FESTIVAL OF THE HARVEST
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 16-19

The combines have rolled in, wiped the fields clean and rolled on to conquer their next grain-laden piece of acreage.  Harvest is nearing completion in our neck of the woods.

And I find it so fitting that He has me reading in His Book about the Festival of the Harvest.

A one day celebration held in June to celebrate the end of the grain harvest.  A day set aside for thanks and a priestly sacrifice of two loaves of bread made from newly harvested grain.

And for the congregants on that day?  One simple instruction...

"...Bring him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings you have received from him."  Deuteronomy 16:10 NLT

Not just a list you accumulate through the month of things you're thankful for.

Not just a day on the calendar when you stuff your face and your belly in a thankful manner.

Not just a very, very short season of the year when you think about all you have and thank Him.

'Bring an offering in proportion to the blessings you have received', that is a mighty tall order!

How could one ever thank Him in a correct proportion to what He's done?  What offering would suffice?  How would we ever begin to measure our thanks in comparison to His graciousness?  Who could ever truly gift Him with an offering that measures up to His sacrifice of Jesus?  What would hold enough value to really express our gratitude?

I've thought and I've thought about it.  I've come up with only one thing that could and would possibly be what He needs to see how thankful we are...

We must give Him our hearts.