FEBRUARY 12 READINGS… Exodus 35:1-36:38.
There are some very important teachings in today’s reading when it comes to giving to the Lord. It was time for the Israelites to make the tabernacle. God had gifted Bezalel, Oholoab, and the other craftsmen…along with the women to sew…to do the skilled labor. The call went out to the people to bring the materials needed for the tabernacle. The people responded…not all responded but many did and I want you to see the verbiage used to describe these who responded to the Lord’s call to give. Their hearts were stirred and their spirits moved…their hearts were willing…they willingly brought…all who were willing…everyone who was eager to help…they gave freely. My brothers and sisters this is biblical giving…this is how we are called to give to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches we in the church… “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
What a privilege it was for the people of Israel to be able to give back to the Lord. We too should be thrilled that we are privileged and able to give to the Lord and to His work. The people of Israel were so moved to give, they gave so much that the leaders had to tell them to stop, for they had enough. There is always more than enough with the Lord…it’s just a matter if His people will open their hearts to be moved and stirred to give. It’s God’s plan that His people fund His work. In giving cheerfully we recognize that everything we have comes from the Lord. Without God we would have nothing…we should gladly and joyfully give back to Him what He has blessed us with. Here is what is true, and always true…giving is never a financial matter, it’s a matter of the heart.
Please share any insights you received from today’s reading. Remember that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He gives not so we can boast of what we have, but so that we might be a blessing to others and to His kingdom’s work.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… Exodus 37:1-39:21.
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