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Patriarchs and Prophets
resorting to unchristian and unhallowed methods to fill the treasury,
God would be honored, and many more souls would be won to Christ.
The plan of Moses to raise means for the building of the tabernacle
was highly successful. No urging was necessary. Nor did he employ
any of the devices to which churches in our day so often resort. He
made no grand feast. He did not invite the people to scenes of gaiety,
dancing, and general amusement; neither did he institute lotteries, nor
anything of this profane order, to obtain means to erect the tabernacle
for God. The Lord directed Moses to invite the children of Israel to
bring their offerings. He was to accept gifts from everyone that gave
willingly, from his heart. And the offerings came in so great abundance
that Moses bade the people cease bringing, for they had supplied more
than could be used.
God has made men His stewards. The property which He has
placed in their hands is the means that He has provided for the spread
of the gospel. To those who prove themselves faithful stewards He
will commit greater trusts. Saith the Lord, “Them that honor Me I
will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
. “God loveth a cheerful giver,” and when
His people, with grateful hearts, bring their gifts and offerings to Him,
“not grudgingly, or of necessity,” His blessing will attend them, as He
has promised. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there
may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the
Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour
you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Malachi 3:10
.
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