God's Image in Humanity

The Inescapable God
God Reveals

1 Chronicles 29:14-19 (The Message)

 ^14-19 "But me—who am I, and who are these my people, that we should presume to be giving something to you? Everything comes from you; all we're doing is giving back what we've been given from your generous hand. As far as you're concerned, we're homeless, shiftless wanderers like our ancestors, our lives mere shadows, hardly anything to us. God, our God, all these materials—these piles of stuff for building a house of worship for you, honoring your Holy Name—it all came from you! It was all yours in the first place! I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface—you want us, our true selves—and so I have given from the heart, honestly and happily. And now see all these people doing the same, giving freely, willingly—what a joy! O God, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this generous spirit alive forever in these people always, keep their hearts set firmly in you. And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel, and carry through with building The Temple for which I have provided."

For Reflection
Even though it all belongs to God we attach value to things we falsely assume to be our property.  The giving of things to God is a sign of our commitment to Him.  It is the recognition that what we think we possess is His  Not a substitute for the giving of one's self, but a ritual that acknowledges our dependence upon Him. Giving is the act of surrendering one's self to God.

Pray that you will give as God has given to you.  Pray that you surrender yourself to the living God.