"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."

As we start the month that is often associated with giving thanks, Moses' words are a good reminder. When things are going well, it's so easy for us to forget to be thankful. When we're in trouble, it's easy to complain and ask God for help, but when good things happen to us, we often feel like we "deserve" them. God tells us that what we have is just proof of His grace and that He always does what He says He will do. We need to remind ourselves and each other that the good things in our lives come from God, not because we are better than other people.

What do we have that didn't come to us because of God's kindness, a surprise blessing, a hard time that taught us a lesson, a providential chance, or our good health? And what will be our claim to grace when we stand before the throne of judgment? Only God's kind and loving gifts, which have made us pure, holy, and whole, give us a right to grace. We can't say this because of anything we have, do, or buy. Only God's kindness, love, and generosity can bring us the best gifts from heaven.