44th Week, Exodus Chapters 35-37 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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 Click on the title for Video Intro
Monday, Exodus Chapter 35
Exodus 35
Verse 21
Matt Strayer
July 23, 2008

Verse 21:  and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.

THOUGHT
After I read this chapter it really made me think about what I am giving to the Lord. What am I giving with regards to money, and what am I giving with regards to my time? Five or six years ago God really spoke to me in this area. Since this time I have tried every January to sit down with my budget and see what I can give to God. However, this chapter is a great mid-year reminder to really exam my heart again. The verse says, “who is willing and whose heart moved him”. I know I must slow down and pray to really listen to what my heart is telling me. I may stop this weekend and examine where my time and money have gone so far this year. Is it right with God?

I’m not sure if this is the chapter or not, but I have heard sermons preached on how much was given at this time. One sermon I heard said there was almost too much stuff given! Man, wouldn’t it be great if that was the case in our churches and around the world. I know I’m preaching to the choir in this area for the Salt Shakers, but it’s still a good reminder.

PRAYER
Dear God, You have given each and every one of us great gifts of money, talents and time. Please allow us to examine our hearts on a regular basis in this area to make sure we are right with You.  God, we are thankful and want to give back a portion of what You have given us. You have told us that the greatest joy will come from giving to others. Thanks for allowing this joy!!!  AMEN

Tuesday, Exodus Chapter 36
Exodus 36
Verses 5&6
Matt Strayer
July 24, 2008

Verses 5&6:  and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order, and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.”  And so the people were restrained from bringing more.

THOUGHT
I apologize, but my devotion today will probably sound a lot like yesterdays did. I just feel moved by what the Israelites were doing/giving at this time.  I just love the last few words of these two verses, “the people were restrained from bringing more”. It makes it sound like Moses almost had to hold them back. The people wanted to continue to give. This chapter just paints such a wonderful picture of true worship.

Recently, I have really been trying to examine my purpose, that reason God created me. Every time I try and figure this out, God leads me back to loving my neighbor and loving God. That’s why He created all of us. Those are the two greatest commands. If we truly examine this, it explains why there is so much joy in giving, praying, meditating on God’s Word, helping others with your time, and going to church. It’s what God commands us to do, and we know God will not lead us astray.

I wonder how the Israelites felt during this time. Was there joy? Was there unity within the group? Helping each other and following what God commanded must have been wonderful. And as we know, it is wonderful for us as well. Look at how wondered operation backpack, sending backpacks to Jamaican children, has been for all of us and our friends. A true act of worship is joyful.

PRAYER
Dear God, once again we are so grateful to have this great example of true worship and giving to follow in our daily lives. We have found that the true joy is in obeying Your commands and loving others along the way. Please help us to realize this every day and not be blinded by Satan and continually be thinking of ourselves.  AMEN



Wednesday, Exodus Chapter 37
Exodus 37
Matt Strayer
July 25, 2008

THOUGHT
There wasn’t any one verse that stood out to me in this chapter. I know that God had the people build the ark, the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense. God gave these people the ability to follow the instructions and create with their hands the objects that God wanted.

I look at each one of us and what we create. Gary does a great job of working with wood to create nice things for our homes. It’s a God given talent and is similar in ways to the Israelites in this chapter. Yet each one of us is given some kind of talent. Nurses use their hands to care for others, as well as run diagnostic tests and minor surgeries. Accountants use their ability to run businesses and help people with their taxes (we hope they don’t get too creative however). We are constantly doing and creating each and every day in many ways.

I guess this chapter just taught me that God doesn’t just want us to sit and be still when we worship him. Many times our best acts of worship are when we use our “acts of doing, building or creating” to worship God. I believe it will be this way in heaven as well. I can’t wait to see all the glorious things that will be created.

PRAYER
Dear God, help give us the ability to worship You each and every day by doing, building or creating something just as the Israelites did so long ago. We enjoy using our gifts each day as an act of worshiping You.  AMEN



Thursday, Bible Verse to Memorize
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “When I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the Words of the Lord.”  
II  Corinthians 5:17

Friday,  Bible Verse to Memorize
For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double=edged sword.  It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrows.  It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Hebrews 4:12

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