One evening some years ago, my husband, Joe, brought home a pizza for the two of us. That wasn't unusual, but what was different was that he began bragging about how wonderful a provider he was. I told him that God was actually our Provider, and that he was just a channel that the Lord often used to provide for us.

As our lively banter became a bit more heated, I hit my husband with the verses above from Deuteronomy, where God warns His people not to ever think that it was the strength of their own hands that produced their wealth. (v. 17) Verse 18 says, "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is HE who gives you power to get wealth…" Joe got the message. God deserves the credit for giving us the skills and talents that enable us to earn a living, and He expects it.

King David told the Lord, "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand." (1 Chronicles 29:14 NIV) Even when we give to God, we are only giving Him back some of what we received from Him in the first place. My husband is retired now, and I believe that Joe and I are out of debt today, partly because we have learned to give God the thanks and praise for being our true Source.

Maybe you are in a place of great financial need today. On the basis of God's Word, you can pray, "Lord, give me the power to get wealth." But don't stop there. Keep thanking and praising Him for giving you the talents, skills, and gifts you need to make a living. Your gratitude will delight God's heart and open the door to His abundant provision!

Prayer: Lord, help me to always remember that YOU are the One who gives me the power to get wealth. Remind me often that everything comes from You, and that when I give, it is YOU who are the Source of my giving. Help me to see all of my talents, gifts, and skills as coming from You, and make them more valuable and in demand every day. Thank You that as I continually give You the thanks, praise, and honor You deserve, You will reward me with an abundance and overflow of spiritual and earthly blessings!