February 12 - Exodus 35:1-36:38

Good morning everyone,

As we begin today’s reading, Moses is back in town and it is time to get to work on the tabernacle. First, however, God wants it made known that though there is a lot of work to be done, they are to only work for six days, taking the seventh off to rest. He was so serious about it that He told them, “Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death.” We, as a whole, would be wise to claim the practice of resting one day each week. Too many of us do not, powering through from day to day, week to week, year to year until we don’t even know how to rest anymore. We all need this rest God speaks to. It allows us less stress for starters, and then there is better health, more time to work on your relationships with spouse, children or even friends. Plus it provides us an opportunity to have quality quiet time with God, to be fed by Him who will then bless us with perspective and balance. Everything looks so much better when we are rested fed. Agreed?

Next the Lord called for an offering from everyone who was willing. What I love was, everyone was willing! They brought their gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, basically everything in their possession. They gave until Moses had to tell them, “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary,” because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. That is awesome. I have been to many churches in my life time and never have I ever heard the pastor say, “Yeah …. you guys have been so generous, you can take a break from giving.” Most churches have their faithful few who offer up all that they can all of the time while others hold tightly to all that they have, all that really belongs to God. God wants us all to be cheerful givers. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I would encourage us all to give above our tithe, happily to missions, teen ministry, the food bank or any ministry that can use your help. 

Friends, it should be our honor to tithe and give to our God and when you do, without expectation, you will be blessed beyond belief, You can never out give the Lord. Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Your blessings may or may not come in dollars, greenbacks, pesos, euros, pieces of eight, but if the Lord promises to bless you, you can count on being blessed. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..