Read Numbers 32:1–5. What is going on here? Why would they make this request?

   I believe they made this request on account of the livestock which they
   had. The might have thought that if they crossed over the Jordon
   that they might loose some of their livestock. Or that might have
   thought that there may not be a place as good as the one that they
   found in order for their livestock to graze.
  
   It appears here that they were more concerned about there possessions
   on this side of the Jordan rather than the great things God would
   provide for them on the other side of the Jordon. Don't we also
   stumble at the promise of heaven on account of the things we still
   still want to hold onto on this earth.
  
How did the leaders of Reuben and Gad respond, and how did Moses respond in return? Num. 32:16–42.
  
   They devised a plan so that they will be able to still do what they
   wanted to and also cross over to the other side and help the
   others possess the land. They decided that they would stay and
   build cities for their little ones and pens for their livestock.
   Moses agreed to this just as long as the fulfilled their oath
   which they promised.`
  
Think about your own relationship to the church body as a whole. How much are you seeking to give to the church, in contrast to how much you take from it? What does your answer tell you about yourself? At the same time, might there not be times that, because of circumstances, you need to take more than you can give?
  
   I believe that everyone has something which they can contribute
   to the body of Christ. The key is not how much you have to
   give but how faithfully do you use that which has been given to
   you. We often times look at what big and grandiose things that
   we can do , and we often overlook the simple and obvious things
   that are nearest to us.
  
   We must cherish a spirit of giving and benevolence. Being willing
   to give will help to develop our characters more after the likeness
   of Jesus Christ. The greatest expressing of God was that of giving.
   We must learn to be great givers in the sight of God and humanity.
  
Prayer: Father we thank for all that you have given unto us. Help us Father to give to others and to contribute the uplifting of your body of believers. Help us to glorify you by the love we show to one another. Thank you Father. In Jesus name amen.