1 Chronicles 29:1-22
1 Kings 1:1-53
1 Chronicles 29:14, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."
King David was passionate about building God's House. So passionate, in fact, that he gave $3.3 billion of his own money for the construction of the temple and raised $6 billion from the people of Israel. He had a whopping $9.3 billion in hand, yet he still approached God in prayer saying, "Who are we to give generously to You, Lord?" That's a great question! Because although the money was earmarked to build God's house, it already belonged to God.
It's easy to forget that everything we have is a blessing from God. As our Blessor, He wants us to be a blessing in the lives of others. And part of this blessing, this opportunity of generosity, is to build and expand the local church.
We are born with nothing, and we die with nothing. But what we do while we're here means everything to God. It shows Him where our heart is. With so many lives hanging in the balance eternally, what are you doing with God's stuff? Are you clenching your fists or opening your hands? Remember, the Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver!
Dear Lord, Thank You for my countless blessings. Help me to remember that without You I'd have nothing, and help me to open my hands and give cheerfully. Like David, I want to help build Your house to make a difference in the lives of others. Amen.