Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.

Exodus 35-39:1

 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. Exodus 35:2-22, 36:2

Day 31 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the construction of the tabernacle.

Key takeaway from today's reading include how God desired those who were willing to give an offering of gold and valuables and an offering of labor for the construction.  God wants us to have a heart for Him so this is not forced labor as it was with Pharaoh in Egypt.  A heart for Him results in a desire to be a cheerful giver and to glorify Him with our efforts.  "Willing" is used six times in chapter 35-36 in the context of how God wants us to give our tithes and offerings to Him, including our service to Him.

Everything we possess and all of our skills and abilities come from God and He desires us to use them for His glory.

Every good and perfect gift is from above[.] James 1:17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You give all of us provision from which to live and skills and abilities You develop in us to serve You - we are blessed!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

Psalm 44

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. v8

We all have skills and abilities but God is the source of our skills and abilities.  

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge[.] Proverbs 1:7

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 

We should have no reason or cause to be arrogant or to boast.  Our boasting should be about what God has done.

 

We must be a light.

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 

 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus, You created the heavens and the earth, and everything in them...and You created every human being and all that they have done is due to You.  Lord Jesus You are an amazing God who has done great things both with me and through me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth the love You pour out for me.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

Exodus 35

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers. v35

Arrogance is a sin that has afflicted me and God has done much to both humble me and sharpen me - I am grateful.  Scripture this morning reminds me that we are to remain humble and to understand where our blessings come from - not our own hand but from God alone.

We are given free will to exercise our ability to be a steward of our time, treasure and talents but again all these things come from God.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

See also the Parable of the Talents.

We are to be humble.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  You loved me and rescued me while I was still sinning and You continue to love me now as my sin continues.  Thank You God but please forgive me for my selfishness and anger.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.