"You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD."
Exodus 35:2
Exodus 35:2
My Take-Aways
Something Old:
Exodus 35:20,22,23
"whose hearts were stirred" and "whose spirits were moved" (20)
"whose hearts were willing" (22)
"willingly" (23)
The Israelites gave what they had willingly. They gave their best.
Something New:
Exodus 36:6
They willingly gave their best. There was more than enough for the building of the Tabernacle. More than enough with some left over. Sounds like loaves and fishes. You willingly give the best of what you have and the Lord blesses you.
Something to Do:
Do I willingly give my best to God?
33 Comments:
You had me searching my Bible today. I was looking for a Scripture I wanted to share. In Mark 2:23-28 Jesus talks about the Sabbath to the Pharisees. Jews and other groups like the Jehovah Witnesses still keep the Sabbath and they keep it on Saturday. The Jew's Sabbath is from 6 P.M. Friday night until 6 P.M. Saturday night. As a matter of fact each day for the Jews started at 6 P.M. so their day actually started with night.
Just a little note, Paul wrote to the Gentiles. As Gentiles and also being under Grace and not under the law there are many things we don't have to keep like the Jews did and still keep. For example all the feasts.
The new eagerness of the people to work and to give abundantly is exciting! In our busy culture, we can easily shrug off the "stirrings" of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The time we set aside for our Sabbath, our rest, our connection to God, in whatever form we need, helps us to again "be still" and then be "moved." With renewed spirit and purpose, we too can be just as excited and eager to work for the Lord!
Thanks for the commentary from McArthur. I am currently prayerfully seeking a church community to attend and felt heavy with all the mention of the Sabbath in our readings lately. You took the load off yet provided great insight as to the meaning of the Sabbath after Christ and will continue to pray for my new church community. Thanks, Wendy
Bethany-OH
Well I did it - I am up bright and early - got my reading done and watched the VLOG. Good stuff today. I feel so much better and ready to start the day.
I, too, was amazed at how the people gave above and beyond what was needed and still wanted to give. Sometimes I get too bogged down in my "things" - I used to have a spending addiction, but God has set me free. Now I am giving away things that I find I don't use or even need. It is a good feeling and so liberating in this freedom process.
Off to work - thank you, Wendy, for another great day of sharing.
Teri
OK this is it - first time writing and it won't even be on today's readings because I am once again behind (we lost power for four days during this last snowstorm). Michelle and Kate reminded me that I am not alone when I too struggle with all that we are learning as 'first time readers through the Bible.' As my life is right now it is a little 'overwhelming' - yes, one day at a time. Last year God gave me the gift of having my Mom and Dad come live with us. This year found us slowly reversing roles. One night as I was helping Dad with his shower I realized some time ago he was caring the same way for his newborn daughter. At this moment I saw life from the beginning (birth of my children) through the final journey of my Dad (my Dad died January 10) and understood the greatest gift from God - experiencing life as we all hope - living a full life. I know the devastation of sudden death (my son-age 25). There is so much I want to write about this experience; especially the fact that for about a week my Dad didn't speak; yet five days before he died the minister from our church came to the house for communion. When I sat on the side of his bed and said, "Father Way is here to hold a service," he took his hand out of mine, held them in prayer position, and said "Amen." Five days later he died. Those were his last words. Dad was/is a General in the U.S. Army. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery March 8 - his 92nd birthday. Now that will truly be a 'celebration of life.' (Not easy to say when it is your child.) This is when I ask for all your prayers that God will help (I think I would rather He just write it!) me put into words what I am feeling SO it can be read at Dad's funeral. I echo everyone's sentiments - how thankful I am that I read Wendy's "Encouragement for Today" devotion that day in November that I 'accepted the challenge' to read with Wendy and all of you. I truly believe we are connected and I don't know any of you! PS - Kate where do you live in VA? I live outside Charlottesville. Anne
That they gave so freely and abundantly so soon after turning their backs on God stuck out to me, too. I liked that women were mentioned - God won't turn ANYBODY away! They continued to give their gifts each morning, too. I need to be sure to turn my life and all of my 'stuff' over to Him each day.
Bethany, my family is looking for a new church home, and has been for several months now. Isn't it hard?? I pray that you find what you're looking for!
Wendy, one of my pastors once said that it didn't matter which day you chose, as long as you make that a day that is different from your other, 'normal' days. Ladies, isn't a day free from laundry and cleaning a great thing??
Happy Friday all! My take-away today centered on using our gifts and willingly giving....
