Seek God - Not Things! - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2024

‘The Lordgives you the ability to produce wealth'
Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV
God holds back ‘no good from those who do what is right' (Psalm 84:11 NLT). But it's important to acknowledge Him as the source of all your blessings. And on this one, we all fall short! Let's face it, more isn't always better. In fact, your dependence on God lessens as your dependence on things increases. That's why Leviatical law discouraged empire-building. In the Old Testament, loans to the poor were to be interest-free (Exodus 22:5); outstanding debts cancelled every seven years(Deuteronomy 15:1-2);slaves freed and given the means to start over(Deuteronomy 15:12-14);repossessed land redeemed by family (Leviticus 25:25); and property that was sold, or lost and not redeemed, returned to its original owner (Leviticus 25:14-17). Why? Because God wanted His people to depend on Him, not possessions. So He cautioned them, ‘When all you have is multipliedYou may say"My power andstrengthhave produced this"remember the Lordgives you the ability to produce wealth' (Deuteronomy 8:13-18 NIV). God's principles haven't changed. Andy Stanley points out that a list of dos and don'ts is like having a man give you directions. If he hands you a map, you focus on it, but when you're following the man you focus on him. The Bible doesn't say God is a rewarder of those diligently seeking ‘things'. No it says, ‘He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him' (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). Bottom line: If you're depending on anything but God, you'll always struggle. ‘Don't worry about these thingsyour heavenly Father already knowsandwill give you everything you need' (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).

Soul Food Reading: Commandment 3: Don't misuse God's Name