the First Week after Epiphany
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Daily Devotionals
Voice of the Lord
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Most people miss out on the joy of giving. Instead, we hang on to possessions as though they are what makes us happy. An old Yiddish proverb says, Der veg iz der veister tsu de keshene (The longest way is the one to the pocket). But reluctant charity is no charity at all.Have you ever asked someone for a favor and had them respond with a sour look and say, "Well, I suppose so. If you really need it." You're inclined to tell them, "Well, if it's all that painful, just forget it."
I think God must feel like saying that to us a lot. He loves a cheerful giver and that's why he made giving a part of worship. In ancient Israel, people were to bring their most prized possessions—the animals of their flock—and sacrifice them on the altar. This was worship that God found acceptable.
Today we don't sacrifice animals, yet the Lord still wants us to sacrifice. God doesn't need our money, he wants us. If he really does have us, that will be demonstrated in the way we give.Are we giving worshipfully and cheerfully in response to all he has given to us?
...commit myself to giving to God with a cheerful heart and in response to all that he has given me.
DB
The Voice of the Lord, Copyright © 1998 by the Lewis and Harriet Lederer Foundation, Inc. Published by Messianic Jewish Publishers, Distributed by Messianic Jewish Resources, www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved. Used by permission. No part of this article may be reproduced in print or on the web, or transmitted in any form, without the written permission of the publisher.
