Devotion:
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Read 2 Samuel 24:22-24.
God had commanded that David go and offer a burnt offering, after which God would remove the plague that had fallen upon Israel. When David arrived at the threshing floor upon which he would make his offering, the owner, Araunah, offered to provide the threshing floor and all the sacrificial animals to David at no cost. David refused because he felt that his offering should have cost him something, so he paid for the threshing floor and animals.
I see in this a lesson for me in my offerings today…my offering should have cost me something! I can give in a way that is easy, that causes no sacrifice on my part. Or I can give in a way that is so generous that I must plan for it and budget it in order to tithe or go beyond. If I give as King David did with his costly sacrifice, my offering will cause me to prioritize my giving over other things on which I might spend or invest my earnings. And if I give my offering with bitterness, thinking about what I am giving up, I am missing the joy that comes with seeing how God uses my offering to show love to others much less fortunate than me.
Personal Worship Option:
Gracious and generous God, thank you for blessing me so richly. Help me to give my offerings in ways that actually affect my lifestyle, knowing that you will use my offerings to do your work. Help me always to feel joy and love in giving back to you. Amen.
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