Feb. 13, 2017
1 Chronicles 29-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
What is our attitude as we give? Since my husband handles our finances, he does the giving of our tithes. At times I question the offerings he has given (above the tithe), but he does as he feels pleases the Lord. That is good enough for me. So I have to give it in my heart, too. Get the right attitude of love and willingness as the people gave to their new Temple. How about you?
How did David and the people react when such a huge offering was given? (verse 9) David and the people rejoiced. What caused that? How did the leaders of Israel give to the new Temple? They gave willingly, voluntarily, not under compulsory. We read of the tons of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones in verse 7. King David had also given tons toward the project. I say, that would cause for one to rejoice.
Why did they give extravagantly? Again, we find the answer in verse 9:
The people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD, and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
It was because they had a perfect heart. The Hebrew word for perfect means complete, whole.
Sounds like these men loved God with all their heart. They desired to have the best place for God to dwell and where they could worship Him. It was to God that they gave.
This is the same word, perfect, and meaning used back in chapter 28, verse 9, where David challenged Solomon to serve God with a perfect heart and a willing mind. I think David experienced it in his men.
Can we rejoice with what we offer/give unto God? Is it offered with a complete heart and a willing mind? It is a matter of the heart, you know. That is where God looks. It is not the amount of money or whatever we give, but our heart attitude. Is love for God the reason we give?
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
LET IT GROW
David was so overwhelmed with the people's giving that he spontaneously lifted up a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving to God in verses 10-14.
Jehovah is addressed as the sovereign God who is the source of all blessings, according to Revelation 5:12-13.
What did David include in his prayer, looking at verses 10-12 today?
- He blessed the LORD God of Israel, their Father for ever and ever.
- Thine is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty.
- All that is in heaven and earth is Yours.
- We adore You as the one who is over all things.
- Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything.
- Power and might are in Your hand.
- At Your discretion people are made great and given strength.
Like David, we can acknowledge all we have comes from God. Although we may not have his wealth, we can have his willingness to give. (See 2 Corinthians 9:7.) When we are generous because we are thankful, our attitude can inspire others.
(Life Application Study Bible)
Giving is a matter of the heart, folks. What does God see when He looks into our heart? It all belongs to God; all we have comes from God. Does He deserve our wholehearted obedience and love? Speaking to me.
LET IT GO
Bless, adore, honor, glorify my God.
Thank my God for all He has given to me and my family.
Love God wholeheartedly, with a perfect heart that is completely His .
Give to Him.
Serve Him with a willing mind.
With a glad heart: our church always celebrates the giving of tithes, as something to be excited for doing and partaking. When we first started attending, I did not understand; now I do.
ReplyDeleteGive willingly and joyfully.
Have a great week, Linda.
Gaylene
What a wonderful attitude. When we consider God owns it all, we are giving what He has given to us. It is not really ours in the first place. It is a heart matter, our giving.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless and shower His love upon you and your family.
Linda