1. Maintaining God's blessing (1-15)

How can God's people maintain his blessings? First, they must have a sense of history. They must remember God's grace (1-9), and thank him by bringing to him the firstfruits of the harvest (2,10-12). In the time of success, one's first thought should not be of self-indulgence, but of thankfulness to God. After worshiping God and rejoicing in him, they must think of those in need. The tithe of the third year was set aside for the Levites, aliens, fatherless and widows.

2. Two declarations (16-19)

God gives his word, the Bible. His people must declare that the Lord is their God and that they will obey his commands and walk in his ways. God declares that these, his covenant people, are his treasured possession. He will set them above all people and make them a holy people. God wants his people to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:5-6). The covenant relationship between God and his people is a commitment of the heart and soul and life.

Application: Lord, help me to love and obey you, and make me your treasured possession.
One Word: Offer God your heart