Loving and Serving His Word - Daily Readings for Inspiration and Growth

Reading for April 10

Giving Till it Hurts

by Dave Quintana - Servants of the Word

David didn't always get it just right, but he really was a man after God's own heart. He sincerely wanted to give generously to the Lord, even when it hurt. "I will not offer to the Lord a sacrifice that costs me nothing." That is his response when someone tries to make it easier for him, when someone seeks to pay the price for his sacrifice. That is a challenge for us as well—to be willing to give till it hurts. Or perhaps you know the story of Farmer John's birthday when all the animals gather to discuss throwing him a surprise party. All are agreed and excited for the big event—the cow who offers her milk, the chicken who offers the eggs … except for the pig who is somehow just a wee bit less keen! The moral of the story for all of us who want to give till it hurts? Be the pig! How might you be a better pig today??

Then Araunah said to David, "Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king." And Araunah said to the king, "May the LORD your God accept you." But the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel. 2Sam 24:22-25 ESV

Daily Meds from the Q Source
by Dave Quintana, published byTabor House, 2012

Dave Quintana's daily meditations and Bible readings to stir our minds and kindle our hearts in 2013. He explores themes important to all who search to be wise men and women in the Lord, and provides a wealth of personal experience from living and ministering in Central America, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Expect to be challenged. Expect to be inspired. Expect to meet the living and loving God. 

Dave Quintana is the Presiding Elder of the Servants of the Word, a missionary brotherhood of men living single for the Lord. He currently lives in Detroit, Michigan.

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