Forgetting How Good God is in storm

Today's affirmation

when you build fine houses and settle down,  you will forget the Lord your God,
Deut. 8:12-14
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Good Morning! - Blessing Blocker

Trusted with little blessed with more

Read Luke 16: 19-31

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16: 10-11

Thankful spirit

What does monetary fortitude have to do with spiritual responsibilities?  If a person cannot manage his earthly finances and honor God how can He bless you with the desires of the heart?  Mail-room to CEO or shack to castle the progress doesn’t happen overnight. There has to be trust and a thankful spirit before you can gain more.

I believe I can fly

Many years ago I was a pretty good basketball player.  Deifying gravity allowed me to play above the rim and my unique jumping abilities impressed the coach. Opposed to working harder to prove myself worthy I believed my skills entitled me to start. For three years I complained thinking I deserved more. My senior year coach asked “How do you see yourself contributing to the team?”

I replied “as a starter.” 

Looking back over my life I only relied on my abilities never once making an effort to improve.  “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”  So, I quit the team…

Self entitlement

There are many frustrated Christians who believe just because they professed Jesus as Lord and quoted a few scriptures they are guaranteed all things will be granted in life.  In part, their belief is true. However, if there is not an attitude of gratitude for the little things why should God bless with more?

Spiritual wealth is far more valuable that earthly wealth.  If a person cannot show appreciation and a willingness to honor God with the little things – job, house, or money how could God bless with more?  If there is always a sense of entitlement – “I deserve more because _____ (you fill in the blank) this is displaying a lack of gratitude.

The flip side

Take for example the rich man in today’s scripture lesson. His wealth enabled him to assist the beggar but he chose not to. Yet in the afterlife he desired water.  One can assume the rich man expressed a sense of entitlement because of his earthly status. The question is if God blessed you with more what would you do with it?

People desire for something greater. Be it wealth, money, or job. Any of theses things can be a blessing or curse.  It is what you do with them which make the difference.

 Desires of the heart

 So I ask the question again – if God granted you your biggest desire would you hoard and lavish self or would you utilize a portion to bless others?

As you seek the desires of your heart consider how you will begin to think more of others than self.  “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” 

Pebble of Gratitude

READ: Deuteronomy 8:12-14

Read:  Deuteronomy 8

 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today,. Deuteronomy 8:11

 

Good Morning!

If you think your problems are terrible, be assured that there is always someone who is going through a worse situation than you.

Frequently, individuals concentrate on their circumstances, obstacles or deficiencies instead of expressing gratitude to God for their blessings.

A man once had a pebble, and there is a tale about it. To constantly recall the abundant blessings, Grace, and Mercy of God, the man kept a stone in his pocket as a memento. Every time he picked up his keys or found loose change, he made sure to express his gratitude to God instead of complaining about his hardships.

Remember to always take a moment to express gratitude to God for the gift of a new day, good health, sustenance, and shelter. Many people get frustrated with life when their desires are not fulfilled, and they may start feeling abandoned by God.

 

In Deuteronomy chapter 8, it is explicitly stated to never forget the Lord. The purpose of this chapter was to refresh the memory of the Israelite children regarding their ordeal throughout the 40-year expedition. Their "stone in the pocket" moment occurred when they reached this chapter. The children were expected to heed all of God's commands and thoughtfully consider each one.

 

 There is a missing ingredient in the lives of so many individuals. It seems that individuals do not struggle with expressing their desires to God, yet they often make justifications for why they neglect to express gratitude towards God.

 

Try shifting your focus to giving more thanks and praise to the Lord. Make sure to take a moment to express your gratitude to God, no matter how hectic your schedule may be. Express gratitude to God during everyday activities like showering, brushing your teeth, or waiting in traffic. Alternatively, you can cultivate a gratitude-centered mindset by carrying a pebble in your pocket, serving as a constant reminder to praise and thank God.

 

Prayer
Father God I am thankful for all your blessings.  I will praise and thank you more! in Jesus name. Amen.