May 17, 2012 (1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give only what You first gave us!” 1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT
Observation: David had gathered and stored the materials Solomon would need to build the Temple. Now David was praising God and giving Him the credit for what had been collected. David recognized God as the one that wealth and honor had come from. Power and might was in His hand and at His discretion people were made great and given strength. Everything David had was God’s and had been given to David by God. The greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, the majesty, everything in heaven and on earth, it all belongs to God. David realized all that had been given, had first been given by God.
Application: I believe a lot of stress could be instantly wiped out of our lives if we could come to the conclusion David did about all things. It all belongs to God. It was He that made it possible for us to give anything we have ever given, He first gave it to us. We should not boast about what we have given to the Lord and realize that we only gave back to Him what was already really His. He gives us the opportunity to give so that we can experience real blessing. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. If you have the means to give today, give God the praise and credit He deserves. For everything you have to give was first given to you from God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for what You have given me. Thank You for the blessing of giving to others. Thank You for what I have received from You through the hands of others. Help me remember that all I have belongs to You. I am only a steward of what You own. Help me become a faithful steward of all that You give to me. Whether it be material things, health, wealth, knowledge, power, strength, ability, or victory, help me conduct myself in a manner that is pleasing to You, in Jesus name, Amen