Tag: Giving

A Willing Heart that Builds for God

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BOB RICHMOND

The words of 1 Chronicles 29:14–18 remind believers that everything they own already belongs to God. King David spoke with deep humility, recognizing that all people are only caretakers of what God provides. When he and his people gave toward building the temple, David understood they were simply returning to God what was already His. True giving begins in the heart. It cannot come from pride or guilt, but from the joy of knowing that God owns all things.

David and Goliath; IRS Images, 2025

David’s life showed how faith grows through trust in God. When he was a young shepherd, he faced a lion and a bear, and later, the giant Goliath. In each challenge, David knew it was not his own strength but God working through him. This same trust guided him in his later years when he desired to build a temple for God. However, God told him that his son Solomon would be the one to complete that work. Though this news must have disappointed him, David accepted it with grace. Instead of being bitter, he poured his effort and wealth into preparing everything Solomon would need. His example moved the whole nation to give willingly and joyfully.

David prayed that the people’s hearts would stay focused on God, that their devotion would grow so strong it would fill their thoughts and dreams. He wanted them to understand that giving to God’s work is not a loss but a privilege. When believers see giving as returning what God already owns, they cannot be angry or defensive about it. Their joy grows when their hearts are right with God.

The message from David’s prayer also reminds Christians today that faith is seen not only in words but in actions. Giving and serving reveal what is in the heart. A soft heart is eager to give and serve; a hard heart resists and finds reasons to hold back. Jesus taught that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If people invest only in earthly things, they risk losing what they value. But when they invest in God’s work, they store up treasures that last forever.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

The story of David also connects to how Christians today should live and give. God blesses people not only for their own comfort but so they can bless others. Those who have been given much are called to use their blessings for God’s purposes. Even small acts of generosity matter when done with a sincere heart. What matters most is not the size of the gift but the willingness behind it.

The Apostle Paul spoke about churches in Macedonia who gave to help others even when they were poor and struggling. They found joy in giving because their hope was not in wealth but in God. Their generosity came from first giving themselves fully to the Lord. When a person gives their heart to God, giving anything else becomes natural.

David’s prayer ended with a request that God would keep the people’s hearts set on Him and that their devotion would continue for future generations. What they gave built more than a building; it built faith, unity, and hope. Their obedience became a testimony that lasted long after David’s lifetime.

Every believer faces the same choice: to hold tightly to what they have or to trust God with it. A willing heart says “yes” to God and helps build something that lasts beyond one lifetime, faith in families, unity in churches, and blessings for generations to come.

Consider Joshua’s words recorded in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Shouldn’t this same spirit of surrender and service continue to shape the lives of those who follow Jesus today?

Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Faith that Says Yes

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

BOB RICHMOND

Faith is not built in times of comfort. It grows when God leads us into something greater than we can handle. Every major work that has ever honoured God required His power to succeed. From the temple David longed to build, to the ministry buildings and churches of today, all of them began when people trusted God with what seemed too big for them.

When David realized that God had chosen Solomon to build the temple, he did not turn away in disappointment. Instead, he prepared everything he could and encouraged the people to give toward a vision he would never see completed. He praised God before the congregation, reminding them that all power, wealth, and glory belong to the Lord. What David understood is still true: nothing we have is really ours. God owns everything, and we are only managers of what He places in our care.

Faith starts by recognizing God’s ownership. When we hold tightly to our possessions, we act as if God forgot about us. But He never has. Jesus said that if God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, He will care for us too. Putting God first does not place us in danger. It brings us under His care.

Many people hesitate to trust God because they want to see the outcome before they act. But that is not faith. Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going. He trusted that God’s promise was enough. Peter stepped out of a boat to walk on the water, not because it made sense, but because Jesus said, “Come.” Both men saw what God can do when someone says yes.

Faith also relies on God’s power. We are not asked to accomplish great things on our own. God works through His people when they surrender their abilities, time, and resources to Him. When we trust God, He multiplies what we give. .

Throughout history, people have risked everything for what they believed was right. The early founders of nations and countless others acted in faith, trusting that freedom and truth were worth the cost. In the same way, every church, missionary, and believer who steps forward in faith participates in something eternal.

J. Hudson Taylor: Pioneer Missionary

Even the poorest believer can give something to God. Scripture shows that when people offer what little they have, God blesses and provides for them. The widow who shared her last meal with Elijah saw her food never run out. Hudson Taylor, a missionary who gave his last coin to a hungry family, found that God supplied his needs the next day. These stories are not about loss. They are about trust.

Faith is not only about believing in God’s power but also rejoicing in His provision. When we give what He asks, we open the way for Him to show His faithfulness. David rejoiced that God allowed him to give toward the temple, knowing that everything came from God in the first place.

Saying yes to God in faith may look different for each person. For some, it may be trusting God with finances; for others, it may mean surrendering future plans or stepping forward in service. Whatever the case, God asks for a simple yes. He does not require us to see the full picture, only to trust Him with the next step.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6