Out of a Willing Heart

Speak to the Israelites, that they take for Me an offering. From every man who gives it willingly and ungrudgingly with his heart you shall take My offering. Exodus 25:2 (Amplified Bible)

The building of the tabernacle in Old Testament times was initiated by God. He gave clear and precise instructions as to the materials that would be used as well as its architectural design. No detail was left unspoken or unrecorded. Yet, before any of those factors were disclosed He laid out the requirements of giving. The offerings were to be given from willing and ungrudging hearts. Other translations say, prompted from the heart and moved by the heart. Mere actions of conformity were not what God was after when it came to this special offering. It is not what He is after in whatever He calls each of us to do as well.

Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and that whatever we do we should do it heartily as to the Lord. This heart motivation and drive is not limited to financial giving in a church service. It targets every area of our life where we are called upon to act. The ramifications of this truth are huge as I consider them in light of my job, my marriage, my home, my church family, my relationships, my communication, my interaction with people, my entertainment, my health, my walk with God, my walk with others, my reactions to difficulties, and times when I am needing to walk in forgiveness. Whether it is giving a listening ear or a helping hand, God wants it done with a willing and grudge-free heart. A heart that is absent of resentment, complaint, bitterness, or a chip on my shoulder. He wants joy, passion, and enthusiasm to be displayed in my body language as well as on my face.

That can be a pretty tall order when it comes to the things I don’t actually enjoy or feel like doing. The daily grind of life can be filled with less than willingness and joy. So what do I do in those cases? I ask for His help. That which He calls me to do He will give me the time to do, the ability to do, and the willingness to do with a right heart attitude. What I lack in the area of my heart He will gladly give whenever I ask. It is as simple as saying, “Father, give me a willing heart to do the thing you are calling me to do.” I have voiced that prayer several times already this morning and was given exactly what I asked for. What He asks of each of us is what He so beautifully displays Himself. He is the ultimate cheerful Giver and I want to be like Him!

Father, You never tire of hearing my cries for help. You know my weaknesses and frailties and You willingly give what I lack. Give me a heart like Yours to be the driving force behind every action and word I speak today. Amen.

Make Me a Servant - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM

Do you have a verse or passage of Scripture that you would like to read a devotional on? If so, send me the verse or passage and I will look to see if I have written one for it. I would enjoy sending you a copy if it is available.