We are home from the dairy show.
Today is a day of catching up on schoolwork, washing clothes, getting in a few home cooked meals, and preparing for the pig show.
Housework is not my strong suit. I have a friend who comes in and deep cleans every other week. I always say that a housekeeper is cheaper than marriage therapy.
It take the stress off of everyone in the home. If a mom is working outside the home, she doesn’t have the time or sanity to keep everything going.
There are housekeepers, laundry services, meal preparation services, and more. Even a full time at home mom needs help in today’s busy world.
I also wanted to share some wisdom about giving. Many people struggle with tithing to their local church congregation. Here’s what I found in Exodus.
It’s an honor and a privilege that God allows us to be a part of his place of worship.
In the first part of Exodus chapter 25, God talks about offerings.
I think this is a huge thing that we misunderstand and often misinterpret.
“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering.
From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 25:1-8 NKJV
God commanded Moses to take up an offering to build His temple so he can dwell among His people.
But the offering isn’t just laid out like a tax or a command.
There are very specific instructions of what items are needed, along with a special note of who can actually give.
“From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.”
He wasn’t to accept offerings from those who felt obligated or guilted or coerced.
God required a heart check. He didn’t want anything that wasn’t freely given out of love, thankfulness, or devotion.
His holy temple was to be holy from the materials up. Every material should be given out of a willingness to have God dwell among His people.
The same goes for tithes at your local church. You should give out of appreciation for your church home and pastoral support team.
If you are uneasy about how your money is being used, then you either need to trust God more or find a new church home where you feel safe to give.
And even if things go wrong, and your money is misused in some way, that’s not on you.
You have given to the Lord, and He knows.
Have a great Tuesday!
Dr Vet Sonya 