The Indescribable Gift of Giving

Daily Reading: Exodus 35

Scripture Focus: Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution... Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded. (Exodus 35.5, 10)

Devotional Thought: I was at Wendy's with some friends – Frosties and conversation - what could be better? How about Free Frosties and conversation? One of our friends had to leave early, but a minute after she left she hurried back in with a sly smile on her face and threw something on the table: "For our snacks tonight!" It was enough cash money to pay for the ice cream and drinks we had enjoyed. How generous! She didn't have to do that. She did it because she has a generous heart. She wanted to give.

A gift willingly and cheerfully given not only supplies a resource, it also lifts the spirit. But, a gift given begrudgingly is a drag on the receiver's heart. It may help with the need at hand, but it certainly doesn't help with the need of the heart. The Bible says that the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9.7). Do you give with a twinkle in your eye, or with a tear on your cheek? Does your giving bring you joy or angst?

When the Israelites were building the tabernacle in the wilderness, God instructed them that they should give their treasures with a generous heart toward its construction. Also, the skilled laborers were to give their talents to the Lord. In both instances, it was the Lord who had already given those things to the would-be givers!

A generous heart is a natural result of seeing that God has been generous to us. That's why Paul wrote, "Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift [of giving]!"

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all you have given me. You have supplied my needs and gone way beyond. I want to have a generous heart like yours, O Lord. I give you my talents and treasures. Use them today for your glory and the good of those around me. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalms 90:13-17)