Are you experiencing the joy that comes from giving to the LORD?
Recently I was reading 1 Chronicles. King David was gathering supplies and resources for the temple that his son Solomon was about to build. King David challenged the leaders of the land to contribute to the temple’s “building fund”.
Here is their response.
Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work. They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1 Chronicles 29:6-9 ESV)
The verse, “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD.” jumped out at me.
What had just happened?
- People were asked to help finance the building of the temple.
- The people responded willingly.
- The people rejoiced. (Their hearts were filled with joy.)
David challenged his leaders to give. God challenges us to give.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:10 ESV)
Scripture tells us to give willingly.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9: 7 ESV)
Good things happen when we give to the work of the LORD.
… give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 ESV)
Challenge:
Give generously to your church and to other Christian ministries. Give and experience real joy in your heart.
… remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)
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