NO EXPENSES SPARED
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"The main room of the Temple was paneled with cypress wood, overlaid with gold and decorated with carvings of palm trees and chains. The walls of the Temple were decorated with beautifl jewels and with pure gold from the land of Parvain. All the walls, beams, doors and threshholds throughout the Temple were overlaid with gold and figures of cherubims were carved in the walls." 2 Chronicles 3:5-7 NLT

No expense spared in the building of the Temple for God to reside in.

Amazing to think about. Sensationally amazing since our household is putting pencil to paper and making (budgeting) plans to re-do our bathroom. We're going to be spending money on a renovation that's needed. We'll be putting some time into making over a pretty important part of the house. But you won't see any gold. No special wood. No jewels or carvings.

I'm choosing mid-range items that will last a long time. I'm not going overboard on what's in style, but focusing mainly on what's functional and low maintenance. Lots of thinking, erasing and giving in when it comes to plans like ours. Our budget is tight so when the funds must go out, they are allocated with a tight fist! Sometimes I give up on the project after a long while of listening to the adding machine hum in my ear. I throw in the towel. I worry and fret over unexpected expenses that might rear their ugly heads.

Sad thing is, I spend a little too much time counting the costs when it comes to serving God, too. I put my head to thinking and re-thinking just how much time He's asking me to give. I open and close my wallet reviewing what it is He's asking me to give. I ponder, think, stew on and meditate on the possible outcomes...instead of just doing what it is He's asked of me.

I should be sparing no expense when it comes to God's work.

I should do based on His bankroll, not mine. I should work using His strength, not mine. I should serve using His work ethics, not mine. I should access His love, not mine.