A frank discussion on giving

Feb 25, 2026

A Giving Heart

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The Israelites brought a freewill offering to the Lord, every man and woman whose heart was willing to bring materials for all the work that the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.

Exodus 35:29 (NET)

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We’re probably all familiar with church building programs.

Sometimes when there is a need for a new project to start, the church puts out the call for funds.

Something similar is happening here.

The Israelites were asked to contribute what they could to the building of the Tabernacle.

It’s quite amazing to me.

These are a people who were enslaved not that many days ago. God miraculously rescued them from the oppression of Egypt and on their way out they “plundered” the Egyptians by asking for precious resources.

Instead of hoarding their plunder, they are stirred to give to God’s new sanctuary project.

Of course, most church building projects don’t come with an audible mandate from heaven.

Our pastors don’t meet face to face with God.

But we do have the Holy Spirit here, meeting with us every day.

I’m not saying God has divinely blessed all church projects -- far from it. But we are empowered to use wisdom and follow the stirring of our hearts whenever someone is asking for contribution.

(Just to be clear, I’m not asking for any sort of contribution. I’m simply discussing a verse I’ve found interesting today.)

I hope that whatever giving you do in the future, you use wisdom, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

God created us with a mind to think and a heart to feel -- use both.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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