Deuteronomy 26:1-19 NCV

[1] When you go into the land the LORD your God is giving you as your own, to take it over and live in it, [2] you must take some of the first harvest of crops that grow from the land the LORD your God is giving you. Put the food in a basket and go to the place where the LORD your God will choose to be worshiped. [3] Say to the priest on duty at that time, "Today I declare before the LORD your God that I have come into the land the LORD promised our ancestors that he would give us." [4] The priest will take your basket and set it down in front of the altar of the LORD your God. [5] Then you shall announce before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean. He went down to Egypt with only a few people, but they became a great, powerful, and large nation there. [6] But the Egyptians were cruel to us, making us suffer and work very hard. [7] So we prayed to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, and he heard us. When he saw our trouble, hard work, and suffering, [8] the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his great power and strength, using great terrors, signs, and miracles. [9] Then he brought us to this place and gave us this fertile land. [10] Now I bring part of the first harvest from this land that you, LORD, have given me." Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. [11] Then you and the Levites and foreigners among you should rejoice, because the LORD your God has given good things to you and your family. [12] Bring a tenth of all your harvest the third year (the year to give a tenth of your harvest). Give it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows so that they may eat in your towns and be full. [13] Then say to the LORD your God, "I have taken out of my house the part of my harvest that belongs to God, and I have given it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. I have done everything you commanded me; I have not broken your commands, and I have not forgotten any of them. [14] I have not eaten any of the holy part while I was in sorrow. I have not removed any of it while I was unclean, and I have not offered it for dead people. I have obeyed you, the LORD my God, and have done everything you commanded me. [15] So look down from heaven, your holy home. Bless your people Israel and bless the land you have given us, which you promised to our ancestors-a fertile land." [16] Today the LORD your God commands you to obey all these rules and laws; be careful to obey them with your whole being. [17] Today you have said that the LORD is your God, and you have promised to do what he wants you to do-to keep his rules, commands, and laws. You have said you will obey him. [18] And today the LORD has said that you are his very own people, as he has promised you. But you must obey his commands. [19] He will make you greater than all the other nations he made. He will give you praise, fame, and honor, and you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as he has said.