-A FULL LIFE

Deuteronomy 8:7-18
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Of His fullness we
have all received,
and grace for grace.
--John 1:16

During the celebration of the Chinese New Year, it is customary to use certain words in print and conversation. One word is often used by itself. It is the word full, meaning "abundance of" and is used to wish someone material prosperity for the year ahead.

Moses told the Israelites about the wealth and prosperity in the land of Canaan before they entered it (Deut. 8:7-9). They would have everything they needed and more. But he warned them of the danger of forgetting that God, the One who had brought them out of Egypt and protected them along the way, had given them that abundance (v.11). Thus Moses commanded them, "you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" (v.18).

"Wealth," of course, is not just material things. Everything you have is from God, our Creator. Our Lord Jesus told His disciples, "I have come that [you] may have life, and that [you] may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

We too may be tempted to forget that it's the Lord who has blessed us and has met our needs. Our lives will be full, abundant, and satisfying only when we are connected to Jesus Christ. ~~

You only are true Life,
To know You is to live
The more abundant life
That earth can never give.
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-Never let the abundance of God's gifts
cause you to forget the Giver.

-ODB/CPH