I must learn heaven’s method of bookkeeping. God will not receive a gift from anyone; He will be no man’s debtor. Hannah could not give Samuel as a gift to God, so she “lent him to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:28, KJV). For this loan God returned her investment at 500 percent interest: “The Lord visited Hannah … and [she] bore three sons and two daughters” (2:21, ASV). Challenge any bank to match that!
God, teach me that if I would preserve my capital (and who wouldn’t?) I must loan it entirely to You. If I invest myself in myself or this world, I will not only lose my interest but also the capital itself. D. L. Moody, keen businessman that he was, took as his life verse: “The world passeth away, and the lust [desires] thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17, KJV). He left the selling of shoes to sell Jesus Christ, and now in heaven the fantastic rate of interest keeps pouring in.
If I am wise I will copy Hannah and Moody. I will total my assets today and invest them in one bank—heaven—and with one banker— He who has promised never to leave, fail, or forsake me.
“Lend me thy boat,” the Master kindly said
To Simon, wearied with unfruitful toil.
He lent it gladly, asking but the smile
Of Him who had not where to lay His head.
Oh humble toiler, when He calls thy name,
Lend Him thine all. The Master ne’er forgets
Discouraged fishermen or empty nets!
Author Unknown
“And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it. who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold” (Matthew 13:23).
Daily with the King 