Thursday, September 4, 2014

AN OFFERING

Today’s Reading: Exodus 35

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

The priest is before the Brazen (bronze) Laver just outside of the Holy Place in the Court of the Tabernacle. This is the replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle that was set up at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington during the summer of 2012.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Exodus 35:5

Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze…

 

It’s a commentary on human nature that God sets the highest standards and speaks of severe judgment in order to encourage us to rise to His standards. To my knowledge, there were no executions for not keeping the Sabbath. Rather than labouring under the heavy weight of the letter of the Law, the people gladly gave of their resources and their skills in work. This was the spirit of the Law in action. Three times in this chapter we read the words “a willing heart.” In every project God lays on the hearts of His leaders, there is always the burden of raising finances and materials. God, in His wisdom, gave instructions through Moses that only those with a “WILLING HEART” were to give to His work. God’s Tabernacle was not built by those who were stingy with God’s cause. The people showed their gratitude for all God had done for them by giving sacrificially. The result was the joy and blessing of God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, the starting point of my journey with You is to give my entire self to You. Therefore, all that I have in my possession is Yours. I ask myself not how much should I give, but how much may I use of Your resources for my shelter, my food, my transportation, etc. Thank You for the fact that You, Jesus, said, “My sheep know My voice.” I’m listening, Lord. I pray now for grace to obey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so glad that the Council of Jerusalem put only a small portion of the laws of Moses on the non-Jewish believers in Jesus (check out Acts 15:20). Sabbath keeping is not in that list. Of course other laws about murder, adultery, etc., are repeated by Jesus and the Apostles as binding on us. I’m well aware that the Scripture says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). I remember when I was a student in Bible College in Peterborough, an old man came in and began giving out $10 bills to the students. I laugh with joy at the remembrance. There was a whole lot of love there that day!

Yours for the joy of obeying God’s New Covenant Laws and for the love that flows when we give back to God,

David

 

13 thoughts on “Thursday, September 4, 2014

  1. Amen! I have missed commenting on the blog these past few days. An opportunity for a new accommodation has come up but I have some apprehension about it. Thank you saints for your prayers in this regard and I thank you for your continuous prayers; it means so much. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and know that he shall direct thy path. I place my trust in You, Lord Jesus. Bless you saints.

    • One of my favourite verses Beverlee, I am agreeing with you in prayer for your housing situation. I know He will help you make the right decision. I was pleased to see 100 Huntley St. was on at 9pm last night. This is the most convenient time for me so I missed it on Tuesday night. Have a great day everyone and God Bless.

  2. Bezalel, the artisan and master craftsman has impressed me with his many mentions and God given talent. Also, his willingness to share and teach others, all for the glory and honour of Our Lord. Moreover, how God calls “all who are skilled among you to come and make everything the Lord has commanded.” The development of skill and talent is from a place within us which finds inspiration and desire to pursue a greater end. Praise God for all who are called and serve others in this gifted way! His strength and blessings, to all!

  3. Thank you saints, for your prayers for my nephew Jon. I have a great praise report to share that he was led on a new path and is doing very well. Praise God through whom all blessings flow.

    What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
    —2 Timothy 1:13-14

  4. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Am always grateful for this blog, David and great to hear the good reports, Beverlee. Will keep you in prayer and for your wife, Nes. Would be great to seen 100 Huntley St. on at 9pm. Have a good day everyone.

  5. a few days ago I commented I was having troubling about tithing! God answered to day “willing heart” and He loves a cheerful giver” Thank you dear Lord. thank you. I pray for those who are ill that they would be healed In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Saviour and those who need support with decisions they need to make in their life may God speak very clearly to everyone just as He has spoken to me today and many times before. Blessed by the Lord God Almighty! AMEN!

  6. I also have a dream of walking into a grocery store and paying for this person’s groceries or that person’s groceries and just smile and say “God bless you” and keep on walking…..In Jesus Name……..

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