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February 15, 2020

Covenant of the Heart

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

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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 .

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Those whose way is blameless who walk in the LORD’s Instruction—are truly happy! 2 Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts. 3 They don’t even do anything wrong! They walk in God’s ways. 4 God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully. 5 How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes! 6 Then I wouldn’t be ashamed when I examine all your commandments. 7 I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes. Please don’t leave me all alone!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

15 Look here! Today I’ve set before you life and what’s good versus death and what’s wrong. 16 If you obey the LORD your God’s commandments that I’m commanding you right now by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments, his regulations, and his case laws, then you will live and thrive, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and so are misled, worshipping other gods and serving them, 18 I’m telling you right now that you will definitely die. You will not prolong your life on the fertile land that you are crossing the Jordan River to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as my witnesses against you right now: I have set life and death, blessing and curse before you. Now choose life—so that you and your descendants will live 20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him. That’s how you will survive and live long on the fertile land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors: to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

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...

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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