And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. (Ex. 36:3)

An early morning knock at the door surprised us our first year living in a new neighborhood. When we opened the door repeatedly that day, children’s smiles greeted us, along with wishes for a happy Day of Spring and packages of goodies for our children to eat. We rejoiced as our neighbors offered us presents on their holiday. In Albania among our neighbors, and in other countries around the world as well, tradition encourages presents of cookies, candies, eggs, and maybe nuts or cake to be given to friends in honor of the beginning of spring. We felt touched by this gesture of friendship, living so far from family and friends in the United States.

In today’s verses, we learn that the Israelites “continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.” Like our neighbors’ Day of Spring presents, this passage tells us that gifts to further God’s kingdom kept coming without further prompting from Moses or other leaders. How beautiful when people willingly give from the heart and how even more meaningful when it is done to honor God and worship him!

When we realize how much God has done for us and given to us, we yearn to give back to him and give generously. Our generosity blesses all those around us. Consider: What ways is God leading you to give back to him and his work around you?

Find a way to joyfully give more to God’s work.

Caryl Aukerman—wife, missionary, and mother of three—has served with Global Partners in the country of Albania for over twelve years.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.