“I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.” - GENESIS 15:7 Just as the Lord gave Abraham, Moses, and the Israelites a land to possess, He has also given each of us a home. Whether your home is grand or humble, it is a gift from God. Abraham prepared a great sacrifice to the Lord in gratitude for the home God gave him. How do you show your gratitude to God for the home He has given you? Do you make a sacrifice of any kind? Do you return any of your finances to God, investing in your eternal home just as you invest in your earthly home?

“I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O Lord, have given to me.” - DEUTERONOMY 26:10 This line from the Old Testament offers two challenges. First, do you give to God from your “first fruits” - the first and best that you have to offer? Or do you give from what you have leftover? Second, do you realize that everything you have and that everything you are has been given to you by God? We aren’t owners of anything, we are merely stewards of God’s gifts. Pray for a grateful and generous heart, every day, in all circumstances.

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit" (LUKE 6:43) - Are you using your gifts in the way God intended? Have you asked God how He would like you to use them? Do you compare yourself to others and complain about what you don't have instead of being thankful for what you do have? God gives each of us unique gifts and a unique plan. Listen to how God is calling you to use your gifts, to bear good fruit, for the glory of His name.

But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend without expecting anything back…” - LUKE 6:35 Easier said than done, right? But, if we are to imitate Christ, most of us need to practice mercy and compassion more frequently. Start with the little daily annoyances that we experience, the unkind word or hateful glance we receive. Instead of plotting revenge on that person, try saying a quick prayer for that person. Praying for our enemies doesn’t change them, it changes us. Mercy and compassion will keep us on the path to holiness.