Deuteronomy 30:9-14 (NRSV)
Read Deuteronomy 30:9-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9and the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, Verse 10when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Verse 11Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. Verse 12It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" Verse 13Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" Verse 14No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.
Devotion
This woman whom I admire as a mentor and new friend, said, 'You are authentic.' These words were part of a blog written by a young friend who partners with her father in conducting motivational seminars for corporations, executives and professional people. She was elated at being described as authentic, because "being authentic" is what she and her father believe is one of the key components in being successful in the business and professional world.
I replied to her blog and congratulated her on receiving one of the optimum compliments she could have been given. I told her, "You were being given an invitation to move up a step in your relationship with this person you so admire. She is telling you that she feels that you are real, that you can be trusted, that you have integrity."
Moses is saying something similar in his farewell sermon to the people of Israel. "You are about to cross over the Jordan into the land God has promised you. You have the opportunity to move up a step in your relationship with God. His word is very near to you. It is in your heart for you to observe. God trusts you to live as God's children. Be authentic!"
Prayer
Lord God, help us to be authentic today. May we reflect your trust in us. Amen.