"Come all of you who are gifted" Exodus 35:10. What is my gift? Am I heeding His call?
"gave them freely" "willingly brought" "hearts were willing" "eager to help" "hearts were stirred" "spirits were moved" "were eager"....this theme is repeated over and over here.
Do I willingly and eagerly serve my God? Or do I out of obligation or habit begrudgingly do so?
Searching my heart....
Morgen
Happy Friday All~ Wendy you touched upon the scriptures that actually were on my thoughts most of last year! It seemed like the more I “observed,” and the more people I discussed this with, the more confused I became. So I prayed. Personally, I relished the thought of a Sabbath! Church, Corporate Worship, family time, a nap-hah(!) well possibly even a nap! With my husband not being saved, it was not like I could enforce any changes. However, we have attended church (me and the kids) and it was a day that I’d usually have extended family over, so for the most part we have kept it as a family day. However, last year I just wanted answers! I did not get it. I felt like the LORD wanted a “Holy Day,” with his people. All year long it was on my mind. Then, ahhh, peace came. Remember I told her I was taking the Kay Arthur, “LORD, I Want to Know You”, class. Now, before I go on, I want to say, that I totally agree with everything you said Wendy. I also want to say that this should not be a judgment issue. It’s a personal timing issue that everyone has to come to grips with. But, I’ll never forget sitting at the dining room table one Sunday afternoon, with my Bible, and homework from the class. God spoke. It was so clear and it was so beautiful. Jehova-meko ddishkem, The LORD Who Sanctifies You. He is so jealous for us. He’s sanctified us, set us apart, made us holy. “The purpose of the Sabbath was “that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you” or “That you may know that I am Jehova-mekoddishkem.” As God made the Sabbath holy to the children of Israel, so He made the children of Israel holy, or set them apart, unto Himself. (K. Arthur) There are different ways He sets us apart: keeping His covenant, obeying His voice, etc. What hit me like a light bulb was, thinking about the church today. It is weak because we have not remained pure from the world! We have not set ourselves apart; we have allowed ourselves to blend in! We have not remained holy. Bit-by-bit, the “sinful” things begin to feel “normal.” We have so many Godless people around us. So, to me the Sabbath, is a day that He sets us apart for Him (any day, like you said, Wendy). We are holy to Him. We are taking a day to KNOW Him, and not to do regular things that the World does. We are being sanctified closer to Him, thru the Holy Spirit, who over time enlightens, empowers, and then transforms our lives as we prayerfully continue to read the Word of God with a desire to do His will. I have noticed in the short time of my life, reading His Word, daily, just how much He enjoys the relational part.
You can buy the book at Barn’s Noble, and the chapter I’m talking about begins on page 117. There are MANY scriptures in the chapter re: the Sabbath and questions to ponder over. To me it was very helpful; but, I know it was God really who was giving me answers that I personally needed to hear. He personally explained it to me that afternoon! To KNOW God, to set myself apart for Him. This is my daily prayer. To KNOW Him more and more.
Ya’ll are really blessing me. Ya know dear Wendy, you are really spoiling us! It’s so much more fun to read the Word with a bunch of encouraging believers! The comments have been over-the-top-WONDERFUL! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Lori
Good morning FIGs!
the snow days here have allowed me extra time to get into God's Word, as i only can on the weekends...but alas, i must return to work today...and just as i was tempted to feel sorry for myself, exodus 35 rehashed Bazelel!!
i am SO claiming it, again! i must really need to hear it, since God is repeating His Holy Self...this time there are not enough colored pens and highlighters at my desk to describe the encouragement i am feeling from these Holy Words of God...(made personal to me...)
my heart is stirred and my spirit is willing to use my God given skills, my great wisdom, abilities, and expertise in all kinds of my craft. i have the ability to teach my skills to others, and i excel in my work, as prescribed to be by the Lord!!
so, today i can anticipate wonderous things happening, and God encounters... let my face shine with the radiance of the presence of God as i encounter Your people today God...
have a great day, in Christ,
amy jane
allyson, did you read the part about 'giving her great wisdom and expertise and ability in her craft'??? i claim that For you!! xoxo
Happy Friday!
I was raised in a home, where the Sabbath was kept - from Friday evening when the sun went down, till Saturday when the sun went down. My parents became Seventh Day Adventists when I was a baby, and became missionaries to Rwanda. It is a long story... But, that being said, I know there are many different angles and persuasions as far as interpretation goes. We search for God and those who diligently seek Him, will find Him. I believe we need to be Old and New Testament Christians and follow instruction as He opens it up to us. Not to judge - ever!
