Day 43: God the Source

O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared in order to build You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand, and is all Your own. (1 Chron. 29:16)

But this I say: he who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let every man give as he purposes in his heart – so let him give, not grudgingly, or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always being completely sufficient in all things, may abound to every good work… (2 Cor. 9:6-8)

David realized the profound truth that the Lord enables us to build and to give out of what He Himself supplies. He is the Ultimate Giver, and He wants so much to teach us how to give that He will even put it in our hands so we’ll be able to give! This is an incredible thought in itself – but what is God really after? Why does He do this?

God lacks nothing and is complete and perfect in Himself; so we should not think that He needs anything from us. He derives no profit from our giving, only the sense of parental satisfaction that comes from knowing His children are becoming more like Him as they give. And giving is real partnership with God – ultimately He funds his own projects, but he chooses to do it through those who imitate Him in hilarious giving.

God, make me a cheerful and even hilarious giver, like You are. Thank-you for supplying my need and supplying my seed! May our seed abound, so that thanksgiving will also abound in our church!