The blue card laid between us. My best handwriting filled the lines and I turned my head slightly to gain a clearer perspective. Still, no matter how long I stared, I couldn’t figure out how to explain the depth of difficulty and utter importance this verse has on us all.
And you must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Even Jesus reiterated its importance. Matthew, Mark, and Luke kept record. So I thought it would be best to start there.
His big hazel eyes were still on mine when I asked if he thought he understood.
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I’m currently with my dad in Palestine helping lead a youth sports camp for FCA. I’ve visited Israel several times before, but this is my first extended stay in Bethlehem.
Our hosts are some of the most gracious people I’ve ever met. Hospitality is a big deal in Middle Eastern culture, and I’m learning much about loving and caring for guests. It’s a ministry Jesus didn’t take for granted as He walked these hills and valleys.
There’s nothing on earth like walking where Jesus walked.
But think about this for a minute: because we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit – the third Person of the Trinity – Jesus walks everywhere we walk.
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Run to the football game, run to the birthday party.
Run home, do a quick clean up, run to the grocery story, run back to the party.
Run to hobby lobby for that new project, run home for the baby’s nap.
Run the dishwasher, the dryer and the vacuum.
The vacuum wakes the baby! Run out for last minute errands…
I am not a runner, though there is an element of serenity and determination that appeals to me about running.
But this kind of running described above makes me weary and worn out.
This kind of running is what life and motherhood tends to become.
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Most of us do not have enemies. We do not have actual individuals in our lives that are our sworn enemy, or nemesis as in the “arch enemy” of comic books and super hero movies. Yes, some who read this might, but MOST of us do not.
When reading the Bible and its use of the word “enemy” I sometimes replace it with the words, “my thoughts”, because my biggest enemy is right here in my very own head. Negative thoughts, beliefs and lies.
With this in mind, let’s read Psalm 143:3-12. I will just quote verses 3 and 4, you will want to go read the rest; it is pretty amazing!
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