In Mark 2:27 we read "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath". In our ever increasing busy lives, God knew and knows how we need a day to pull away from the world and stressors of life and draw near to Him and re-connect with ourselves and family...
Just wanted to share - and encourage every one to search and pray - He will meet you there. I am so blessed by this study with you all - thank you!
Love
Marianne
Good Morning & Happy Friday, Thank you all for your insightful comments! Wow God is working & blessing me through you all! Thank you!
The one thing that kept coming at me in today's reading was how God wants us to come to Him willingly with our hearts in the right place.
Is my heart in the right place? Something to think about this weekend! Be safe & enjoy!
Blessings & Peace Mary
OH MY! Good Stuff, thank you one and all, I am so blessed!
Exodus 33:13 LORD, let me Sandra "know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor".
Moses was a FRIEND of GOD, oh how I want Him to call me FRIEND. Amen
Thanks you sweet Wendy and Morgen for telling me how to copy, print these beautiful comments from my GIG and FIG, it will be a digging
weekend for me. Praise God!
slee, FL
Happy Friday,
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. He is the Master Builder, just as He was a carpenter on earth.
What kind of materials(works) are we sending up for our eternal home? Is it hay, wood, stubble, or gold, silver, precious stones to be tested by fire as in 1 Cor.3?
I, for one, want to keep working for Jesus, giving my best, willingly and eagerly.
Since we are Jesus' tabernacle on earth now, He wants us to keep it holy.
Confession:
He asked me to give up Dr. Pepper, but I didn't. My body got sick as a result, and I was forced to do it. Now it should have been a willingness to sacrifice it to the Lord, but I didn't. After confessing my sin, I am recovering. His will will be done. Not all people have the same requirements from the Lord, don't misunderstand me. This was my issue to submit. I was using it as a comfort, drinking 3 a day at least. I hope to stay faithful however long it is to be.
Wendy, your mentioning the DP struck my heart. Thank you for your honesty.
Have a blessed weekend all. Remember, our first mission field is our home.
Linda from ARK.
Good Morning,
Just wanted to share the "new" thing I found while reading. I did not remember Ex 35:34..God urges Bezalal and Oholiab to teach others their skills..."Those to whom God has given knowledge should be willing to communicate it for the benefit of others, not coveting to monopolize it" (Matthew Henry) Something to think about...
Sue in Northern CA
Yesterday we read that God knew Moses name. This morning I woke up with the chorus of a song running through my head..."Thank You,Lord for hearing me, thank You Lord, for knowing who I am, Thank You Lord for seeing me, it's so easy to get lost these days, in the shuffle and the noise." My heart is singing, He knows my name and where I am! HE HEARS ME!!! PTL
Jan TN
Krista from your comment yesterday re God hardening Pharaoh's heart. I don't think God hardened Pharaoh's heart from the get go. Pharaoh was given a choice like all of us whether to listen to God or not. God knew what Pharaoh's choice would eventually be so He used that to bring good out of the situation (i.e., showing the Egyptians that He is the one true God. And it worked because it says in Ex 12:38 that a "mixed multitude" went with the Israelites as well. NKJV) That's just my take on it.
Looks like we all heard the same thing today.
Let me just add Jon Courson's commentary re the Sabbath: "The penalty for violating the Sabbath command was death. And how true that is. Whenever I don't take advantage of the opportunity to be in the Lord's presence, to be refreshed and renewed, something within me dies."
And re Bezaleel and Aholiab - I love that they also taught others their skill and did not hoard their talents for themselves.
Again quoting Courson: "If you want your life to be impacting the key is to have both ability and availability. There are people who have great abilities, but they're never available. When there is work to do, when opportunities open, when needs are presented, they're just not around. Bezaleel and Aholiab go down in history as models, their names recorded for eternity, as men who used the practical gifts God had given them for His glory."
I just noticed the two topics tie in together. If I set aside my Sabbath, a day devoted to the Lord, I can be refreshed, energized, hone my abilities and be available for the work He wants me to do.
Have a blessed day everyone! DH came back from Canada yesterday with his usual souvenirs: sniffles and cough. Everytime he goes somewhere, he brings those back.
Thank you, Wendy and all of you, for your inspiring and uplifting comments each day. I love reading them and getting extra insight. The Lord is blessing me through you.
The Lord does ask us to give our best to Him, and He will use us to bless others as He is blessing us! That reminds me of one of the old hymns that is so wonderful..."Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. Mould me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and Still...and it goes on to say ...Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see, CHRIST ONLY, always, living in me!
