Christ Church Daily Devotion Nov 9 2023

In this Daily Devotion, we read from Deuteronomy 12:5-7, which discusses the proper worship of the Lord. The Israelites, led by Moses, spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before entering the promised land of Canaan. They were instructed to tear down pagan holy places and worship in a central location. The Lord wanted to lead them away from idols and false gods. Just like the Israelites, we should worship together and serve God as the body of Christ. Giving is also an important part of our Christian walk, supporting missions and helping others. The personal worship option for today focuses on being generous with our time and devotion to God. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for November 9th, 2023. Today we will be reading from Deuteronomy chapter 12 verses 5 through 7. But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go. There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts. What you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings in the firstborn of your herds and flocks there in the presence of the Lord your God and you and your family shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to because the Lord your God has blessed you. Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites, led by Moses, had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. As they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home, Deuteronomy 12 explains proper worship of the Lord, expanding on the first commandment about having no other gods before him, how to sacrifice and how to graciously give. When the Israelites entered Canaan, they were to tear down all the pagan holy places. There would be a central place of worship once the Israelites entered the promised land. Many other rules were laid out about how they were to worship, much more rigid when they were in the wilderness. The Lord desired to lead his people away from idols and false gods. If Israel would walk in obedience to God, it would experience his mercy, compassion, and provision. Isn't that true for today? God wants us to worship together and serve him together as the body of Christ. Part of our Christian walk involves giving so that God's work can be done through helping our neighbors, supporting missions, and providing learning opportunities. Today's personal worship option, Dear God, help us to be generous in our time that we devote to you in a variety of ways, which includes upholding the local congregation with one's prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Amen.