How can we avoid forgetting God when enjoying "houses full of every good thing"? Inviting Promise and Caution “ ‘Houses full of every good thing that you did not fill… ’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:11). The Lord delights to bless His people, yet verses 12 warns: “ “be careful that you do not forget the LORD.” ” Why Abundance Can Numb Our Hearts • Comfort reduces felt dependency. • Possessions demand maintenance, tugging time away from worship. • Success can shift credit from God to self. • Prosperity often dilutes urgency for the Word and prayer. God’s Built-In Safeguards in Deuteronomy 6 1. Verse 5 Love the LORD “with all your heart.” Whole-person devotion. 2. Verse 6 Keep “these words… on your heart.” Scripture internalized. 3. Verse 7 “Teach them diligently to your children.” Regular conversation cements memory. 4. Verse 8-9 Tie and write His words on hands, doorposts, gates. Visible reminders in daily spaces. 5. Verse 13 “Fear the LORD… serve Him.” Active obedience anchors reverence. Practical Habits for Today • Daily gratitude list—name specific gifts received. (James 1:17) • Firstfruits giving—tithe and generous offerings redirect loyalty. (Proverbs 3:9-10) • Household Scripture displays—art, verse cards, phone lock screens. • Mealtime testimony—share one new way God provided. • Weekly Sabbath rhythm—cease striving to remember the Provider. (Exodus 20:8-11) • Consistent corporate worship—hearts recalibrated together. (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Personal Bible memory—carry truth inside. Begin with Deuteronomy 6:10-12, Psalm 103:2. • Hospitality—open those “houses full” to bless others; generosity dethrones selfishness. (1 Peter 4:9-10) • Periodic fasting—from food, media, or shopping—to renew dependence. • Active service among the needy—eyes stay fixed on eternal treasure. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Remembering the Source Psalm 103:2 rings clear: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.” Continual praise fastens memory to the Giver rather than the gifts. Outcome of Faithful Remembrance • Humility replaces pride. • Contentment guards against greed. • Joy in God outweighs fading pleasures. • Witness shines as neighbors see gratitude instead of entitlement. Blessing is safest when tethered to deliberate, daily remembrance of the Lord who supplied every good thing. |
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