-------
"The Joy of Giving Back" by David Middendorf
2 Chronicles 29:10 as he blessed Adonai before the entire community: “Blessed be you, Adonai, the God of Isra’el our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, Adonai, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. The kingdom is yours, Adonai; and you are exalted as head over all. 12 Riches and honor come from you, you rule everything, in your hand is power and strength, you have the capacity to make great and to give strength to all. 13 Therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to give so willingly in this way? For all things come from you, so that we have given you what is already yours. 15 For in your presence we are temporary residents, just passing through, as all our ancestors were — our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Adonai our God, all these supplies that we have prepared in order to build you a house for your holy name come from your own hand, all of it is already yours. 17 I know also, my God, that you test the heart and take pleasure in integrity. As for myself, I have given all these things willingly, in the integrity of my heart; and now, with joy, I have seen your people who are present here give willingly to you. 18 Adonai, God of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Isra’el our ancestors, guard forever the inclinations of the thoughts in the hearts of your people; direct their hearts to you; 19 and give to Shlomo my son wholeheartedness to obey your mitzvot, instructions and rules, to do all these things, and to build the palace for which I have made provision.”
20 Then David said to all the community, “Now bless Adonai your God.” All the community blessed Adonai, the God of their ancestors, bowing their heads and prostrating themselves before Adonai and before the king.
-------
When we think of David, several descriptors come to mind: Shepherd, Warrior, King, and “a man after God’s own heart.” One of the attributes that made him a great king was his recognition that all he had accomplished, all his wealth, and all his victories were from God and not of his own doing.
Yes, he made mistakes in his life–big ones–but he never forgot where he stood with God. Our passage today is a great example of why David was a great king for Israel. He never forgot that the Lord God was the actual leader and provider of the nation.
In our lives today, we need to be careful to remember that all we have and all we are is the result of a loving heavenly Father’s love, mercy, and grace toward His children. When we begin to hold too tightly to what we have been given, we are unable to receive the abundance that He has prepared for us each day. We should remember that one of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s blessings is the joy of giving it back to Him.
-------
Hymn for Today: "Give of Your Best to the Master" by Howard B. Grose
1. Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
2. Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
3. Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
-------
Thought of the Day: 2 Corinthians 9:14 And in their prayers for you they will feel a strong affection for you because of how gracious God has been to you.
-------
Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Guadeloupe.
-------
-------
Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Guadeloupe.
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment