AUGUST 11

Exodus 23:19

                                 DO YOU GIVE OFFERINGS?

“Can I have a kitten? Please? Please?” Jessica begged. A big sign at the SPCA (Singapore Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) said, “Free Kittens,” and Jessica persistently pleaded with her mother to let her have one of them. She squealed with joy when Mom finally agreed and they went to choose a kitten. Jessica picked the smallest one of the lot. “I’m going to name him Runt,” she said.

A few weeks later, Mom and Jessica took Runt for his first visit to the veterinarian. “Well,” said the vet, after checking the kitten, “Runt is a bit scrawny. What have you been feeding him?”

“Milk,” said Jessica promptly, “and leftovers.”

Mom nodded. “ That’s true - most of what he gets is leftover scraps from our meals.”

“ That may be the problem,”said the vet.“Your leftovers probably don’t have the right nutrients to help Runt grow properly. Try feeding him food made especially for kittens and see if he isn’t soon healthy and strong.” So on the way home, Jessica and her mother stopped at a store to buy the special food the veterinarian had suggested for the kitten.

“No more leftovers for Runt,” Jessica told her dad that evening. “Only good, healthy kitten food.”

“All right!”exclaimed Dad with a grin.“I’m sure Runt will appreciate that.” After a moment he added, “Do you know who else shouldn’t get leftovers?”

“You?” asked Jessica. She looked a little concerned. “I thought you liked them.”

Dad laughed. “I do,” he said, “though not quite as much as when things are served the first time. But I was thinking of God. Instead of giving leftover time or love or effort to God, we should give Him our best in whatever we do.”

“O-o-oh,I think I get it,”replied Jessica.“ That’s why you taught me to put part of my allowance in the church offering, right? And to review my Bible verses before I get too sleepy every night.” She grinned. “But I’m glad you like leftovers,” she added. “I think that’s what we’re having for supper.”

Thought: Do you give God your best? Do you give at least 10% of your allowance to the Lord?
Prayer:Heavenly Father,teach me never to “give” You leftover money? Teach me the joy of giving and of learning to sacrifice for You, as You have done so much for me. In Jesus’ name – amen.