I love that. My skill from the Lord is working in Calligraphy to create scripture based cards, magnets, and bookmarks. Wendy said I could share my website with all of you. Everyone LOVES a word from the Lord!!
Love, Kathleen (www.katscalligraphy.com)
Thank you so much Sue, for pointing out those important words in Ex 35:34, about needing to teach others our skills. The old ego can easily come between ourselves and God when we don't give Him the credit for our gifts! We can become very puffed up when others think we are so great, LOL!!! Sharing our talents and gifts are the very reason we have them-- in order to serve Him! Thank you for sharing!
Jacque
Afternoon Everyone,
Catching up from the last two days. Yesterday's reading and posts were just wonderful!
Today I focused on what so many of you did as well about how the people were willing, their hearts were stirred and eager to help in the work of the Lord. God is really stirring my heart in an area right now. It is an area that I have so many mixed feelings about and am not sure what to do. Just to throw a question out there for all of you that don't have saved spouse...what do you think and do about tithing? Thanks for any feedback :) You can post here or at "Standing in the Gap." You can read the post their today about some of my struggles from yesterday and as more bills pile on, my heart keeps going to giving. My heart is stirred, it is something I want to do and desire to do because I know God honors that, it pleases Him, but does that honor my husband?
You all have a blessed day!
Brandee, TN
Brandee,
I have been in your shoes. God called me to tithe before my husband got saved - and I was also a SAHM. I was handling the finances and the stress and burden that comes with it.
It was difficult but as I obeyed, God was faithful to provide. One of the first months that I tithed, I won the same amount at my son's school raffle. He also led me to Dave Ramsey and I followed the Baby Steps to get out of credit card debt.
When my husband found out about the tithing from my in-laws (I shared my experience with them but didn't know they were going to tattle on me), he was not happy. So I spoke with my pastor who told me that God desires my husband to be saved more than the money I give to Him. He said do what my husband asks. God knows my heart and He knows I long to follow Him. What my DH and I agreed was half the amount I was giving before. So that's what I have been doing eversince. I look at it as tithing from my own salary and adjust it accordingly.
(((HUGS))) It's not easy. Keep praying and see where God leads you.
Brandee, it sounds as if we are in similar places. My husband believes but has not made a definite decision - and so is holding back in many ways. We've discussed tithing and he's not ready to do it yet, although he is willing to commit to choosing a given amount per week, much less than 10%, and working our way up. In the meantime, my tiny salary (I babysit a few days each week) is mine to use for special things for the kids, holidays, treats, etc., and so I tithe from that. It's not much, since I make so little, but it's something, and it's the full 10%. What has also been really cool is that since I quit my job at preschool last June, rather unexpectedly, and started babysitting in September, our household bills started being reduced - yes, in the midst of this recession. My husband, who was quite worried about how we were going to make it all work, would call me excitedly about the phone bill that was going down, the reduction we got in our house payment, etc, and we had the chance to talk about and really SEE all the ways that God is taking care of us, even in our changing circumstances. Dave's dedicated now, for the first time in years, to working on a budget with me and to getting rid of our last bits of debt. I think that God is really working on him, and that someday we'll be up to a full tithe.
I just read your blog post from last night - I'm very sorry about your husband's friend. I'll pray for them both.
Hope that helps.
Thank you ladies for the feedback already. I am a stay home mom and I do not work at all, so my husband brings in all the income for our household. I talked to a lady at church about this a while back and her advice sounded like what you said G&P that you never want to do anything that would turn him away from the Lord. Since I do not make any income I should not tithe if he is not ok with it. Last week we got our church budget and our son goes to school at the same facility as our church. The church lets them use the facility at no cost and they pay all the utilities and things out of the weekly offering. That really spoke to my heart about us giving since we do go to church there and we do send our son to school there. Offerings have been way down and they are struggling to pay everything. I also handle taking care of the finances and we have a plan to pay off our home bills that have arisen the past few months. By mid-year we should have it all paid granted nothing else breaks :) This plan to pay things off would also still be able to happen if we started giving weekly at church. I am still praying. I don't want to turn John away but it is so strong on my heart right now for us to do this because of the school and us supporting both.
Hi Ladies!
My nugget for today came from Exodus 35:29-
"So the people of Israel- every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses- brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord."
It made me think about how everything I have is a result of God's "unfailing love"- How freely do I give back these gifts God has given me? Do I cling to them or do I freely and eagerly give back to God and others? Not just things, but love, time, patience, compassion, etc.- How do I show my gratitude to God? I pray that I will remember to give freely and eagerly and show my gratitude to God daily!
Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Valentine's Day!
Elizabeth
Marianne
Amen! I could not have said it better myself.
Thank you!
Marianne
Amen! I could not have said it better myself.
Thank you!
Linda
I feel your pain with DP! I am so thankful God put someone else in the boat with me. We are never alone.
My take-aways:
I tried to picture the people working on the Tabernacle as I read about it. I too have been given creative talents. And I highly appreciate the artistic skills of others. So I looked at today's reading from that perspective mostly. I have seen people weave on big floor looms but can you imagine making a sheet forty-two feet long and six feet wide filled with embroidery and then making 5 more of them exactly alike? That was only one part of the whole project! Think of the amount of rings they cast to hold all of the different parts together. I read about the details of how everything fit together-just writing the description was a feat let alone the doing of it. How God formed the ideas of what He wanted and then enabled the craftsmen to work together to communicate and carry out His instructions is amazing!!!
Besides the enormity of the project, think of the patience, diligence and focus that the craftsmen had to have had within themselves to accomplish the task. My attitude is usually my biggest stumbling block to accomplishing my goals-enthusiastic at the beginning but it wears out so quickly.
Then I considered how the craftsmen must have felt when the last parts of the Tabernacle were put into place. They must have been thrilled beyond measure to see the LORD's vision planted in their heads actually standing before them.
To be used of the LORD however is the very best reward and privilege any person can be given!!! I am more of a project-oriented person than a people-person unfortunately-I usually get very good results on project output but my people-skills could use a lot of improvement. One thing I've learned is: People are eternal-projects are just things which do not last. Even the Tabernacle as exquisite as it was no longer exists out of those physical materials. I need to remember that how I treat people is more important than what I can do with my hands.
In the Rev. 21:3 it says "Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men..." meaning that Jesus' presence is with us always. It's another example of how a Person,Jesus, is eternal but the Tabernacle built by hands is only temporal. Cindy
Sorry I don't post till the end of the day. I get so much out of what everyone else says. I hope somebody else reads this and has had similar experiences and thoughts as I have had.
Cindy
Hi All - AGAIN! I've been sitting (waiting) while my car was getting serviced, so had some time to re-read today's chapters...If I did not read it a second time I would have missed a golden nugget! smile!
"God summoned Bezalel and Oholiab..."
But...then comes some good stuff:
"and all the others who were specially gifted by the LORD and were 'eager' to get to work." 36:2
That eager word just popped out to me! When I got home I was curious how the KJV would use that word:
'heart stirred."
What kind of people did God give wisdom to? aahhh, people that were eager to work! People who had hearts stirred to work! I just love that! God has blessed each of us with our own talents so that we can use them to further His Kingdom. But, on the other hand, He sometimes gives us jobs to do that are not exactly what we feel we are talented for. He's showing me that when He does this, if my heart is stirred to serve and if I'm eager, ---blessings come. He's such a good Father-allowing us to do what we enjoy, while at the same, time encouraging us to step out of our comfort area and lean on Him.
Just loved this verse!!
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Lori
PS God is our teacher and He is looking for "gung ho," students to be obedient to Him!
Anne - I am sorry to hear about your Dad passing away. It must be comforting to know that he is finally at home... I'll pray that God gives you the words to write for his funeral service. I am in Richmond. Can you believe this weather?? More to come, supposedly, tomorrow and Monday. I'm starting to crave those spring flowers!
Kate
Cindy,
Yes, I do know what you mean! My scrapbooks and pictures mean the world to me, and I had not thought of them like that before. I am a people person but would be sick about losing my projects. I think about this with the Haiti situation--they lost EVERYTHING, but the people go on. May we always make people our first project! Jennifer
Hello Wendy,
Thank you for your encouraging words and insights on the Scripture reading.
I am reminded about the Sabbath and encouraged to make sure we do take time out of our busy schedules to meditate, rest and enjoy Him and his creation.
Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's day!
What is reminded to me is God's Love for us a true Valentine, the love of sending His only Son to die on the cross for our sins, WOW what mercy, grace and love our Creator shows!
Happy Valentines to all of you!
Paola
When I read todays reading I was taken in by the gifts given to the Lord. And the enormity of the task ahead of the craftsman. I re-read it several times and just imagined what the craftsmen and people saw when the project was completed. The intricate detail that God gives to them made me think that God is very detail oriented and knows every intricate detail of my life and what he has planned on his drawing board for me. Am I willing and eager to make it happen? With God's help and direction I pray to be able to say YES!!
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