June 8, 2022 – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional for Wednesday
READ WEDNESDAY ODB DEVOTIONAL, OUR DAILY BREAD 8TH JUNE 2022 DEVOTIONS WRIITEN BY SHERIDAN VOYSEY (OUR DAILY BREAD MINISTRIES)
TOPIC: Generosity and Joy
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 29:1–9
KEY VERSE: The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. – 1 Chronicles 29:9
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Chronicles 30–31; John 18:1–18
June 8, 2022 – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional for Wednesday | INSIGHT
In addition to David inviting the people to give toward the construction of the temple, 1 Chronicles 29 also shows him passing the throne on to Solomon, whom the people accept as their new king (vv. 21–28). David’s life, as well as his rule, was marked by bloody conflict, but Solomon—whose name comes from the Hebrew word for “peace”—would have a very different kind of rule.
The “golden age” of Solomon would see Israel attain an unprecedented prosperity and influence as the wisdom of the king gained renown throughout the ancient Near East. Additionally, Solomon’s reign was marked by extensive building projects, including the temple and his own palace (constructed over some thirteen years).
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Our Daily Bread 8th June 2022 ODB Devotional | MESSAGE
Researchers tell us there’s a link between generosity and joy: those who give their money and time to others are happier than those who don’t. This has led one psychologist to conclude, “Let’s stop thinking about giving as a moral obligation, and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure.”
While giving can make us happy, I question whether happiness should be the goal. If we’re only generous to people or causes that make us feel good, what about the more difficult or mundane needs requiring our support?
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Scripture links generosity with joy too, but on a different basis. After giving his own wealth toward building the temple, King David invited the Israelites to also donate (1 Chronicles 29:1–5). The people responded generously, giving gold, silver, and precious stones joyously (vv. 6–8). But notice what their joy was over: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord” (v. 9, italics added). Scripture never tells us to give because it will make us happy but to give willingly and wholeheartedly to meet a need. Joy often follows.
As missionaries know, it can be easier to raise funds for evangelism than for administration because believers in Jesus like the feeling of funding frontline work. Let’s be generous toward other needs as well. After all, Jesus freely gave Himself to meet our needs (2 Corinthians 8:9).
June 8, 2022 – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional for Wednesday
REFLECT: Why do you think generosity and joy are connected? What “unexciting” need could benefit from your generous giving?
PRAY: Father God, thank You for the joy found in giving. Give me a generous heart even toward ordinary needs.
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June 8, 2022 – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional for Wednesday. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread booklet. Our Daily Bread 8th June 2022 Devotional Message