harvested, but the very best. They were not to bring in
bruised fruit, mangled grain or defective animals. They
were to bring in the best. Only the best. In modern
terms it would mean that when we receive our pay or
pension check, God's offering should be set aside before
bills are paid, outings planned or the latest gadgets
grasped in our hands. To look at most offering plates,
it appears that God is relegated to getting the crumbs
left over rather than the best.
who each Christmas or birthday compose a long list
of what they want. Seldom does a child ask for socks
and underwear. Instead it is something that beeps,
glows, shoots or can be dressed. But far too many never
outgrow that same approach in their requests to God.
Prayers are wasted for a parking place close to the
door, a winning lottery ticket, a sports team to prevail.
The wants of the moment eclipse the real needs. People
but it is due more to coincidence than God's interven-
tion on their behalf.
respond that God would supply all their needs. Look at
a homeless person as an example of how little a person
really needs to survive. Go visit someone in the nursing
home whose frail body makes every movement painful to
discover how little is needed to have a spirit that rejoices
in the Lord. After that, take a look at your petitions to
God and ask yourself, "Is this what I really need?"
appropriate this promise. It doesn't mean people will
knock at your door with oversized checks. It does mean
that with your heart in the right place, God will greet
you with His wonderful provision. And it will be just
what you need.