When The Heart Is Stirred
(S) Scripture
And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD 's contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.
Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the LORD.
Exodus 35:21-22 (NASB77)
(O) Observation
God has been describing just how and with what the tabernacle and attending garments should be made. Moses then records how the people gave what was needed. As their heart was stirred they gave. I wonder just what stirred their hearts. Was it their deliverance, God's constant presence, Moses' example? I am not sure but they were moved and they gave – in fact they had to be told to stop giving.
(A) Application
This makes me wonder why we have to plead and ask and sometimes nag people about giving in the church. I wonder if we have lost that sense of deliverance, or God's constant presence, or the example of Godly leaders and therefore are not stirred to give. Maybe it is because we do not give a big picture like Moses did. But for whatever reason it seems that people have to be prodded to give rather than by having their hearts stirred. We see this "stirred heart" giving when something catches a person's passion. We go on a mission trip and then are moved to give. We see a need in the community and give. One man said that people give to "vision, cause and need" and we need to keep all three before the people. It is so something will stir their hearts and they will give. I noticed in these verses that it was the "Lord's contribution" that they gave. It was already his. I want to give our of a stirred heart not just out of obedience. I want my heart stirred by God.
(P) Prayer
Lord, make me so aware of your presence that my heart is stirred to give and work for you today. Amen
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