Numbers 31:49-50. The captains of the Israelite army come to Moses with their tribute to the Lord from the spoils of war, saying "we have brought the Lord’s offering, what each man found, articles of gold, armlets and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and beads, to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord."

This idea of sacrificing material things, rather than spiritually, for the Lord was one I took a longer time to understand. I think because I never had a lot of money (I always had enough, though, thank you Lord!), I was protective of the things I had. I felt I had to be very careful with money, and I tended to hold on to material things for fear of needing them and not having them one day. To be honest, this is still something I struggle with at times - letting go, putting everything on the table, and giving abundantly to others and to God, trusting that He will provide for me and my family.

Even though I sometimes struggle with it, though, I am trying to do it, and whenever I truly give without counting the cost, God always gives me such consolation, and shows me that He will never stop taking care of me.