For Susan and me, Sunday came far too quick after our Wednesday and Thursday STATE OF THE CHURCH. We just weren’t ready with our cards! I think many of you were that way. Last year, we had a whole week to fill in the cards; this year, only three days.
But now, this week, we’re ready. Once again, this Sunday, we will do our March to the Joash Chest. Let’s all try to get our Commitment Cards in this week.
I love the way the Message Bible translates Exodus 35:
Every one whose hearts were roused, whose spirit was freely responsive, brought their offerings to God . . .
Eugene Peterson, the translator of the Message Bible, makes this commentary in the footnote of this passage:
Moses knew he had a congregation of generous hearts. And so he appealed to them on the basis of what they were “willing” to give. It was a voluntary offering, and the basis for their giving was gratitude. The response? “Every one whose heart was roused, whose spirit was freely responsive” brought their offering.
Cheerful givers don’t need calculating fund-raisers to motivate them to give. They need to be moved by God, not manipulated by technique. They need their hearts roused. And that happens when the Spirit of God stirs their spirits with gratitude for the grace that has first been given to them.
May the Spirit of God stir us to become generous givers!
Gratefully Yours . . . and His!
Pastor Stan
Posted on
Wed, February 1, 2012
by Stan Cosby