September 7, 2025 -- Exodus 35:21-25 & 36:5 -- The Vision

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. 22 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. 23 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats' hair or tanned rams' skins or goatskins brought them. 24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord's contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it.
Exodus 35:21-24 ESV
[the craftsmen] said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” Exodus 36:5 ESV
 
It is embarrassing to me to see how often churches host bake sales and rummage sales and dinner theatres so that they can raise enough money for the basics needed to keep a local church functioning. Both here, and then in Acts 2 at Pentecost as the 120 received about 3,000 new believers, the people contributed so generously there was plenty for the work that needed to be done.
 
The question is this: are we are believers giving sacrificially? Are we giving out of the abundance with which God has blessed us? Generous giving to God should impact our life-style. It should change our standard of living so that we keep our eye on the prize of Jesus Christ and our hearts are laser focused on the goal of bringing the good news of His salvation to every corner of the globe. The Fraser Institute’s 2022 Generosity in Canada Index noted that Canada’s charitable giving was at a historic low (this was published in August 2023). You can find surveys and historical information that shows during the Great Depression Canadians gave a greater percentage of their income to charitable causes than they do today. Why?
 
Perhaps Canadians are less Christian. Perhaps Christian Canadians have taken on more the cultural values which focus on self-interest and worldly goals. Perhaps Christians have lost the glorious sense that the task of the church is to declare the Name of Jesus Christ to every Canadian and outward from there to every corner of the globe.
 
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for the ways in which we hoard our treasures and have become more worldly with our finances. Spirit of God, lead us to be generous with all the resources You have given us so that the Blessed Name of Jesus will be broadcast near and far. Oh, stir in us a longing to see the glory of the LORD cover earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/05jKxv8ApuI?si=4_KKeSXS3-PAL4WG My worth is not in what I own
 

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