A Call To Contribute

Devotional 1: The Heart of Generosity

Scripture Verse

Exodus 35:4-5 (NIV) Then Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze;”  

Reflections

This passage from Exodus 35:4-5 serves as a foundational call to generosity, inviting the Israelites to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. It’s not merely a request for material possessions, but a divine invitation to participate in God’s work with a willing heart. The emphasis on “everyone who is willing” underscores that this act of giving is to be a voluntary expression of devotion, not a forced obligation. This aligns perfectly with the message that God desires our hearts, not just our hands. The specific mention of gold, silver, and bronze highlights that God values the quality of our offerings, but more importantly, He values the heart from which they come. This act of contribution is a tangible demonstration of faith, a way to acknowledge God’s provision and to express gratitude for His blessings. The construction of the Tabernacle was a sacred endeavor, a place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. By contributing their resources, the Israelites were not only building a physical structure, but also participating in a spiritual act of worship. This passage reminds us that our generosity is an integral part of our relationship with God, a way to honor Him and to further His kingdom. Just as the Israelites were called to contribute to the Tabernacle, we are called to contribute to the work of the church and to the needs of our community. This act of giving is not limited to material possessions; it also includes our time, talents, and service. It is about making room for God and for others in our lives, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.

Here are 5 main points:

1. Voluntary Giving: The offering is to be brought by those who are willing, emphasizing a heart-driven act.
2. Quality of Offering: The specific mention of precious metals highlights the value placed on the offering.
3. Spiritual Participation: Contributing to the Tabernacle was an act of worship and participation in God’s presence.
4. Acknowledgment of Provision: Giving is a way to recognize and show gratitude for God’s blessings.
5. Kingdom Building: Our generosity extends beyond material gifts to include time, talents, and service in God’s work.

Considerations

1. How can you ensure that your acts of giving are truly motivated by a willing heart, rather than a sense of obligation?
2. In what ways can you contribute your time, talents, and resources to further God’s kingdom and make room for others to encounter Him?
3. Reflecting on the video, it was stated that “God doesn’t need your money, but he does want your heart, especially a heart that’s entirely set and focused and given over to the Lord.” How can you ensure your heart is entirely given over to the Lord?

Prayer

Lord, may we embody the spirit of generosity shown in Exodus. May our hearts be willing and our hands ready to contribute to Your work. Help us to give not out of compulsion, but from a place of love and gratitude. May our offerings, both material and spiritual, reflect our devotion to You and our desire to participate in Your kingdom. Amen.

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Devotional 2: Stirred by the Spirit

Scripture Verse

Exodus 35:21 (NIV) And everyone whose heart was stirred and everyone whose spirit was willing came and brought the Lord’s offering for the work on the tent of meeting. For all its service, and for the sacred garments.

Reflections

Exodus 35:21 beautifully captures the essence of a divinely inspired response. It describes how the Israelites, moved by their hearts and spirits, brought offerings for the construction of the tent of meeting. This verse highlights the importance of an internal stirring, a spiritual prompting that leads to action. It’s not merely about fulfilling a command, but about responding to a deep, heartfelt desire to participate in God’s work. The phrase “everyone whose heart was stirred” suggests an emotional and spiritual awakening, a recognition of God’s call. This internal motivation is crucial because it ensures that our contributions are genuine and sincere. The mention of “everyone whose spirit was willing” emphasizes the importance of a voluntary and eager response. It’s about more than just feeling moved; it’s about translating that feeling into tangible action. The offerings brought were not just for the physical structure of the tent of meeting, but also for its service and the sacred garments. This indicates that their contributions were comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of God’s work. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God works through the hearts and spirits of His people. He stirs within us a desire to serve Him, and He empowers us to respond with generosity and willingness. The message from the video explained, “they came everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose Spirit moved him and they brought the Lord’s contribution.” This highlights that when we allow God to work in our hearts, we become instruments of His purpose, contributing to His kingdom in meaningful ways.  

Here are 5 main points:

1. Internal Stirring: The offerings were prompted by a deep emotional and spiritual awakening.
2. Voluntary Willingness: The people responded with an eager and voluntary spirit.
3. Comprehensive Contribution: Their offerings covered all aspects of God’s work, not just the physical structure.
4. Divine Empowerment: God works through the hearts and spirits of His people, empowering them to serve.
5. Meaningful Participation: Allowing God to work in our hearts leads to meaningful contributions to His kingdom.

Considerations

1. How can you discern when your heart is being stirred by the Holy Spirit, and how can you respond to that prompting with action?
2. In what specific areas of your life can you be more willing to serve God and contribute to His work?
3. Reflecting on the video, it was mentioned that the people “responded with a heart of thankfulness.” How can you cultivate a heart of thankfulness that leads to action?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, stir within us a desire to serve You with willing hearts and moved spirits. Help us to recognize Your promptings and to respond with generosity and enthusiasm. May our contributions, both big and small, reflect our love for You and our commitment to Your kingdom. Amen.

