There are different ways we approach life. For instance, there are some who are wealthy and can afford to buy anything they want. To them, everyone and thing has a price. They have the riches to get what they desire.

There are some who have been blessed with good looks. Others have had their looks altered to keep them looking young. These folks are noticed by most people, and because of their looks, people like to be around them.

There are some who have wonderful knowledge in many matters. For these folks, attaining knowledge is important. Sometimes they rely on their knowledge to get through life.

And, there are some who possess physical strength. For them they can do any kind of work with their hands and can achieve most of the things they attempt.

Therefore, some rely on wealth, good looks, knowledge and strength. These work well for them. But, is it the only thing they need?

Moses is giving his "farewell" speech to the Israelites in Deut. 8. Moses lets them know God was there providing for them all along. It was He who led them out of bondage with Egypt. It was He who protected them from dangers as they journeyed. It was He who provided manna for them. God did all of this. Why? "Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’" (8:17)

Do you find it amazing that we are so dependent on God? Many times we believe the reason we have things (wealth) is because of our own hard work. And yet this verse lets us know it all comes from God. Our God is an awesome God who gives us knowledge, at times, to do great things. Consider the heart surgeon. He has knowledge of the heart and how to repair the things that need to be corrected. I believe God gives them this knowledge. "Yes, but Doug, he went to medical school, he studied hard, he is able to do this because of his own efforts." All of that is true. But, God is there and deserves the glory for what man is able to accomplish.

I can do a little by myself. I can do even more when God is at the center of my life. I just need to realize without God, I have or would be nothing. And, you need to realize this also. Let’s all trust in God and not ourselves or our abilities. If it weren’t for God, how lost I would be!