Surviving The Good Life

Deuteronomy 8:1-20
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Can success spoil a person? 
The danger is in forgetting the One who made it possible. Every day they depended on Him. 
He knew that their greatest temptation would not come in the wilderness.  
Don't let the good life lead you in the wrong direction.  Remember.  
Moses teaches us how to survive the good life.  
1. Take Note (and Keep Track) of All That God Has Done In Your Life Until Now. 
He was at work among them.  
What we're seeing here is that everything God allowed to happen, happened with a purpose.  
And what did He want them to learn? 
Man does not live by bread alone... 
The greatest lesson that God teaches us in all this is that He Himself is our greatest need. 
Sometimes we don't recognize God's handiwork behind the scenes because we're programmed to recognize only His blessings.  
Only those who recognize God's hand in yesterday's struggles are prepared to recognize His hand in today's blessings.  
2. Prepare Yourself to Receive God's Blessings in the Right Way. 
With gratitude. 
He's teaching Israel to pay attention to, and be thankful for, God's great goodness.  
Be grateful for all God is doing.  
Celebrate His provision. 
Gratitude protects the heart from entitlement.  
We prepare ourselves by acknowledging His presence in every aspect of our lives and by saying "thank you" for every little thing. 
3. Decide Once and For All Who Gets the Glory For Everything From Now On. 
Whatever in your life is working — God made it possible. 
There is no limit to what can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.  
Success becomes dangerous only when it convinces us we no longer need the God who made it all possible.  
The more you're blessed, the more intentionally you must remember the One who blessed you. 
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." 
Gravity isn't punishment.  
In the same way, to let go of God is to invite a shattered life.  
Choosing to be grateful is the most empowering choice you can make.  
No matter what may pull you away from God, gratitude can pull you back. 

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