Bible Readings for November 13th through 19th

Exodus 8:1-21:21; Matthew 19:13-23:39; Psalms 24-28; Proverbs 6:1-7:5 In Matthew 22:34, religious leaders, afraid of losing prestige and authority, were trying to trick Jesus into saying or doing something they could condemn. Believing that they could discredit any answer He gave, they asked Him what was the most important commandment. Jesus replied by quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5. This is a portion of the Old Testament they would have known as the Torah. Often referred to as the Law, it contains the many commandments given to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments that those religious leaders had studied all of their lives. Then He added, "And the second is like it, "Love your neighbor as yourself". This is another quote from the Torah; Leviticus 19:18. I'm a little behind this week with many commitments and family to tend. For this week's reading, I pause and think about the love I have for my family and my adorable grandchildren. So, why does God require us to love Him with more than just our hearts? How will loving God with our hearts, souls, and minds help us choose the right doors in life? Each day as I gaze at the wonder of God's creation in those beautiful brown eyes of my two preschool grandchildren, I understand. I love these children with more than my heart...I do love them with my soul as I pray each day for them and my son who is the super dad. I love them with all my mind cause I think about them all during the day when I'm at work. We do have that all powerful love that God has given us and he does expect us to love others in the same way. Hey, that is very easy for me when it comes to my family! God also expects me to show Him my love through my service to Him and to love our neighbors...basically, everyone. God is my heart, mind and soul's inspiration each day and helps me to focus my mission in this world.