Remember

You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 8:18-20 ESV). My memory seems to get worse and worse as I get older. Mary and I were riding from Kyle’s house to ours, which is about five miles. Mary said, “Why don’t you drive through McDonalds and we’ll get some hamburgers for supper?” It was pretty late and we just wanted to get a quick bite for the evening. There was also a Taco Bell nearby, and I said, “So, you want to drive through Taco Bell?” Only a few minutes had passed. I just forgot what she said! That wasn’t very serious, but the forgetfulness God warns Israel about was very serious. It applies to us as well. Israel had gone through 40 years of wilderness wanderings where they literally were dependent on God for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every day, the Lord brought them manna, which would be waiting for them outside of their tent. But when they were poised to enter into a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of abundance, the Lord gave them a warning, essentially saying, "Now as you enter into this land, I want you to remember me. After you have eaten and are full, do not forget the Lord." Prosperity has a tendency to make us proud and self-sufficient. Sometimes we don't think we need God when we have our salary or investments or career or homes or health or families. But when an economy goes south or a stock market crashes or a home burns to the ground or our health fails, then we turn to God and are reminded of what really matters. When we have a lot, we more easily forget the Lord. We take his provision and grace for granted. So if you are in a time right now where you life is going reasonably well, that is fantastic. But here is what I would say to you: Don't forget the Lord. Give Him glory. On the other hand, if the bottom has dropped out recently and you have received bad news, I also would say don't forget the Lord. Turn to Him, call upon Him, and ask Him for His help. Remember the Lord and all he has accomplished on your behalf. My little dog, Teddy, loves to bury the bones I give him. It is as if he’s not sure I’m always going to continue to feed him. Can I remind you that God will never forsake us? He will always remember!