Christ Covenant Church

Abundant life is the result of careful and complete obedience to God’s commands (8:1).God humbles us – i.e. tests us w/difficult situations to: 1) reveal the genuineness of our loyalty (love and obedience) to Him (8:2 – “to know what was in your heart”), 2) reinforce the fact that our physical bread/provision in life is fully dependent on our receiving of God’s spiritual bread/provision (i.e. His Word) (8:3), 3) demonstrate His ability to care for us during those times (8:4), 4) discipline us (positively and negatively) and make us stronger (8:5).If you get mad at God when things are difficult, then you have not taken to “heart” that God is treating you like a good parent either b/c you do not approve of good parenting or do – but are a giant hypocrite (8:5).Being faithful to God (“keep[ing] His commandments”) not only means “walking in His ways” (obeying Him) but also “fearing Him” (being afraid to disobey Him) (8:6).Constantly thanking God for all the good things He has given and done for you is important t