Journal 1-30-09

Exodus 25:1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows [a] ; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

The word for offering in this passage is terumah, meaning a free-will offering. There were still many reqirements and particulars to this free will offering. He knew what was needed for the tabernacle.

Beyond a tithe, the offering is your choice to give. And as I have learned you give an offering when it has been directed by God to do it. What I learn in this passage is that it is important to still hear the direction from God on offerings. Sure, helping with a certain ministry or project within your church may be fun and cool - and you may even see the results from your offering, but God may be directing your offering toward something else - something you may never see the fruit of in this life, but absolutely directed by the Lord.

Listen to the Lord. Wait on Him. Let Him order your actions. Because ultimately, just as in making the tabernacle, it is all for the glory of God.