November 30, 2023

Everybody has to work in some capacity during their lifetime. If you don’t work, it’s safe to say that you may not know where your next meal is coming from. God gave us the ability to work; we must not forget that and give him recognition. The wilderness was training for the Israelites, so they would humble themselves, learn to appreciate God, and always give him glory. Did you know that as they wandered for forty years, their clothes never wore out, and their feet didn’t swell? They were never hungry because he fed them manna or lacked water. He made water come out of the fire starter, flint!

As any good father disciplines his child, God also disciplines us if our hearts become haughty or we sin purposefully and reject his commands. You’ll know when this happens if you genuinely carry the Holy Spirit in your heart; you will be overcome with sorrow for disappointing the Lord, not just out of self-pity; you will beg for his forgiveness and be completely remorseful. 

As we look forward to the good land of a new heaven and earth, learn what God is teaching, and be grateful that he loves us enough to discipline us when needed and feed us when we are hungry. Never become arrogant by taking all the credit for his blessings. The entire point of this chapter of Deuteronomy is to give God all the glory and never forget what he has done for you. Praise him as often as you can.

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Deuteronomy 8:11

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 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 8:17-18

Thank you, Lord, for every person pictured in this photo and the ones that are not. I am truly blessed!