Moses shared with the people words from God to build His tabernacle.  “Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze;” (Exodus 35:5)  And the list of things for them to bring continues on in the next few verses.  Their contributions were to be done with “a generous heart” and it seems like that is just what they had.  “And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.” So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” (Exodus 36:3-7)  Just like with the Israelites, God wants us to cheerfully give back to Him a portion of what He has blessed us with.  “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Today’s reading: Exodus 33-35