Hebrew. The passage points to there being one true God- no other God exists or matters. He is unique and the only one we should follow. He does not want halfhearted feelings; He wants your total love and commitment, your entire life dedicated to Him. Let us break down the verse and dive deeper today.

• “With all your heart” This means with your whole mind, emotions, choices, and inner self. Love God by thinking about Him and wanting the same things He does. Make Him your top priority.
• “With all your soul” This is about your entire being. Your essence. Give God everything that you are, even if it costs you deeply- put Him above your own comfort and safety.
• “With all your strength” This covers not only your body, but your energy, time, money, and actions. Use your physical strength and resources with all your effort to serve and obey God in every day and in everything that you do.

In the last section of the verse, it says to keep the words “on your heart” meaning do not just hear the words but let them sink in and actually become you. Let them shape your life. There is one God, so love Him with absolutely every ounce and fiber of your body.

Since your whole life (your breath, existence, and being) comes from God, and He is the one that keeps you going, then devote your entire life to Him without holding anything back. Live every day in grateful dependence and total commitment to His ways.

Today's discussion question: 

How does recognizing there is only one true God change how you view modern “idols” like money, success, relationships, social media, news, or anything that steals your focus from Him? What would it look like if you were to follow your heart” by redirecting it fully towards God with all your heart, soul and strength instead of letting the distractions take His place?

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