Remember the Lord: Gratitude in Every Season

Sermon: Remember the Lord: Gratitude in Every Season

Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Big Idea: True thankfulness comes from remembering that all blessings come from God and acknowledging His provision, even as we enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Welcome:

“Good morning! Welcome to a Brand New Unused Sunday Morning. Today, as we prepare for the Thanksgiving season, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a posture of the heart. It’s a way of life that reminds us to acknowledge the One who is the source of all blessings.”

Opening Illustration:

“Let me start with a quick story. Have you ever gone to the grocery store, carefully loaded up your cart with everything you need, only to get to the checkout line and realize you left your wallet at home? It’s one of those frustrating moments that stops you in your tracks. You have everything you need, but because you forgot something essential, none of it matters.

In the same way, our spiritual lives are full of blessings—family, provision, health, salvation. But when we forget the One who provided it all, it’s like leaving the most important thing behind. That’s what Moses is addressing in Deuteronomy 8. He warns the Israelites—and us—not to forget God when life is full and abundant.”

Set the Tone:

“This morning, we’ll dive into a passage where Moses reminds God’s people to live with hearts full of gratitude. As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, he warned them of the spiritual dangers of forgetting the Lord amid blessings. His words hold just as much wisdom for us today.

During this Thanksgiving season, as we gather around tables filled with food, surrounded by friends and family, let’s not forget the One who fills our lives with blessings, the One who gives us strength, purpose, and hope.”

Transition to Prayer:

“Let’s begin with prayer, asking God to open our hearts, reveal His truths, and help us to live with a deeper sense of gratitude.”

Opening Prayer:

“Father, You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. As we open Your Word today, help us to remember Your faithfulness, acknowledge Your provision, and live with hearts full of thanksgiving. May this message challenge us, encourage us, and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

2. Outline

Historical Context of Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The generation of Israelites who had been delivered from Egypt had died in the wilderness due to their disobedience, and now their children stood on the brink of a new beginning. Moses used this opportunity to remind them of God’s faithfulness and to renew their covenant relationship with Him.

What Was Happening?

Preparation for the Promised Land: The Israelites were about to transition from a life of wilderness wandering—characterized by God’s miraculous daily provision (manna, water, and protection)—to a life of abundance in a land "flowing with milk and honey." Moses knew that prosperity would bring new spiritual challenges.

A Warning Against Forgetfulness: Moses reminded the people that the blessings they were about to enjoy came from God. However, he also warned them about the danger of pride and spiritual amnesia—that in their comfort, they might forget the God who provided everything.

Covenant Renewal: This passage is part of Moses’ broader effort to call Israel to obedience and faithfulness. He reminded them that their success and survival in the Promised Land depended on their remembering the Lord and living in gratitude and obedience to Him.

Why Is This Passage Important?

A Timeless Warning: Just as prosperity posed a danger for the Israelites, it poses a danger for us today. When life is full and blessings abound, we are tempted to rely on our own strength and forget our dependence on God. This passage reminds us to continually acknowledge Him as the source of every blessing.

Gratitude as a Safeguard: Moses emphasized gratitude as the antidote to pride and forgetfulness. By praising God for His provision, the Israelites would stay grounded in humility and dependence on Him.

A Call to Remember: The Israelites were called to remember how God provided for them in the wilderness, sustaining them through trials. This act of remembrance is a foundation for gratitude and faith, teaching us to trust God for future blessings.

Spiritual Priorities: Moses’ words shift the focus from material wealth to spiritual dependence. The Promised Land wasn’t just a place of physical abundance—it was a place where they were called to live as God’s covenant people, reflecting His glory to the nations.

I. The Command to Give Thanks (v. 10)

Scripture Focus: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you."

Key Idea: Gratitude is a natural response to God’s provision.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

Application:

Cultivate a daily habit of thanksgiving for both spiritual and material blessings.Reflect on moments where God’s provision has brought satisfaction to your life.

Illustration:

Imagine a family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. The table is overflowing with turkey, sides, and desserts. After everyone eats, the conversation shifts to laughter and stories. But no one pauses to thank the host or, more importantly, God, who provided the bounty.

Connection:

The Israelites were entering the Promised Land, a place of abundance. Moses reminded them to pause and acknowledge the true source of their blessings.

Personal Story:

Share how pausing to thank God for something simple, like a meal or provision in a tough time, shifted your perspective from focusing on the gift to the Giver.

