Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
1 Chronicles 29:14
29:14 But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
David and God Were Partners—
This subject of the use of the means entrusted to us should be carefully considered; for the Lord will require His own with usury. While in poverty, many regard systematic giving as a Bible requirement; but when they come into possession of money or property, they do not acknowledge God’s claim upon them. They look upon their means as their own. But not so did King David regard his possessions. He understood that God is the great proprietor of all things, and that he himself was highly honored in that he had been taken into partnership with God. His heart was filled with gratitude for the favor and mercy of God, and in his prayer when presenting offerings for the building of the temple, he said, “Of thine own have we given thee” (The Review and Herald, December 8, 1896). {3BC 1130.1}
Imagine being God’s partner. Well, we do not have to imagine because God makes each one of us His partner. God has appointed all to do the work of salvation. All are to teach and preach the gospel message to the whole world. The harvest abounds for the dedicated and persistent workers. Everything we have belongs to God but He has entrusted all to us as His co-laborers and stewards of His own. God has equipped us with everything we need. As David did, we are to present our offerings to Him out of what He has given us. It is an honor instituted by God since creation and a requirement. Today we do not offer sacrifices but do resupply God’s treasury from His blessings to further the gospel. Our offerings should be heartfelt and returned with gratitude for all that God does for His children. There is no offering too small. We are to return as much as we are able. There is an even greater requirement of those who are abundantly blessed. They are to return to God out of their abundance but also deny self of their excess for the furtherance of God’s work. God loves a cheerful giver.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You so much and are eternally grateful for all You sacrificed for us. We thank You for providing for all our needs in abundance. We realize that all belongs to You and we would have nothing if it were not for Your love and mercy. We thank You for making us Your partners, as You did with David, and entrusting to us what is Yours. We pray that as we return to You of Your own, that You will bless our offering and that it may be used to further the everlasting gospel. We pray to reach souls all over the world. We pray for Your help and protection to enter into those areas where Christianity is not accepted. We will face persecution, as some areas are hostile towards believers and doers of the Word. We pray that You keep a hedge of Your Holy angels round about us to keep us safe and protected from Satan and his demons and all the people through who he works. Please keep us on the strait path to the heavenly kingdom. May we be rich in spirit. For those blessed with an abundance of means, please let them acknowledge Your claim upon them. Grant us understanding to know that You are the great proprietor of all things. We thank You for providing to us all we need for our families and self and to resupply Your treasury. The hour is late, the work is plenty, but the laborers are few. We pray that You strengthen our number to continue the battle against the enemy. If You are with us, who can be against us. Keep us faithful in our giving. Increase our faith and help our unbelief. For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. Bless us and keep us, save us, forgive us of our sins, and heal us, we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
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