READING:
One-year plan: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Acts 2:1-13
Two-year plan: Deuteronomy 25-26, Luke 3:21-38
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The people had given much for the building of the temple. Even as he rejoiced over their willingness to give, however, David raised an important question that helps Pam and me think about our giving: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand” (1 Chron 29:14-15).
Indeed, I’m not sure why God allows us to give generously to His work, either. I increasingly realize in my own life what I have preached for years: it all belongs to God. As I get older, I realize not only that He is the owner, but also that our clinging to “things” can hardly bring peace and joy. We get the unique privilege of giving back to God what He has already given to us—and then be blessed by that giving! Somehow, it brings more joy to give away that which was never ours in the first place. God, of course, is worthy of that kind of sacrifice on our part.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What is God calling you to give today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, give me a spirit of generosity to give back to You sacrificially.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 2 Chronicles 1-5, Acts 2:14-47
Two-year plan: Deuteronomy 27:1-28:14, Luke 4:1-13