Have you forgotten something?

“It’s not how much money you make, it’s how much money you keep,” (Robert T. Kiyosaki).

His brand is “Rich Dad; Poor Dad.” As Dave Ramsey rose to the top of the personal financial training roster, Kiyosaki was circulating in the same arena with some frequent cross-overs of common sense good advice for people who believe that they need to learn as an adult the things that were never taught with consistency at the family table as they were growing up.

Both specialists shine light on the enigma: increasing cash flow is often no indicator of growing net worth. “Trading dollars” isn’t a hobby; it’s a squirrel cage where too many people live. It may seem curious, but making money doesn’t assure having money; each requires learned expertise.

There is a parallel reality worth exploring. In the first half of life, money is often the prize sought. In the second half of life, memories are an even-greater asset to amass.

To put it simply: cash and time both come and go, and the speed at which they pass through life seems to accelerate with maturity. Net worth is the residual of positive moves in one’s past; positive memories are the lasting archive of impacting experiences in the same history. You probably know how to accumulate and organize the pieces that – together – paint the picture of your financial standing: do you have a methodology by which you can assemble the gallery of the high-value days of your past?

Here’s a reveal: God knows that there are noteworthy scenes rich with timeless discoveries that you’re at risk of losing unless you proactively renew those experiences so their lessons are not lost.

Moses was wrapping-up his 40 year career as Israel’s human deliverer from Egypt’s bondage when he wrote Deuteronomy as his final challenge to God’s people. Listen in: “You may say to yourselves, ‘These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?’ But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.” (Deuteronomy 7:17-19).  Your future will be fraught with fear if you don’t recall God’s care and provision for you in the past!

He continued his projection of their prosperity as they settled into the Promised Land, but also knew the risk that emerges with achievement and success: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 8:10-14).

Nearly 400 years later, Asaph – a musical partner of King David – expressed the continuing importance of reflection: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12).

From Genesis to Revelation, nearly 250 times God paints the importance of memories – from the past – that will give confidence and hope for the future. Revisiting what God has done for you is a great way to establish your certainty for what he will probably do for you, again, in your tomorrows.

Give yourself a five-minute break: click here to hear my friend Tommy Walker encourage your heart about God’s lifetime of care and provision for you.

Bob Shank