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Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. The ten commandments as recorded here in Exodus gives the Hebrews a framework for how they are to order their community. To operate within this framework is to uphold their end of the covenant with God, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” These should not be understood as a legal code, but guidance for prioritizing allegiance to God above all else and for living in relationship with the people around us. 

What other “gods” threaten to become central in your life? In what ways can you work to keep God as the focus of your devotion? With which of the “relational” commandments do you struggle? Which are easy for you? 

Offer a prayer of devotion to God and of thanksgiving for the relationships that help you practice living the ideals of the covenant.

Read Psalm 19. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (vs. 7). We often view the law as being restrictive, but the psalmist sees the law as life-giving and nourishing. 

When you think of the law of the Lord, what comes to mind? In what ways is the law of the Lord permission-giving rather than restrictive? What words have you spoken lately or what thoughts have you had that might be pleasing to God? How often do you pause to consider your words before you speak them? How might you incorporate the prayer in vs. 14 into your day-to-day interactions? 

Today, commit yourself to praying vs. 14 throughout the day.

Read Philippians 3:4b-14. In this reading, Paul is describing his journey of faith. Before his encounter and subsequent conversion, Paul thought he had arrived. He was born into the right family, he’d dedicated his life to doing everything right according to the standards of his Jewish traditions, and because of that, felt justified in the persecution of Christians. It is that attitude of self-righteousness and pride that he is referring to as “rubbish,” rather than his heritage and upbringing. 

His encounter with Christ took pride out of the equation and helped him to see that the past is the foundation upon which we build a future that is informed by how we live in the present. Many times, we get so caught up in nostalgia for the past or in longing for the future that we ignore the gift of today. 

Each day this week, commit yourself to learning something new, to finding joy in something small, and to offering a kind word, knowing that it might just help someone else have a better “today”.

Read Matthew 21:33-46. In some ways, this parable is about fruitfulness. God has entrusted many things to us: special skills or talents, families, friends, material resources, and time to name a few. This story is a reminder that we should not treat these gifts as disposable. 

In what ways do you honor the gifts you’ve been given? In what ways do you invest in the fruitfulness of these gifts? How do you allow these gifts to thrive? How might the way you use these gifts bring honor and glory to God, and to help build the kingdom of God? 

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all that God has given you, for the forgiveness offered in Christ when you take things for granted, and for the wisdom to use your gifts as God would intend.