Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thurs Devo - Giving commanded, but not forced

Exodus 35:4-9 & 20-24
Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece…
20 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, 21 and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord. 23 Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them. 24 Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the Lord, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it.

Even though the Israelites were transient desert wanderers at the time, God commanded them to give of what they had to make the tabernacle, all the tabernacle articles, and the priestly garments. He didn’t force them, though. He let them give out of a willing heart.

He does the same today. He commands us to give, but He doesn’t force us. What are you and I willingly giving to God’s work? Sometimes the easiest thing is to give money. We often give out of our excess or what we think we can live without. However, the Israelites gave up items from every part of their lives, not just money. They gave up valuable possessions and materials.

Will you and I ask God what He wants from us?
We can ask Him what our church or another ministry around us needs. Then, we can look for His direction.
When God shows us, will you and I willingly give to provide for His work through that ministry?   


Alice

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