March 25

In Deuteronomy 23-26, God calls His people to live in holiness, integrity, and gratitude. He gives laws that guide them in righteousness, reminding them to care for the poor, be honest in their dealings, and bring their firstfruits to Him in worship. One powerful reminder is found in Deuteronomy 26:11:  

"Then you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

God desires for His people to remember His blessings and respond with gratitude and obedience. Their faith was meant to be reflected not just in words but in action—how they treated others and honored Him.  

In Luke 11, Jesus teaches about prayer, persistence, and true devotion. He gives the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging His followers to seek the Father with confidence. Later, He warns against outward religion without inner transformation:  

"Woe to you, Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God." (Luke 11:42)  

Jesus emphasizes that true faith isn’t just about following rules—it’s about having a heart aligned with God. Like the Israelites, we can go through the motions of faith, but God desires something deeper: a life that reflects His love, justice, and mercy.  

These passages challenge us: Are we merely practicing religion, or are we truly walking with God? Do our hearts overflow with gratitude and love, or are we just going through the motions?  

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