by Josh Moody Today’s Bible Reading: Nehemiah 10, Proverbs 13:1-12, Luke 18:9-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Nehemiah 10: The signers of the covenant (10:1-27) and the stipulations of the covenant (10:28-39) are listed in this chapter. This covenant is an Old Testament covenant; it is worth comparing with similar “covenants” adopted from time to time by Christian churches. A fairly typical Baptist covenant can be found in the back of many an old hymnal: https://goo.gl/Cjylg4. A statement including a statement of faith and responsibilities of membership from the UK can be found here: http://goo.gl/fKVI2l. A membership process without an explicit covenant but including typical membership commitments could be found here: http://goo.gl/MxzSBo. In the New Testament you find such renewal breathing through its pages in the Spirit of Christ and his grace: Acts 2:42-47. In Christ, such statements of commitment are not to be made in a spirit of legalistic nit-picking but of genuine spiritual and moral alignment to the cause of the kingdom of God. We are to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Often, people take stock of their lives at an individual level at the beginning of each year. But it is not a bad idea to do so more often too—especially at the start of a new academic year as school is nearly upon us. What are our values? What is our commitment, our goal, our vision? How will we “seek first the kingdom of God” this year at school or at work? Spend time today, if you can, laying all your hopes and dreams before God, allowing him to have the first and last word as to what is most truly valuable, and pursue him practically, passionately, and above all. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.  ]]>