In today’s reading, David saw an opportunity to give a good offering of devotion to God. God honored David’s desire, though not in the way David had expected. God desires willing workers for His kingdom. He also understands every vision. When we come near to God, we should take an humble approach. God knows our every talent and shortcoming. There is no shadow in which to hide filthy rags to give the appearance that our hearts are clean, if they are not. God knows even our thoughts within ourselves, though we may not speak them plainly.

David was not allowed to build a house for God because he was a man of war who had caused the shedding of much blood (I Kings 5:3). Though he had God’s forgiveness, he could not meet the requirement of God to build His house. Still, God recognized David’s sincerity of heart (I Samuel 16:7), in wanting to give God a perfect gift. Had David been allowed to do so, he would have proceeded with building the house of God. Since God disallowed the gift (I Chronicles 17:4), there was no fault added on David’s account, for not performing the work. In fact, God appreciated the offer that David had made (I Chronicles 17:7-14); and David made preparationa for the house to be built, though he could not be the builder (II Chronicles 22:2-5, 22:17-19).

I Chronicles 22:6-8

6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.  7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:  8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

Have you lived years and decades from youth – when you used to have big dreams? Has “reality” set in (like when you shrink your dreams (goals) to fit your budget, instead of growing your budget to meet your dreams)? What would you do with carte blanche (a blank check) to accomplish your ultimate TO DO list? David had one of those lists. He certainly did not have a money problem; and he had a heart toward God.

The prophet Nathan instructed David to do everything that was in his heart to do concerning the building of a temple for God (I Chronicles 17:2), but God told Nathan otherwise (I Chronicles 17:4). Sometimes, you may have an inclination to go above and beyond what is required to please God – that is, to live justly, love mercy, and walk Humbly with Him. However, God is not a man that He should have need of anything. Without any help, He can still bless you.

God made a covenant with David in honor of David’s offer of a gift. He promised to subdue David’s enemies. (I Chronicles 17:10). There is no greater alliance that you can have, than to be in communion with God (Romans 8:31). He also promised that the House of the Lord would be built by David’s son (I Chronicles 17:11-14). So by the desire of David to do a great work for God, he also claimed a blessing for his future generations.

The heart within you is always key in communication, whether with God or others. Since God looks on the heart, He has a true perspective concerning everything that we say and do. You may not have a huge budget to purchase with money a gift for the Lord, but God knows the value of whatever is contained in your alabaster box – whether oil or gold. The condition of your heart in the matter is what really matters.

Mark 12:41-44

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.  42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.