May 16 – Reading 136

MAY 16 – Reading 136

by Tim Satryan | May 16

“PAYING GOD”
(Psalms 50:1-23; 73:1-28; 74:1-23)

“Bring my faithful people to me — those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.” – Psalm 50:5

What do you owe God? Your time? Your talent? Your treasure? I have heard more sermons based on those three things through the years than I can count! And, truthfully, there are many folks who seemingly believe they can acquire the blessing of God by giving more of their time. Or by using more of their abilities. Or, even by putting more money in the offering plate! And, the reality is NONE of those things can buy one bit of favor from God!

Now, don’t get me wrong… believers in Christ indeed SHOULD give their time to serve the Lord faithfully, and use their God-given talents for His cause. And, yes, they should give of their fiscal resources to advance the Kingdom of God. 

But, you do those things as a matter of being a good steward – a good care-taker – of what the Lord has provided for you. You don’t do it to earn God’s favor! 

Simple Truth:
Recognizing that all you have and all that you are is only because of what God has given you – what will you do with your life?

Reflections: 

• “First-fruits” or “left-overs”? Because you love God, you return to Him the first part of what He has provided for you. You don’t give Him what remains after everything else is satisfied.

   

• What God needs and what God wants. (:8-14) He doesn’t “need” anything you have. It already belongs to Him! But, what He “wants” is for you to trust Him, thank Him, and obey Him!

   

• Lip service or honest belief? (:16-23) If you “talk the talk” then you need to “walk the talk!”

Application:
The Bible says “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psalm 119:11) The more that you have of God’s Word in you, then the more your life will be lived for God.

Closing Prayer:
Father, as I start this new day, I renew my commitment to You. Let my life be lived in such a way that represents the living Christ within me. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.