February 1, 2007

I sincerely hope that you will be blessed and encouraged by today's devotional.

Trivia Tidbit

Most money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of linen.

Life Lesson

This is "Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month" in the United States. The month-long effort was started by the Illinois Food Retailers Association some time ago to deal with the growing problem and high expense of stolen shopping carts. The emphasis also encourages the return of milk crates, bread trays, and ice cream baskets to supermarkets to avoid increased food prices that these thefts cause. The month-long emphasis asks us to willingly give of our time and effort to help solve this pesky problem perpetuated by selfish and sinful people.

God established a system of giving that also calls for volunteer cooperation. It is true that God expects us to support His Kingdom, but God also wants us to do it willingly. Giving helps us move beyond our own sphere of innate selfishness to seek the good of others through God's work. Moses learned there would be enough when people gave willingly.

Word Walk

Giving. Giving involves your time, your treasure, and your talents. The Apostle Paul linked generous giving with spiritual benefits: the more one gives, the more one benefits (II Corinthians 9:6-11). We, as believers, are constant recipients of God's generous grace. He promises that if we willingly give of ourselves, He'll enable us to have an abundance of resources for the work which He has called us to do (Exodus 36:4; II Corinthians 9:8).

Read Exodus 35-36 to learn more about the generosity of the Israelites and then read the Power Points below.

Power Points

Below are valuable lessons you can apply to your life.

1. Faith is more than what we say, think, and feel; it is what we do. Moses told the people God's expectations were in how they daily lived out the faith they possessed (Exodus 35:2).
2. Giving is not a tax; it is a precious privilege. God only wanted offerings from those who willingly gave. The offerings were designed so all could participate (Exodus 35:5).
3. God speaks to us about how much we should give. Moses spoke of those whose hearts were stirred; that is, God had urged His people to give, and they responded unselfishly (Exodus 35:21).
4. Giving involves far more than money. Bezelel, Oholiab, and others willingly gave their time and talents to complete the needed work on the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 36:2).
5. When all joyfully give there is always more than enough to get the job done. Moses had to instruct the people to stop giving because their generosity had met the need (Exodus 36:6).

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be a joyful giver. May I offer all that is in me and all that I have to accomplish Your work in my world. Amen.

Closing

I hope you have been blessed by today's manna. I really encourage you to visit our Scripture of the Day page each day for spiritual sustenance.