But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
—Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV)
As we enter the month, often associated with giving thanks and sharing our resources with others on Giving Tuesday, this reminder from Moses is an important one! We so easily forget to give thanks when things are going well. It's easy for us to whine and ask God to help us when we are in trouble, but so often, we feel like we "deserve" the good things that happen to us. God reminds us that what we have confirms his grace and faithfulness to do what he has said. Let's remind each other that our blessings come from his hand, not because we deserve them more than someone else. In addition, God blesses us so that we can share his blessings with others (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We are called to be conduits of God's blessings and grace.
Generous Father, forgive me for my forgetfulness and occasional stinginess. In my heart, I know I don't deserve all the good things you have poured into my life. Sometimes, however, I find myself thinking that I've earned them because I work hard and deserve them. Use your Spirit to forge in me a heart like Jesus' heart. Our Lord did deserve everything good and yet gave it all up to come to earth and give me the greatest gift imaginable — the gift of your salvation! Thank you so much for this gift of grace and the many other undeserved gifts you have lavished on me. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
As we enter the month, often associated with giving thanks and sharing our resources with others on Giving Tuesday, this reminder from Moses is an important one! We so easily forget to give thanks when things are going well. It's easy for us to whine and ask God to help us when we are in trouble, but so often, we feel like we "deserve" the good things that happen to us. God reminds us that what we have confirms his grace and faithfulness to do what he has said. Let's remind each other that our blessings come from his hand, not because we deserve them more than someone else. In addition, God blesses us so that we can share his blessings with others (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We are called to be conduits of God's blessings and grace.
My Prayer...
Generous Father, forgive me for my forgetfulness and occasional stinginess. In my heart, I know I don't deserve all the good things you have poured into my life. Sometimes, however, I find myself thinking that I've earned them because I work hard and deserve them. Use your Spirit to forge in me a heart like Jesus' heart. Our Lord did deserve everything good and yet gave it all up to come to earth and give me the greatest gift imaginable — the gift of your salvation! Thank you so much for this gift of grace and the many other undeserved gifts you have lavished on me. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
