SOAP 05/12/2016; 1 Chronicles 29:16

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 21, 22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 1*

S) "¹⁶ O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours."

1 Chronicles 29:16 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 29

O) One of the most profound things David recognized, was that everything belongs to God. He understood that everything he had was given to him, and so every sacrifice or offering he could give, was first given by God. In context here, David is confessing that all of the wealth and resources he had, and that were accumulated specifically for the purpose of building a temple for the LORD, that it was all given from God in the first place.

A) There have been times when my heart is genuinely humble, and I want more money specifically to be able to do more for the gospel, and for Jesus. This verse is an excellent reminder that those feelings are misguided. I don't need to wish I had a bigger salary, in order for God to do the work He needs to get done. If He did bless me more financially, I could do more financially. However, that's coming from God and going to God, so the net is the same. Instead of wishing for more money, even in such a generous and sincerely compassionate way, I need to be a better evaluator of what God has already given me, and I need to carefully consider how I can use that for Him, and how I can give it back.

P) Father, thank You for putting me at ease, knowing that my financial successes are not dependent on myself. Furthermore, it is a comfort to remember that You do not require me to make some amount of financial wealth. Instead of thinking about my ability to serve You, tied to my financial prosperity, help me recognize the talents and blessings I do have. Open my eyes to the ways I am blessed, and help me understand how I can use those things to bless You. I know I have more time than many, so help me be more willing to use that for You. I know there must be other things, other ways, I can serve You. Soften my heart, that I would be more willing to give back, what You have given me. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.