I work hard.

I got the degree.

I put in the extra effort.

I save it and invest it well.

There are a lot of I’s in those statements, aren’t there?  As James would say to us, “Don’t be deceived, my dear brother and sisters.”

The truth is – everything comes from God.  God owns it all.  My paycheck, my house, my car, my IRA – it’s all God’s and he has given it to me.  Just like he has given whatever you have to you.

God provides for us.  He gives us the ability to work for a living.  He helps us grow our skills and knowledge.  He gives us perseverance to get up every morning and the strength to complete our tasks for the day.

It all comes from him.

I love the visual I see in my head as I read 1 Chronicles 29.  King David is standing in the middle of huge mounds of gold, silver and bronze.  There are piles of precious stones all around him.

With his hands held high up to the sky, he praises God and says, “Everything in heaven and earth is your’s”.

It’s all God’s.  Everything we have and are comes from God.  I have the right perspective when I understand that I am totally dependent on God for everything.  Until I get to that place, I am deceiving myself.

“Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name.”

Thank you, Abba Father.