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A Willing Heart Exodus 25 - 35

I have been wanting to write this post for about a week now, but haven't made it a priority until now.  I was really excited to make the connection (aided by John MacArthur) between the instruction in 25 and the action in 35. What an awesome section of Scripture!  In Exodus 25, the Lord tells Moses to take a contribution for the sanctuary.  He instructs Moses to receive the gifts from everyone "whose heart moves him."  I thought, Oh, that's nice.  People can give as they feel led...  Then, I read chapter 35! I will share parts of verses 21-29.  "And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD's contribution to be used... men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought... Everyone who possessed....brought.  Everyone who could make a contribution of silver and bronze brought it... Every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought... All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun... The leaders brought.... All the men and women...whose hearts moved them to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded...brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD." And then I thought, WOW!  They didn't hold back!  As they were moved, they gave:  gold, silver, bronze, possessions, skills, anything!

This section in my Bible is now highlighted as a reminder of the willing and giving hearts of the people.

I began asking myself questions. Michelle, how has your spirit moved you?  What stirring have you felt in your heart?  Are you listening?  Are you considering?  Are you willing?  Are you acting?  I want to be like the people in this passage!   I don't yet know exactly how the application of this will manifest itself in my life, but I want to be listening.  I am praying that the Lord will show me, lead my heart, and help me be ready to GIVE!

 I don't know what the stirring looks like for you?  I don't know what you are being led to offer?  Time?  Less me time, more ministry time?  Less veg-on-the couch time, more give-to-my spouse time?  Less make-my-house-look-cutsie time, more dig-in-the-Word-and-prayer time?  Money?  Less grab-a-Starbucks money, more minister-to-others money?  Less spontaneous-purchase money, more give-to-God's-work money?  Less eating-out money, more buying-meals-for-others money? Energy? Inviting others to your home?  Serving at church?  Helping with a project?  Finding ways to reach the lost? What if that stirring is something radical?  Foster care?  Adoption? Special needs adoption? Missions work?  Moving?  Standing apart for a biblical conviction? How is the Lord leading you?  What gifts will you bring before Him?  Will you ignore the stirring or will you act?  Will you give grudgingly or with a willing heart?

These are all questions I will be asking myself, and I pray that the Lord will stir my heart.

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