II. The Danger of Forgetfulness (vv. 11-14)

Scripture Focus: "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God."

Key Idea: Prosperity can lead to pride and spiritual amnesia.

“It’s not the armor that makes the hero, but the man inside.” – Tony Stark (Iron Man 3) True gratitude and faith come from the heart, not external circumstances.

Application:

Thanksgiving keeps us grounded in humility and dependence on God.Reflect: Are blessings drawing you closer to God or making you self-reliant?

Illustration:

Think of someone who achieves success—a student who graduates top of their class, an entrepreneur whose business thrives, or an athlete who reaches the peak of their career. Over time, they may forget the sacrifices others made to help them succeed, assuming their achievements are solely their own.

Biblical Example:

The rich young ruler claimed to follow God but was blinded by his attachment to possessions. His pride kept him from deeper dependence on God.

Connection:

Moses warned the Israelites that the same danger awaited them in the Promised Land. Would their abundance lead to pride and forgetfulness?

Challenge:

Ask the congregation to identify areas where success or comfort may have led them to forget their dependence on God.

III. The Source of Every Blessing (vv. 15-18)

Scripture Focus:

"Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth."

Key Idea:

Every blessing—whether material, spiritual, or relational—comes from God.

“We have nothing apart from what God gives us, and what He gives us is always enough.” – John MacArthur“If you want to know how rich you are, find out how many things you have that money cannot buy.” – Anonymous

Application:

Acknowledge God as the source of all success and provision.Recognize that true wealth is found in what God gives us, not in material possessions.

Illustration:

Picture a farmer who works diligently to plant and harvest crops but ultimately depends on the sun, rain, and soil—things outside his control. Without God’s provision, his efforts would be in vain.

Connection:

The Israelites were reminded that their success in the Promised Land wouldn’t come from their own strength but from God’s faithfulness.

Encouragement:

Ask the congregation to reflect on their own “harvests” in life and recognize God’s hand in their successes.

3. Thanksgiving Application

Encourage the congregation to:

Reflect: Think about how God has provided for you in the past year.Share: Express gratitude with family, friends, or in a testimony.Practice Generosity: Respond to blessings by helping those in need.

4. Challenge for the Congregation

Provide three prompts for reflection during the week:

Remember: Write down three ways God has provided for you this year.Thank: Take time to express thanks to God in prayer or a letter.Share: Identify one way to share your blessings with someone in need.

5. Conclusion: Living with Gratitude

Summary: Gratitude acknowledges God’s provision, guards against forgetfulness, and builds a legacy of faith.

Closing Statement: “As we give thanks this season, let’s not just remember the meal on the table, but the God who fills our lives with blessings. May our gratitude remind us daily of His goodness, His faithfulness, and His provision.”

Challenge: Cultivate gratitude as a way of life. Reflect on your blessings and live in a way that honors the Giver.

Closing

As we close today, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey Moses took us on in Deuteronomy 8. Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were reminded of God’s provision in the wilderness, warned about the dangers of forgetting Him in times of abundance, and called to live with gratitude and obedience.

These lessons are just as relevant for us today.

Gratitude Acknowledges God’s Provision: Every blessing we enjoy—whether it’s a full table, a roof over our heads, or the gift of salvation—comes from the Lord. He is the ultimate provider, and our thanksgiving is an act of worship that honors Him.

Gratitude Guards Against Forgetfulness: When life is comfortable, it’s easy to rely on our own strength and lose sight of our dependence on God. Thanksgiving keeps us grounded in humility and reminds us to place our trust in Him alone.

Gratitude Builds a Legacy of Faith: By remembering and giving thanks for what God has done, we pass down a testimony of His goodness to the next generation, showing them the importance of living with hearts fixed on the Giver of all blessings.

Challenge

As you prepare for Thanksgiving this week, I want to leave you with three simple but powerful challenges:

Remember: Write down three ways God has provided for you this year. Be specific and reflect on His faithfulness.Thank: Spend time in prayer or write a letter of gratitude to God. Let Him know how much you appreciate His blessings.Share: Identify one way to share your blessings with someone in need—whether through generosity, encouragement, or simply your time.

Closing Thought

"As we give thanks this season, let’s not just remember the meal on the table but the God who fills our lives with blessings. May our gratitude not be confined to a single day or meal but become the lens through which we see all of life. Remember the Lord, honor Him with your thanksgiving, and live in the joy of His provision every day."