While reading I came across 2 Samuel 22:20. I am thankful for the reminder that God is delighted in me. A blog entry by my pastor (here) really blessed and I believe it will encourage you.
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 2 Samuel 24:24
No one appreciates a good deal better than me. I am not Dave Ramsey but I really like to see a dollar stretched. Often my mind set for fiscal matters overflows into my thinking concerning ministry. I am look for something for nothing. David wanted to pay something for the threshing floor. He could have received it freely.
Here of late, especially, God has placed some wonderful things before me. He sent a man from India to us, he open the door for a chaplain program, and he has provided an increase in my cash flow. I really like it when God blesses me in this fashion. However, I greatly enjoy the fruit that God provides and allows me to see how my participation aids the process.
I remember hearing a story of a young child who found his way on the stage of a very famous pianist. During the intermission he began to play thw song Chopsticks. The world famous pianist slipped up behind him and took the simple song sound amazing. I am thankful that God allows me to hit the buttons and buy things at a price to me.
