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GIVING WHAT YOU HAVE

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GIVING WHAT YOU HAVE: In order to make a holy dwelling for God, the Israelites had to give the right materials for the work of the Lord. Exodus 35 depicts how they gathered what they needed for this huge project. They all had a contribution to make. What is so wonderful is, God, blessed the community so that they had something to contribute.

From their example, we learn what it means to have a unified heart forgiving. One person could not have provided for the whole project. It took the Israelite community to give an offering of what they have, and what they can do for the glorious work of the Lord.

Exodus 35 begins with Moses telling the Israelites once more to honor God’s holy day (v. 1-3).

Each of what the people gave was needed somewhere in the tabernacle.  The gold, silver, and bronze were used to make the altar, ark, pillars, furniture, and utensils. The linen and yarn were used for the coverings, curtains, and veils. The animal skins covered the tabernacle itself, while the acacia wood was used to construct its framework. The oil, incense, and spices were used by the priests who served inside, with the precious stones adorning the sacred garments of the high priest. The people’s gifts were ordinary things, but they became sacred because they offered them to the Lord.

The people’s gifts were ordinary things, but they became sacred because they offered them to the Lord.

All of the materials that built the tabernacle came from the Israelites. The people gave from what they had, and in this way, they participated in God’s work. God could have made a tabernacle magically appear. However, He was working on the hearts of the people. God had a process. God made plans, but the people did the work. They experienced what it was like to be used to accomplish God’s purposes. They also experienced how God provided so that they can contribute.

God is intentional. God would not give you something that you do not need or that He does not need for you to give.

The people gave the right materials, giving God what they had. Everything they had come from God in the first place.

However, it is the grace of the Lord that allows you to receive what you can contribute so that you are part of the big picture.

The people were willing to give. God only accepts offerings that are freely given, otherwise, the curse is on the giver. Paul restated how God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). Thus, the collection for the tabernacle — the contribution of the people, is a freewill offering.

Even today, we have a similar opportunity to give something to God. Everything we have comes from God in the first place. Sometimes, it is literally a building project so that the church can have a venue to meet at. However, most times, God wants you to contribute to keep the church running and to provide for His ministers. When we bring in our tithes and offerings, we are supporting God’s work through the Gospel.

The Lord is sovereign, He can deal with His ministers, as well as He can deal with anyone. Your duty is to obey and to worship the Lord.

Some of the offerings go to the pastor, so he can fully devote his life to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word. Some of it goes to the other ministry and support staff who help us grow in grace and serve Christ. Few of it goes to outreach among the poor and the lost in the community. Some of it goes to support the work of missions around the world. When you give to the church, do not allow the enemy to plant lies in your mind accusing your pastor and church of using the money inappropriately. The Lord is sovereign, He can deal with His ministers, as well as He can deal with anyone. Your duty is to obey and to worship the Lord.

 

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THE KIND OF GIVING GOD COMMENDS

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THE KIND OF GIVING GOD COMMENTS: Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about the generosity that pleases the Lord. Generosity is a heart issue, not a money issue. A person’s generosity is measured against his willingness to give, and not in the amount that he is giving. A person can give a million dollars with a reluctant heart, and the Lord would be displeased and dishonored by it. Compare it with a person who gives a hundred dollars for his tithe, which is double what is required of him, because of his willingness to give to the Lord and his desire to please God. The Lord would be pleased with the $100, and displeased with the $1,000,000.

Paul wrote, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

In the passage, it is clear that Paul addresses this letter to “each of you”, suggesting that the amount given will be different from one individual to another. The amount does not determine the attitude of the heart when it comes to giving the offering.

The amount does not determine the attitude of the heart when it comes to giving the offering.

Paul notes three important things about the giver. First, he should give according to as he purposes in his heart. We see a parallel to this in Exodus 25:1-2.  The giving must be free and deliberate, not under compulsion. It is not on a mechanical scale that one gives. It must be absolutely voluntary, and it must be the man’s worship to his God.

Another thing Paul listed here is that the give must not give grudgingly or out of necessity. The giver must not be grieved by his sacrifice. A person’s grief is based on his perspective. If he feels he is losing money — period — then he would be sorrowful. If he knows that God is faithful to reward those who are faithful and obedient to His word, then this would be a joyful process.

Finally, the giver must be cheerful in the process.

The word “cheerful” (Greek hilaros) implies that one is quick to act because he finds joy in the action. Paul further reveals how our generous God also loves a cheerful giver. He approves and chooses this kind of giver. How come? Because this giver reflects the nature and identity of the Lord. God is cheerful when He blesses us. He absolutely enjoys it. When we have the same attitude in giving, He loves seeing His image in His children.

God is cheerful when He blesses us. He absolutely enjoys it. When we have the same attitude in giving, He loves seeing His image in His children.

The Source of What We Give

Giving is a faith issue and not a supply issue. The giving is not dependent on what you currently. Instead, it is based on your heart to believe in God. What did Paul write, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). Every word of the first part of the verse alone speaks a lot about how the ability to give comes from God:

God is able to provide

God is able to provide you

God is able to provide you with every

God is able to provide you with every blessing

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.

The second part of the verse reveals God’s purpose. First, so that you can always have enough of everything. Second, so you may share abundantly in every good work. The purpose of the blessing is to bless you and to enable you to contribute — to give your offering.

The purpose of the blessing is to bless you and to enable you to contribute — to give your offering.

 

Your weekly dose of prophetic wisdom and anointing awaits you. Join our LIVE Conference Call!

1) Call 515-604-9266

2) Go to startmeeting.com, and use the login: BishopJordan

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