"Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God...otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied... then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God... you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth..." (Deuteronomy 8:11-20, NASB).

(A) Historical Context

A new generation of Israelites were getting ready to cross the Jordan after 40 years of wandering. Moses reminds them of the great works of the Lord and a renewal of their original covenant with God at Mt. Sinai to follow God.

(B) A Faith Lesson

Far too often we may think to ourselves how great things are. But, do we ever stop and consider with godly fear (i.e. reverence) what would happen if God had not granted us our employment or our health to work, or our monthly income?

Sometimes, when things are going good, we forget God, we neglect God. But rest assured, when things go wrong, we are right there pleading with Him to make things right.

Why not simply acknowledge God today for His blessings.

Moses' words to the Israelites remind us that everything comes from God. Just like our pets wait on us to feed them, so too we receive God's graciousness in this area of our lives.

(C) Life Application

Do we ever thank God simply for our employment?

Do we ever acknowledge God for the ability we have to earn a wage? Or, for our income?

Do we ever thank God for the same regarding a family member?

What could you be thankful for to God regarding your household income?

Jerry is a bi-vocational, helping pastor-teacher, Christian life coach, TESOL trainer & manager, author, and freelance writer, with degrees in Christian education, teaching-English, business, theology, and divinity, currently residing in the Philippines. His interests include practical theology.