1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

Any genuine believer gives with this attitude. This attitude would be expected of someone with the Motivational Gift of Giver, but this understanding should be universal among Christians. When we start thinking, I earned this, then we are out of sync with the way we should be giving to God. It is only when we understand, emotionally as well as intellectually, that God is the source of everything, that we are able to operate in the flow of God’s provision. “Prosperity Gospel” is a perversion, but even so it contains truth. It is indeed true that God delights to bless His people, and that you can’t out-give God. However, material wealth must never be a goal in itself, and some preachers seem to be teaching that we should try to bribe God. That misses the whole point of this verse! Gratitude and appreciation for God’s provision, and consequent holding of that provision lightly, is the way to go for real peace and happiness.

This is particularly important for me to remember in this financially tight season. I’m not to give what I don’t have, but I must remember that everything I do have comes from God and not be anxiously trying to hang onto it. God is more than able to provide all I need, and He has promised to do so if my focus is on Him. It is beautiful to me to have Cathy encouraging me to give at this point, when in the past she has struggled with this issue. Perhaps that’s why the Lord has allowed me to have more trouble with it this time around than usual! I need to operate fully in the understanding David had, and do all I can to impart that understanding to the believers as well.

Father, thank You for Your abundant provision. I remind others that we can’t even take a single breath without Your gracious provision, but sometimes I seem to forget it myself. Thank You for all You have planned for today. The schedule looks packed from my point of view, but every second is Your creation and I know, by faith and by experience, that You will fit everything together perfectly. Help me rest, relax, and rejoice in You throughout the day, Giving You the thanks, praise, worship and obedience You deserve, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!