Have You Given Your All? - by Rev. Tom East

Read: Psalm 54:4-7

I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, Lord,

because it is so good    Psalm 54:6

During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind.  Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances.  After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country.  Each piece of jewelry he received, he would exchange for a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude.  These decorations would be inscribed, ‘I gave gold for Iron, 1813.’

The response was overwhelming.  But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewelry!  The reason of course was clear.  They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king.                                      .

When we come to know our King Jesus, we, too should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him. The amazing thing about our King Jesus is that He not only takes our jewels but He takes our rags too -- and uses them for the good of His Kingdom!

Perhaps there are some things we need to sacrifice to him today. Let's pray and ask for His revelation. There are great things awaiting those who give out of gratitude for what God has done for us in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be givers rather than takers so we can give freely as Jesus gave for us on the cross. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Focus: A thankful heart