Upon recently remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington and celebrating his beautiful speech's 50th anniversary, I too gave an "I have a dream" speech.
I was asked to lead the offering portion of the worship service last week, and boy did I take it seriously. Normally during this aspect of worship, someone comes up to the front of our church, reads a verse about how important it is to give to the church, and then we collect the offering. I researched scripture and gave a mini-sermon (not on purpose) and set before the church my dreams for our house.
Exodus 35 was where I landed. I love the Lord's command verbalized through Moses: "Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution …" Exodus 35:5. While the purpose was for building the church, the command was not to give to the building, it was to give TO THE LORD. The passage continues to tell of gifts that were brought and the workers that gave their time and effort for this project!
I have a dream that our physical church would be built one day very soon.
I have a dream that our people would give out of love for the Lord.
I have a dream that our people would unite and give their time and effort in areas they are gifted.
I have a dream for a selfless community of Believers.
I have a dream for local leaders to rise and take their place in our church.
I have a dream for success in Capricorn for the Kingdom!
Exodus 36 continues this story in an amazing turn of events. Moses is overwhelmed by the contributions. "'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 36:5-7.
Wow. Refusing gifts!
As you know, our community in South Africa has VAST needs - physical, emotional, mental, relational, spiritual. Our church is lacking in resources of all kinds as well.
I have a dream.
I have a dream that we would not have to ask twice for gifts - not have to beg people to participate in the building of our church and the work, but at the command of the Lord and our leadership, our church would take responsibility for the needs of ministry and the advancement of The Kingdom in Capricorn! While the reality of this actually happening out of the current financial incomes of our congregation is unlikely, I'm reminded that with God, all things are possible! I'm praying for miracles!
I often get bogged down with prayers towards provision and desperate pleas for God to intervene to make things right. I'm encouraged by the response of Moses' people in Exodus. They were eager, generous givers. They saw the need and met it - above and beyond the scope of the project. If it could be done in the Bible before, I believe it can be done today!
Pray with us that our ministry needs would be met. Out of the ashes of poverty, may God's purpose and strength arise to build His Church!
... more dreams to come!
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