Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Be Fully Engaged . . . Joyfully Offer Your Life To God!


"O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You." (1Chronicles 29:16-17 NKJ)

 

Israel's King David wanted to build Jehovah a temple, but God refused to allow it because David had been a man of war. God told David that He would allow the next king, David's son Solomon, to build  a house for the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:1-6). And David enthusiastically compiled all the materials needed for construction of God's house.

 

What a marvelous spirit and attitude David displayed. He maintained his joy and enthusiasm for God, even though he was not allowed to build God's Temple. He couldn't build, but he could gather the necessary finances and building materials. He could make certain the required skilled labor was trained and available. This project wasn't about the shepherd from Bethlehem who became King of Israel. This project was about glorifying the holy name of Jehovah in Israel.

 

The Apostle Paul taught us that, as Christians, we are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9), and our bodies are worship houses where the Holy Spirit lives (1 Corinthians 6:19). Sometimes I wonder whether I am as enthusiastic about letting the Holy Spirit build his house in me as King David was about God's house in Jerusalem. I remind myself that it isn't about me, but about glorifying Christ's name.

 

Dear Father, thank you for letting me be your building. Empower me to be fully engaged and joyfully let the Holy Spirit construct me according to your design. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

 

Will you offer yourself willingly?

 

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