Deuteronomy 12  When Israel brought their offerings and sacrifices to the place that the Lord would choose in the promised land, it was supposed to be a time to rejoice.  God would bless them with crops and herds and they would bring the first fruits etc. and rejoice before the Lord.   They were to set aside these offerings as "holy" to the Lord and bring them to the place He would choose to offer them there .

Israel was to destroy any idols or places where idolatry was practiced.  They were to be careful not to allow anything to come between them and the Lord.  But, must importantly, they were to "rejoice before the Lord your God in all your undertakings."  ( v18)

The Lord wants us to bring our tithes and offerings with cheerful hearts too!   When we recognize the fact that all we have comes from Him and belongs to Him; that He has blessed us in all of our undertakings - we will be doing right to bring our offerings and rejoice before Him.

Father, teach us this truth once again.  Thank you for giving us all that we have needed.  Thank you for food to eat and clothes to wear; for the roof over our heads, and for so much more than that.  Thank You for our children and grandchildren.  We are blessed by Your Hand and You are worthy of all our praise. Bless the Lord!