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Devotional 3: The Free Will Offering

Scripture Verse

Exodus 35:29 (NIV) All the Israelite men and women who were willing to bring anything for the work the Lord had commanded through Moses brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

Reflections

Exodus 35:29 encapsulates the essence of true worship through giving. It emphasizes that the offerings brought by the Israelites were “freewill offerings,” meaning they were given voluntarily, without coercion or obligation. This highlights that God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully. The phrase “all the Israelite men and women who were willing” underscores the importance of a willing spirit. It’s not just about the act of giving, but the attitude behind it. God desires a cheerful giver, one who delights in sharing their resources for His purposes. The fact that they brought “anything for the work the Lord had commanded” indicates that their contributions were comprehensive and varied. They gave according to their abilities and resources, demonstrating that every offering, regardless of size, is significant in God’s eyes. The command was given through Moses, but the act of giving was directly to the Lord. This signifies that their contributions were an act of worship, a way to honor God and express their devotion. The concept of a freewill offering is a powerful reminder that our giving should be an expression of our love for God and our gratitude for His blessings. It should be a response to His grace, a way to participate in His work and to further His kingdom. This verse also teaches us that true giving is not about meeting a quota or fulfilling a requirement; it’s about a heart that is moved by love and a desire to honor God. The message from the video explained, “This was a holy contribution and offering, but it came with a stipulation. It came with an interesting condition. It said the people of God were welcome to make a contribution to the Lord, but it says this, it says and they came everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose Spirit moved him.” This highlights that God desires our hearts and our willingness to give freely.

Here are 5 main points:

1. Voluntary Giving: The offerings were given freely, without coercion or obligation.
2. Willing Spirit: The attitude behind the giving is as important as the act itself.
3. Comprehensive Contribution: They gave according to their abilities and resources, showing that every offering is significant.
4. Act of Worship: Their contributions were a way to honor God and express their devotion.
5. Heartfelt Response: True giving is an expression of love and gratitude, not just meeting a requirement.

Considerations

1. How can you ensure that your giving is truly a freewill offering, motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation?
2. In what ways can you cultivate a cheerful and generous spirit, delighting in the act of giving for God’s purposes?

3. Reflecting on the video, it was stated that “God’s not going to ask you to give something that number one you don’t have, number two that you haven’t already he hasn’t already given you as your possession, and number three that you won’t give him with all your heart.” How can you align your giving with these principles?

   Prayer

   Lord, may our offerings be a true reflection of our love and gratitude. Help us to give freely and joyfully, with a heart that is moved by Your love. May our contributions honor You and further Your kingdom. Amen.

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   Devotional 4: The Marvelous Covenant

   Scripture Verse

   Exodus 34:10 (NIV) Then the Lord said: “Before all your people I will make a covenant. I will do marvels such as have never been done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work the Lord will do for you.”

   Reflections

   Exodus 34:10 speaks of God’s intention to establish a covenant with His people, promising to perform marvels that would be unparalleled in any nation. This verse highlights the extraordinary nature of God’s promises and the awe-inspiring work He intends to carry out. The concept of a covenant underscores the enduring and unbreakable nature of God’s commitment to His people. Unlike a mere contract, a covenant is a sacred agreement that reflects God’s faithfulness and love. The promise to do “marvels such as have never been done” emphasizes the limitless power of God and His ability to exceed our expectations. It’s a reminder that God is capable of performing miracles that defy human comprehension. The statement that “the people you live among will see how awesome is the work the Lord will do for you” highlights the importance of God’s work being visible and impactful. It’s not just about personal blessings, but about demonstrating God’s power to the world. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s covenant with us is not just a promise of future blessings, but a present reality that manifests in tangible ways. It encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to expect His miraculous intervention in our lives. The message from the video explained, “God establishes Covenant, look at what it says here in Exodus 34 and: 10 this is what God says to Moses he says behold I am making a covenant before all your people I will do marvels such as not being created in all the Earth or in any nation and all the people among whom you you are shall see the work of the Lord look at this for it is an awesome thing that I will do you better believe that God is doing doing an awesome thing in St Augustine right now.” This highlights that the covenant is active and present in our lives.

   Here are 5 main points:

   1. Enduring Covenant: God’s commitment is enduring and unbreakable, reflecting His faithfulness.
   2. Unparalleled Marvels: God promises to perform miracles that exceed human expectations.
   3. Visible Impact: God’s work is intended to be visible and impactful to the world.
   4. Present Reality: God’s covenant is not just a future promise, but a present reality.
   5. Trust and Expectation: We are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and expect His miraculous intervention.

   Considerations

   1. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s covenant with you, and how can this understanding shape your daily life?
   2. In what ways can you witness and share the “marvels” that God is doing in your life and community?
   3. Reflecting on the video, it was stated that “God has established his Covenant presence here isn’t that wonderful isn’t that amazing this is bigger than just going to church.” How can you participate in the covenant presence of God in your daily life?

   Prayer

   Heavenly Father, thank You for Your enduring covenant and Your promise to perform marvels in our midst. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness and to expect Your miraculous intervention. May Your work be visible in our lives, demonstrating Your power to the world. Amen.