Willing Hearts

O. T. #255  "Willing Hearts"
March 27, 2014
Exodus 35-Part 1
From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of ...     Exodus 35:5

LET IT GLOW

Are we giving people? Do we give to meet needs of others? Are our hands open when God wants to use something we have? Is our heart open to give? Do we have a willing heart? Things to think about.
 
After being on the mountain forty days without food and water, Moses came down to the people. He gathered the children of Israel together and gave the Sabbath regulations to them:

• These are the words the LORD commanded them to do.
• They were to work six days, but not on the seventh.
• They were to treat the seventh day as their holy day.
• It was to be their Sabbath day of rest to the LORD.
• Whoever does any work on it must be put to death.
• They were told to not even light a fire in their dwellings on the Sabbath day.

Moses had already told the people that God wanted their willing gifts so that the tabernacle could be built (25:1-8). What grace that God would accept gifts from a people who had disobeyed Him and grieved His heart. This was the Lord's offering, so they wanted to give their best. In fact, they gave so
much that Moses had to stop them from bringing more (36:4-7). (Wersbe)

The offering of the LORD was to be given by those who possessed a willing hear. One who gives out of a feeling of group pressure, or for any other reason, ought not give at all. They were to bring precious metals, cloths, skins, and lumber, olive oil, and precious stones. (Falwell)

Have you accepted grace from the Lord? He is willing to give it. He has already paid for it, so it is free to us. We don't deserve it, but He still offers it, even when we disobey.
 

LET IT GROW

The Holy Spirit gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the wisdom to know what to do and the ability to do it. They also taught others how to assist them. They were to construct the Tabernacle and make the priests' special garments.

Scholars estimated the construction of the Tabernacle used a ton of gold, 3/4 tons of silver, and 2 1/4 tons bronze.  (Wiersbe)

Do we use our talents to honor God?
Are we willing to use our stuff for kingdom work?

LET IT GO

Keep the Lord's Day holy.

Use my talents and abilities to honor God.