Much Obliged!

Daily Reading:  Nehemiah 10

We also take on ourselves the obligation to give. (Nehemiah 10.32)

Devotional Thought: Many churches today have gone to online giving.  People who sell this service tout how it increases the income of the church.  Pastors I know swear by it.  I think it is wonderful.  But, in all the ballyhoo, one thing I want to ensure: that giving is not separated from worship.  When I pastored a local church, I always strived to make the offering an act of worship.  I wholeheartedly believe it is.

As a young pastor, I sometimes bemoaned special offerings.  But I was misguided - at least in light of what the people in Nehemiah did.  They took "on [them]selves the obligation to give."  We don't talk much of obligation these days, do we?  We seem to be especially hesitant to talk of it in the church.  They didn't hesitate. Instead, they obligated themselves.  Their giving was...

• Voluntary - though they obligated themselves.  The Bible speaks of offerings that are from the heart.  The tithe, of course, is the Lord's, but he does not force us to bring it.  He invites us to participate in the Kingdom by regular investment!

• Joyful - for God had done so much for them.  They gave to celebrate the fact that God had brought them back from captivity.  They knew the truth of what Paul would write hundreds of years later: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9.7).

• Intentional - not leaving it to chance.  They obligated themselves in general to tithe, but they also anticipated the other offerings that they would give throughout the year. Paul also instructed the Corinthians to anticipate the offering by setting aside money intentionally. Do you have a plan for giving?  Tithe?  Offerings?

We obligate ourselves to give when we participate, celebrate, and anticipate. 

Prayer: Jesus, you gave everything for me.  Help me to take on myself the obligation to give you my everything.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 107:23-32

23 Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.

24 They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.

25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.

28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.