Abandoned: Emptied of Self!

13“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 1 Chronicles 29:13-14

As I read 1 Chronicles 29, I am struck by the brokenness of a man who missed it as a father. From David's life we know that he excelled as king but failed miserably at home. Did he screw up as king? You bet! Did he fail in his personal life? Absolutely. But was he a failure? NO! Because even as flawed as David was, he was still considered a man after Gods'own heart. David always turned back to God! He always fought to abandon himself to God. He always came back to the place where God was at the center of his life!

The funny thing about leading others whether its in the home or marketplace is this, until your willing to give of your OWN TREASURES those who follow you won't either! Leadership must cost you before it costs others! David in v2 says "with all of my ability I have provided for the house of the Lord..." What David was saying is this, God all that I am I pour out...all that I own I give freely...I will gladly spend all that I am for your glory God!

A couple of things to meditate on from this chapter as it relates to living a life that is abandoned to God. Ask yourself a few questions: Do I give comfortably or sacrificially?(v9) (not just money but time) Are there any holes or blind spots in my life and is there someone I am accountability to personally? (v17) What am I holding back from God? (v16) (Am I giving God what I want or what he desires?)

Jesus may you teach me & and lead me to give sacrificially not comfortably. Jesus will you show me every blind spot, every sin that is trying to take root in my life so that I may confess it and be cleansed. Jesus, may I live to give myself away today so that others may come to know your name!

Not Ashamed...Bill