Do you enjoy blessing others, making their day, surprising them with that perfect little something, or bringing a smile to someone’s face?

Well, God desires to do that for you!

I was pleasantly surprised when I read Deuteronomy 8. Basically, the Lord shares His heart when He says that His desire is for things to go well with Israel.

In Deut. 8:10-13, God wanted Israel to eat and be satisfied, to build fine homes and settle down, and to have large flocks and herds. He wanted the nation’s silver and gold to increase and for all she had to be multiplied. Wow! Now that’s a blessing!

But when we look closer, we see that blessings come with conditions. God had expectations for His people. He explains, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands…” (Deut. 8:10-11a).

God wants His people to remember what He has done and remember that blessings come from Him. He expects us to give Him praise and thanks so that we do not become proud in our own accomplishments and forget Who actually provides.

Romans 10:12 says, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.”

May we live in obedience to Him and remember that He is our good Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).

Be blessed!