February 15th

Numbers 7:1-89

The leaders of Israel gave their offerings for the Tabernacle. Moses provided a detailed account of all the things that they brought. Meanwhile, God spoke to Moses saying, “Receive their gifts and use these oxen and carts for the work of the Tabernacle. Distribute them among the Levites according to the work they have to do” (7:5). So Moses divided the offerings and gave them to the Levites. Remember, the Levites (or the sons of Levi) were appointed by God to be the priests and the assistants who helped the priests with the Tabernacle responsibilities. Thus, their livelihood was provided through the freewill giving of God’s people.

For the last few days a common theme has continued to surface (from Day 41 and Day 43), that God provides spiritual gifts and material things to be used in His service. I’m convinced, the more I understand about the Christian life, that all we are and all that we have is to be given away for the good of others. God gives us “treasure,” not to be horded for our own greedy desires, but to be used in His service, to meet the needs of others. God gives us talents, not to be used for our own gain, but for the encouragement and equipping of others. God gives us time so that we can invest in the lives of others and not waste it on ourselves.

We need people and people need us. God has created us for community. Thus, it would be wrong to keep what He gives all to ourselves. This mindset — giving instead of hording — is foreign to the world, and even to the immature Christian; but, in time, as the Spirit teaches us God’s will and ways, we will come to recognize that it’s true — we exist for God’s glory and the brotherhood of mankind.

Daily Reflection

If you took an honest look at the time, talents, and treasure that God has bestowed on you in this life, what percentage of it have you used for yourself, compared to that which you have used for others?

Where in your life are you intentionally giving to others of your time, talents, or treasures?

Remember, God gives to you because He has a need for you to meet, either yours or someone else’s. Are you being sensitive and attentive enough to know where those needs are? Are you willing to die to self and give to others?

“Do nothing from selfishness, but each of you regard one another as more important than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

BiAY.org |Day 46 — 319 Days to Go