It’s all His
“Everything in the heavens and earth are yours Oh Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength”
(1 Chronicles 29:11-12, TLB)
King David said these words towards the end of his life to encourage the people of Israel who generously gave money and materials to build a temple for God. Over his many years, David learned everything he received, whether it was fame, military success, or material possessions, originated from God, and was to be used for his glory.
“Everything in the heavens and earth are yours Oh Lord…”
David’s mindset should be ours today as well, but sometimes we hold onto things as if we own them.
My car.
My house.
My money.
In our household, we believe everything belongs to God. That’s why we’ve opened up His home to small groups, and guests over the years. I just wish the Lord would send His cleaning crew down to prepare the house for company!
Our family members also belong to God.
Over the weekend, we visited a friend’s 88 year-old mom, who is a godly woman and has a beautiful outlook on life. She kept repeating, “I am blessed because I am loved, and I live in a house full of love.” Isn’t she the woman who buried three sons, and a husband? However, she realizes her family members didn’t belong to her in the first place. God had every right to take them home.
“Riches and honor come from you alone…..”
This upcoming weekend, our book, I mean God’s book, If I Only Had…is nominated for a third writing honor, a Christian Literary Award. I praise God for the recognition it has already received, because I know it was a blessing from our Father in Heaven. If it wins on Saturday night, it will be because the Lord gave us favor, as there are many excellent books in the competition. If it loses, I’ll know it wasn’t in God’s plan for our lives, this time.
“You are the ruler of all mankind…”
Because I believe God is in control, I ask him for his direction and favor daily. Since I am directionally challenged anyway, I don’t want to take a left, when God wants me to take a right. It’s better that God is in front of me, not behind me. I desire his blessing on my life.
“It is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength…”
I long to be a world changer and have a dream of reaching the world for Christ. I want God to use my testimony to help others overcome, but I know I will just be talking into the mirror, without the Lord providing opportunities. So I pray for his greatness to flow through me. His strength. His opportunities.
How do you perceive your possessions and your position in life? Are they yours, or are they his? If you believe they are his, then it’s time to thank him for what you’ve received, and to offer them back to him to be used for his glory.
“Everything in the heavens and earth are yours, Oh Lord.” LBW