“Lest You Forget” Deuteronomy 8:11-20

Introduction:  Amnesia medication, the peace of a colonoscopy, and dream drift

I.        Forgetting

A.     (v11) “Take care lest you forget the LORD your God…”

1.      “…by not keeping his commandments and rules and his statutes.”

2.      John Wesley quote:  “When a man becomes a Christian, he becomes industrious, trustworthy and prosperous.  Now, if that man when he gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, I have more hope for Judas Iscariot than for that man!”

B.     What causes amnesia in regard to God’s activity?

1.      Time combined with silence—The glory (and infamy) of family reunions.

2.      (v12) Full bellies, nice homes, safety.

3.      (v13) Prosperity, plans that succeeded.

C.     (v17) “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me…’”

1.      Proverbs 3:6-7, “in all your ways acknowledge him…Be not wise in your own eyes.”

2.      Romans 1:28, “Since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God…”

II.       Remember

A.     (v15) The Lord your God “who led you”

1.      2 Samuel 7.  King David’s prayer, “Who am I, O LORD God, that you have brought me…”

2.      Highview’s defining moment and Dick N’s admonishment to the pastor.

B.     (v16) The Lord your God “who fed you”

1.      Most of us struggle against too much food rather than not enough.  Where’s God in that?

2.      Unknown ways: water from a rock, manna in the wilderness, food baskets, and benefits

C.     (v18) “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…”

1.      “…that he may confirm the covenant that he swore to your fathers.”

2.      (v19) “And if you forget the LORD your God…you shall surely perish.”

Conclusion:   The inherent problem in celebrating birthdays—my mother deserves the cards.