Seek Ye First

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8 Key Verse: 8:12-14
"You will eat all you want. You will build nice houses and live in them. Your herds and flocks, silver and gold, and everything else you have will increase. When this happens, be careful that you don't become arrogant and forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of slavery in Egypt."

Objective:
This chapter is all about the success the Israelites will have, and how to treat God in times of success. It tells them that they will be destroyed if they forget who gave them everything they have. It explains to them that the last 40 years was preparation for what they are about to receive. They learn that God is a like a parent teaching us through discipline.

Application:
There is a great scene in the movie, "The End," where we see Burt Reynolds decide that he doesn't want to commit suicide anymore and chooses to live. The problem is Burt is some pretty rough waters of the ocean. He begins to swim towards shore, and also begins to make promises to God. God, if you get me back I will give you 20% of my money. As he gets closer but grows more tired, the percentage goes up. It continues to climb until he reaches shore and the percentage drops to 5% or something.

In times of need it is easy to cling to God and ask for help. We make promises that we may or may not keep. The problem truly develops when we are beginning to prosper or things are going well. Its when I begin to think that I can handle things on my own that I begin to make more and more mistakes. The scriptures say to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God," not second; not after I get my stuff done, but first. We must remember that in the good and the bad; God is there. In the good times and the bad times; God will remain faithful, will you?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thanks for helping me when times get rough. Thanks for bringing me out of despair. Thanks for carrying me across the rough waters. I ask that you remind me to keep you close when the waters are calm, and times are going great. Remind me that you have given me everything I have. Help us "Seek You First." Thank you for loving us.