March 11th, 2026
by Jim McRae
by Jim McRae
Mark 12:30
When a teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, Jesus responds by quoting a foundational declaration from Deuteronomy known as the Shema. Every faithful Jew would have known these words. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” This command reaches into every dimension of life. Loving God is not merely an emotional feeling or an occasional act of devotion. It involves the whole person—our thoughts, desires, energy, and choices.
Jesus then adds a second commandment: love your neighbor as yourself. Together, these two commands summarize the entire law. Faith is not primarily about rule-keeping. It is about relationship. When love for God becomes the center of our lives, obedience flows naturally from that love.
Lent is a season that calls us back to this central truth. Over time, spiritual practices can become routine. Our hearts can drift into distraction or complacency.
But God continually invites us back to wholehearted devotion.
Today, take a moment to renew your love for God. Speak honestly to Him. Express gratitude for His presence and ask Him to deepen your love.
Prayer:
Lord, help me love You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let my life reflect my devotion to You in everything I do. Amen.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.”
When a teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, Jesus responds by quoting a foundational declaration from Deuteronomy known as the Shema. Every faithful Jew would have known these words. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” This command reaches into every dimension of life. Loving God is not merely an emotional feeling or an occasional act of devotion. It involves the whole person—our thoughts, desires, energy, and choices.
Jesus then adds a second commandment: love your neighbor as yourself. Together, these two commands summarize the entire law. Faith is not primarily about rule-keeping. It is about relationship. When love for God becomes the center of our lives, obedience flows naturally from that love.
Lent is a season that calls us back to this central truth. Over time, spiritual practices can become routine. Our hearts can drift into distraction or complacency.
But God continually invites us back to wholehearted devotion.
Today, take a moment to renew your love for God. Speak honestly to Him. Express gratitude for His presence and ask Him to deepen your love.
Prayer:
Lord, help me love You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let my life reflect my devotion to You in everything I do. Amen.
Posted in LENT
Jim McRae
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