Giving To The Lord

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution. And this is the contribution which you are to raise from them: gold, silver and bronze, blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, rams’ skins dyed red, porpoise skins, acacia wood, oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, onyx stones and setting stones and setting stones, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. And let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:1-8).

Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do. For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece. And let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded’” (Exodus 35:1-10).

There are many details concerning the contributions of the people in this account, but for our purposes we shall attempt to focus our attention on some of the more general characteristics of the contributions to the tabernacle. Consider the following characteristics:

(1) Israel’s contributions were voluntarily given. There is an interesting comment given to us in verse 20 of chapter 35 which reinforces the voluntary aspect of Israel’s gifts. After Moses had given God’s instructions to the people, explaining the opportunity that each had to make a contribution, he dismissed them: “Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence” (Exod. 35:20). It is not until later, after the people had been dismissed, that the people began to bring their offerings to the Lord.

A number of modern-day fund-raisers would never think of dismissing a congregation until after they had made a commitment to give a particular sum. They would have pressed the Israelites to make an on the spot commitment. They would have passed out pledge cards to sign, so that the enthusiasm of the moment was not lost. Moses dismissed the people, so that they had time to themselves, apart from outside pressure, to determine what they could and should contribute. This insured the fact that the gifts were indeed voluntarily donated, and not obtained under some kind of emotional or psychological duress.

(2) Israel’s gifts were willingly and joyfully given. God instructed Moses to collect an offering from “whoever is of a willing heart” (Exod. 35:5), and the text frequently informs us that this was the case (cf. 35:21, 22, 26, 29). Every indication of our text is that the people gladly gave their gifts so that the tabernacle could be built.

(3) The gifts of the Israelites were abundantly given. The excitement and enthusiasm of the Israelites is evident by the abundance of their gifts. In fact, the text informs us that the gifts exceeded the need, so that Moses was requested by the workers to command the people to stop giving (Exod. 36:2-7). This is the first time in the history of mankind that I know of that people were told to stop giving because all that was needed was given. Today, there might have been a proposal to enlarge the tabernacle, so that donations would keep coming in. How wonderful it would be, just once, to be told not to give.

(4) The giving of the Israelites was unanimous. While all were free to give or not to give, the text strongly suggests that there were few, if any, who refused to have a part in contributing toward the construction of the tabernacle (cf. 35:23-28).

(5) The giving of the Israelites was proportionate. While virtually everyone gave something for the tabernacle, each one gave in accordance with what he or she had to give.

Everyone who could make a contribution of silver and bronze brought the LORD’S contribution; and every man, who had in his possession acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. And all the skilled women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun, in blue and purple and scarlet material and in fine linen. And all the women whose heart stirred with a skill spun the goats’ hair. And the rulers brought the onyx stones and stones for setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece; and the spice and the oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the LORD had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the LORD (Exod. 35:24-29, emphasis mine).

Those who were wealthy gave what only the wealthy would possess—the finest stones and gems, the most precious oils and fragrances. Those who had lesser means gave what they had.

(6) The giving of the Israelites included both material goods and technical services. The building of the tabernacle required two essential elements: goods and services. That is, there must be the raw materials from which the tabernacle and its furnishings were to be constructed. This included gold, silver, precious stones, animal skins, spices and ointments, and fine cloth. Then there must be skilled workers, both men and women, who would fashion these raw materials into objects of beauty. Some of those who gave to the tabernacle gave of their goods, while many others gave of their skilled abilities, to create a place of great beauty and worth.

(7) The contributions of the Israelites were of the highest quality. The tabernacle was to be of such quality and craftsmanship that it would befit the God who was to dwell within it (cf.Exod. 25:8). Thus, the materials used in building it were the finest that were available (cf. 35:6-9). So, too, with the craftsmen who were to create the intricate and beautiful works of art within the tabernacle (35:30-35). God was given the finest men had to offer, and all of these fine things, whether goods or skills, were God-given in the first place.

Many people say that they don't like church because they are always asking for money. The point is that when God wants to do something in the midst of His people He will give them an opportunity to be blessed. 

He told Moses to only accept the offering from those who had a willing heart to give. To me, it means not everyone gave but those who did give were a blessing to the project that God ordained. To the point that Moses had to ask them to stop giving. No pulling teeth... no hostage situation. 

Just ask and let God do the rest. I also liked the fact that he asked and The Bible says those that had gave. No one was made to feel bad because they didn't have. No one was pressured and no fake (false) rewards were promised. If you are willing and able changes the framework of how we give and why.

You are Bound No More. 


Pastor Linda Hillman 
(c) 2015 LAH Ministries International 
Booklindahillman@gmail.com 

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Will You Be Made Whole
In The Meantime

*********Breaking News************ Read all about it HERE!

LIVE 2 GIVE: Are You Ready To Transform Your Life?

Finally! The wait is over, the truth about sowing, reaping and prosperity!  However, I am allowing only 35 people to take a sneak peak and sign up before going public with the official launch which will take place in the Spring of 2016!

Read on, if you DARE....

My friend, can we talk? Seriously? Can we drop all the pretenses, unveil the masks, release the hype and re-write our paths to destiny that God already declared over us?

For once....just once I would like to connect and have a conversation with people who aren't afraid to tell the truth, but they are willing to hear the truth even more! 

The TRUTH is...

• it is better to give than to receive, but there is a circulation involved
• churches are filled with those who  are in debt and struggling but is this what the Lord's wants
• we are continuously seeking for a blessing but settling for crumbs instead of sitting at the table
• we've been sold a "bill of lies" as it relates tithes, offering and prosperity in general

My Personal Story..

