Joyful Offerings
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Then the people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to [the LORD]; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
1 Chronicles 29:9 (WEB)
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I know, I know, a verse about a church temple building program.
But I wanted to land on a happy verse today and this one popped up.
Look how joyful they were to give offerings.
“Rejoiced … willingly … perfect heart … great joy”
I’ll admit, there have been many times where my own giving was more of an obligation to a commitment I’ve made rather than great joy.
In fact, sometimes quite the opposite:
“Lord,” I’d sometimes pray, “I sure could do a lot with that 10%. Nevertheless, it’s yours.”
Erm, not exactly rejoicing in my giving with a perfect heart when I do it that way.
But you know what else?
I’ve never regretted giving to God.
Even when it was a lot of money and I felt that I really, really needed it at the time.
As they say: You cannot outgive God.
Not that I give to receive His blessings … but it’s a nice byproduct.
When I can’t seem to give out of a rejoicing heart, I give out of obedience. The Lord has honored that obedience throughout my life and I’m grateful.
I guess the challenge for myself (and perhaps for you too) is that the next time I give to God, rejoice greatly with a perfect heart that offers willingly.
I bet that’s fun.
— Ricky Ketchum
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