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November 29

By November 29, 2018365 Devotions

Identity Theft

When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, . . . be careful that you do not forget the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:10, 12).

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:10-15

Song: “Remember Me”

In the early 1960s, Walter Keane became an art sensation. Copies of his “big-eyed children” paintings graced suburban homes, and Hollywood elite owned originals. Walter raked in millions. Problem was, he wasn’t the artist. For years, he took credit for his wife’s work forcing her to paint in a locked room, far removed from anyone who might discover the secret. When Margaret pushed back, rather than give her credit, he insisted she teach him to paint so he could continue the lie. He refused to acknowledge his deception even after they divorced, until a judge had them paint right in the courtroom. The finished pictures left no doubt Margaret was the true artist.

If Walter had given credit where it was due, he still would have benefitted financially by virtue of his relationship with his wife. Instead, he desired unearned praise and chose to deny the existence of the very hand by which the paintings were conceived. In the end, he lost everything. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us God is our provider. Every good gift comes from His hand. We can enjoy all the good things He’s given us, but we’re not to take credit for their existence or forget to thank Him.

Father, thanks that You withhold no good gifts from Your children. We are so grateful You give us far more than we deserve. In Christ, amen.

Jim Eichenberger

Author Jim Eichenberger

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