Devotionals for February 15, 2024
Come to Theology Thursday today! We'll meet at 12:00pm. No RSVP needed. Bring your lunch and your questions!
READ
Deuteronomy 8:10-14
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
REFLECT
The pattern depicted in the Scriptures reveals that God promises and provides, and His people initially find comfort in His provision. However, as they become accustomed to this comfort and their lives become routine or busy, they gradually forget to praise the Lord who provided the comfort, the remarkable acts He has performed, and His call on their lives to worship and obey Him. Eventually, pride takes hold as they rely on their own strength. It is during these mundane moments, when life feels comfortable, repetitive, or hectic, that it becomes all too easy to overlook God. But, in Jesus Christ, we have the most precious provision in Him. How much more should we as Christians work hard at remembering God and thanking Him every day.
APPLY
Q: Why does the passage encourage the reader to “praise the LORD” when they reach the promised land?
Q: Has there been a part of your life where you’ve forgotten God? How can you be more intentional in your praise and trust in God today?
Q: These words were shared with the people of Israel, a whole community. How can you exhort and encourage your church family to remember God today?
Q: Has there been a part of your life where you’ve forgotten God? How can you be more intentional in your praise and trust in God today?
Q: These words were shared with the people of Israel, a whole community. How can you exhort and encourage your church family to remember God today?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for complacency. Forgive me for forgetting you when things become comfortable. Lord, you are worthy of praise all the time, whether it’s a good or bad day. Thank you for being my provider in the mundane and in the miraculous. Amen.
Lord, forgive me for complacency. Forgive me for forgetting you when things become comfortable. Lord, you are worthy of praise all the time, whether it’s a good or bad day. Thank you for being my provider in the mundane and in the miraculous. Amen.