I realized that many Christians spend a lifetime seeking the opportunity to live in "Prosperity" However, they run from true prosperity and do not realize that the Bible (God's Word) tells us we should be prosper, meaning no lack.

I have been in Church since I was six years old and have heard several sermons on giving, tithing and prosperity. Not until this year was I even curious to discover for myself the real message in giving. I struggled with tithing until a few years ago, my Bishop sat me down for two months due to my disobedience to the Word. The whole time I wanted to call foul play. Until God stepped in on the scene to show me where I lacked in knowledge and understanding. As I reflect over my life, I realized that there were key principles that I used to govern the way I live my life but in giving, I had knowledge but no understanding. Therefore, I did not use wisdom and was caught in a vicious web I had weaved for myself and no matter how hard I twisted and turned, I was not getting out without help from God. Which brings to this year. I have experienced God's grace in giving but again it was hit and miss and I was struggling still. I felt that the tithing principles did not truly worked or I was missing a step. What God showed me was I was good a tithing but my heart was not cheerful. I was good at giving, but my attitude was not always right. I gave to needs that bought about more need into my own life. I had knowledge but did not always apply it correctly. What helped me was my  application of His Word through faith. Principles guide every aspect of our life & there were key principles that assisted me in attracting an understanding about tithing, offering, giving to the poor, emotional giving and YES prosperity. What i have found out all stems from the Word of God and, believe it or not, is taught in financial courses in universities across the nation.

So if you are ready to experience all the wisdom of the Bible, gain more knowledge about how God views giving, and attract wealth within the next year...then this program is for you!

If you are ready to release debilitating patterns and beliefs, shift from poverty to prosperity, release past hurts of old concepts, elevate your vibration, evolve into a magnetic being attracting all that God has stored up for you then sign up now. Do Wait because space is limited and this introductory price will NOT be offered again.

Here's just a smidgen of what we'll cover...........

• This is not for the faint in heart
• How to Release the Past to Invite the New
• The Dynamics of a Sowing and Reaping
• The Myths we were Told and Bought into
• How to Prosper According to the Word of God
• What Year Are You In...Noah Talked About the Flood for 120 Years
• Tear down Strongholds - it's Time to get to Work
• It's Your DUE Season
• And so much more!

The first call is Friday, September 25, 2015 @ 6 PM PST/9 PM EST.

Course starts October 3, 2015 at 9:00 AM  PST/12:00 PM EST

Accepting 35 individuals who are READY! 

Investment $197 (Introductory Offer)

You can also pay in three payments of $70 (Additional administrative fee included. All payments are made through PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, Please email me for other payment options.)

Also, ask how you can join the course FREE of charge!!! It's going to blow your mind. There are only 5 free spots so act Quickly!!

Dare 2 LIVE 2 Give!

P.S. If you have referrals then send me their emails (only with their permission first) and I will make sure they get the official information...this opportunity is only for the first 35 people! Including the 5 free spots.

P.S.S. IF the response for this first class... is great and I get an additional 35 people... I am willing to teach two different classes at this phenomenal price because I know the Lord is going to break the spirit of poverty off the lives of those who walk by faith. But you must register no later than September 1, 2015. IF there is a second class added the dates will be released once the 2nd class is full. The first class will cut off at 35.

We Need Your Help!

I believe that where God guides, he provides. Yet, just as I learned how to preach, I had to learn how to raise support. The way I have raised support is by fearlessly praying and communicating.

First, I pray to find out what God wants me to do, and then through prayer I apply his promises to those needs. Second, in an honest up-front way, I share with my home church and prayer partners what I intend to do and what I need to get the job done. I have never begged for money. Instead, after praying about my needs, church leaders and supporters usually ask what I need. Sometimes the Lord gives me creative ways to share those needs through communication with my support team.

I must admit it is hard for me to ask for help in this economy because I know there are those that are in need themselves. However, when I do ask it is because I know that God wants to bless those that step out and do support financially as well as prayerfully.

So, here's what is happening in the next few years. I normally do three events through WHOLE Ministries and we reach out to the less fortunate that have suffered abuse and need help coping and getting back to normal. With WHOLE ministries our main focus is the community of unchurched individuals that seek our help. In 2015 we want to raise that three events to six.

Because these are free events, location, food and materials cost us and we provide in a spirit of excellence according to the budget we have. In 2015 we want to do more class room teaching and series so we can truly help them understand god's love and get some practical application experience.

Through Living Above Hurt, we deal with the Church community. again these individuals are lost in the House. they are hurting and need to remember who they are and whose they are. normally we will do four events a year but we want to raise that to six. 

We also want to start a more active online ministry and have an annual retreat that people can come to and truly be delivered and redeemed from their past.

this is not your usual church ministry, we are not afraid to get our hands dirty and to stay in the pit until the one we are working with is able to stand up and move forward.

If you reading this blog, then you have an understanding about ministry and deliverance. You know that sometimes you cant just sing a song and say a prayer. Sometime you have to fight for your life. Sometimes you have to battle demons that don't want you to be free. We are here to help those that want to be helped.

Your donation of $5, $10, $15, $20, or $100, $500 or more can help us reach our goal and continue what we have started and spread it to other communities and cities. This is our prayer.

We need your prayers but we also would appreciate your financial support. Click here to make a donation today. Just so you know, we are praying for anyone that makes any amount donation. We want God to give it back to you 100-fold.

You are no longer Bound!

Pastor Linda Hillman
WHOLE & Living Above Hurt Ministries
Founder