Podcast (daily-devotion): Download (3.2MB)
[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Yesterday we considered the first part of King David’s prayer in response to God’s provision for the financing of the temple. David thanked God for his sovereign power and the great work he had done in the lives of the people which allowed them to give so generously. The people gave with “a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly” (1 Chronicles 29:9). Now David asked a pointed question.
1 Chronicles 29:14-16
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.”
Today’s prayer is a reminder that everything we have is given to us by God. Because all things come from God, he is the rightful owner of everything. That puts our giving in perspective, doesn’t it? In essence, the only sacrificial giver is God. We have the privilege of returning to God what was his in the first place.
Talking Points
- Many people have a real problem with giving. Ask God to imprint this profound truth in your heart—Everything I have comes from God. I am a steward, not an owner.
- Many parents miss opportunities to teach their children this truth. Ask God to give you ways to develop stewardship in your children. Ask him to help you be a ready teacher by your words and actions.
Father, forgive my stinginess. Help me understand the truth of today’s passage and put it into practice. All things come from you. Who am I that I should be able to give back to you? In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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