My mom and I are good friends. Like all good friends, we can get ourselves into passionate, playful arguments about very important topics—like vanilla extract. Yes, you heard that right: vanilla extract. I’m a purist. She was too, until taking the advice of a TV chef.
“It all tastes the same in the end,” she says. And that, my friends, is where our playful little argument begins. Now, I understand the benefit of using imitation vanilla on a budget. Dropping thirty dollars on a little bottle of flavoring may not be the best way to steward our finances when there are more pressing needs. It’s an extravagance. But I do think it’s important to recognize there is a difference. Greater value is given to vanilla in its purest form than to a watered-down imitation of it because it’s unlike anything else of its kind.
Our God, the Lord of lords, is also unlike anything of His kind. Anything, anywhere, in all creation. He is the one true God. And in Scripture, we see God place deep value on worshiping Him, untainted by idolatry. This is because He is holy and alone worthy of receiving not just our worship, but that which is genuine and from the heart. More importantly, when we find ourselves securing our affections to anything outside of God, it’s only a counterfeit imitation of true worship. It’s an insult to our Father who is over all things and conceived us in love.
In today’s reading, Moses addresses worship practices that are, in short, a hot mess. The people inhabiting the land that God had promised the Israelites are worshipping every kind of idol, constructing Asherah poles, pillars, and altars built for human-made statues (Deuteronomy 12:3-4,8).
Moses urges God’s people to recognize the difference between the current practices in the promised land and the worship of the one true God, between bowing before a statue crafted from human hands instead of the God who spoke metal, wood, and light into being. They are called to mark a difference between what is pagan and what is pure, not just in who or what they worship, but in how. Avoiding idolatry wasn’t only about avoiding bowing down to statues—it was about adopting a way of living that aligned with being set apart. “For you are a holy people,” Moses says, “belonging to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 14:21).
Fortunately, Mom and I agree that being a purist in baking is not anywhere near as important as it is in worship. You and I may not be called to the same instructions as the Israelites living under the old covenant, but we are called to worship with pure hearts all the same. Today, let’s sit in the presence of the God who alone is worthy of our heart’s deepest affection.
God makes it so clear that he wants us to worship him His Way. He wants us to love Him His WAY. Lord help me to genuinely love you with my words my actions my obedience ❤️ every day. It really makes me think about the Sabbath. God established His Holy Day as the 7th day. Everyday we are to worship and love Him but He set the 7th day apart as Holy. But most of us spend that day going out to brunch with friends shopping running errands doing household chores watching tv going out to party. Then on Sunday we go to church praise and worship for a few hours then go to lunch or go about the rest of our day. Sunday being designated as the day Christians worship was ordained my Man (the pope) not by God. Some will say it doesn’t matter but scriptures we read today show just how much God cares about us doing things His Way. He sent His Son to die for us and save us because he loves us. We must love Him in return by being obedient. He told us If we love Him keep His commandments. We are still not to worship other gods or commit murder etc from the old covenant to the new covenant. And we are still called to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy
♥️
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=WrrRB7fvLVg
“May we sit in the presence of The God who worthy alone is worthy of our heart’s deepest affection!”
Tithing is a good thing, but hard, we set a goal to increase yearly which takes a while but seemed to work. We have a tithing budget that goes to several places to do God’s work. Some believe 10% has to go to the church. My husband and I (and many others) believe we are to return our tithing to God. We support our church with the majority but also our daughter’s smaller church and some missions. It feels good to spread it to others in the Lord’s name. I pray you find what you need and a way to accomplish your goals.
Ugh, my phone changed ERB to WEB and I missed correcting it. Sorry ERB. Angie, hope you are still reading. My prayers are with you.
Good Morning Sisters, I love this
“Everything is permissible,but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible,but not everything builds up. 24 No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.” And then 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
God’s love for us always wants what is beneficial for our lives. How lovely, praying that whatever we do, that we may do it for the glory of our LORD and as always He will bless and multiply our work, love, joy and all that He pours into us may pour out to those He brings in our path this day. Taylor, there is much joy that comes in giving what the Lord asks. I would tell you though I have little, I have much as you said it is all from His hand. He blesses my obedience in tithing and somehow I always have enough and have much joy to give generously when He stirs my heart. Dorothy, sending you hugs and Love. Praying for Finley, may she feel Jesus holding her in this procedure. Dear Claire B, thank you, I will, He is worthy. I am trying hard to take my thoughts captive and keep scripture and praise in my thoughts. Beth, I only see products on Kids read Truth. I do read He Reads Truth often as it adds to our devotion, but can’t find it for Kids, other than studies you can purchase. Victoria E, praising God, knowing He is holding you and your little one. Know you are treasured. Dear WEB, yes, please reach out, I thought YWAM was more of a ministry for teens, but any information would bless me. Thank you, praying for you sweet Lady. Has your body adjusted, is your physical strength being restored? I see you heart strength here daily. He is so good. Shine Sisters Shine.
Hey Melanie, I’ll pray for you. Thank you for sharing.
Fear not, for I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I AM your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10
Hey Melanie, I’ll pray for you. Thank you for sharing.
Fear not, for I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I AM your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.