"TIME, TREASURE AND TALENT" (Things the Lord has Commanded Us To Give) (Exodus 35 : 1 – 19) By : Bro. Ruel Cabusas

1. TIME - Observe a Sabbath of rest (verses 1 – 3)

¹Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, "These are the things the LORD has commanded you to do: ² For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death. ³ Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day."

The Lord has commanded the Israelites to observe a Sabbath of rest. Sabbath means seventh day of the week and divinely set apart for rest and worship. Christians today have to observe this command also in order to have a day rest and to find time worshipping the Lord. Otherwise, we are like an ax that is always in use and is not being sharpened.

Illustration: One man challenged another to an all-day wood chopping contest. The challenger worked very hard, stopping only for a brief lunch break. The other man had a leisurely lunch and took several breaks during the day. At the end of the day, the challenger was surprised and annoyed to find that the other fellow had chopped substantially more wood than he had. "I don't get it," he said. "Every time I checked, you were taking a rest, yet you chopped more wood than I did." "But you didn't notice," said the winning woodsman, "that I was sharpening my ax when I sat down to rest." (L. S. Chafer, Grace.)

2. TREASURE -Offer willingly from what you have (verses 4 – 9)

⁴ Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the LORD has commanded: ⁵ From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze; ⁶ blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ⁷ ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows ^[a] ; acacia wood; ⁸ olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; ⁹ and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

The Israelites were commanded to offer willingly what they had. During that time, they were commanded by the Lord to build the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting. At present, we can also contribute something for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

Illustration: J.L. Kraft, head of the Kraft Cheese Corporation, who had given approximately 25% of his enormous income to Christian causes for many years, said, "The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord." J.D. Rockefeller said, "I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 per week." (W. A. Criswell, A Guidebook for Pastors, p. 154)

3. TALENT Offer your skills (verses 10 – 19)

¹⁰ "All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded: ¹¹ the tabernacle with its tent and its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; ¹² the ark with its poles and the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it; ¹³ the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence; ¹⁴ the lampstand that is for light with its accessories, lamps and oil for the light; ¹⁵ the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle; ¹⁶ the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the bronze basin with its stand; ¹⁷ the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; ¹⁸ the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes; ¹⁹ the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary—both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests."

Israelites were also commanded to use their skills in building the Tabernacle. At that time, they can do and contribute a lot of things according their abilities. Same with us, we can also use our different skills and talents to glorify the Lord.

Illustration: In his book 70 X 7, The Freedom of Forgiveness, David Ugsberger tells of General William Booth, the founder of the salvation Army, who had lost his eyesight. His son Bramwell was given the difficult task of telling his father there would be no recovery. "Do you mean that I am blind?" the General asked. "I hear we must contemplate that," his son replied. The father continued,"I shall never see your face again?" "No, probably not in this world." "Bramwell," said General Booth, "I have done what I could for God and for His people with my eyes. Now I shall do what I can for God without my eyes." (David Ugsberger, 70 X 7, The Freedom of Forgiveness)

Whatever is done for God, without respect of its comparative character as related to other acts, is service, and only that is service. Service is, comprehensively speaking, doing the will of God. He is the object. All is for Him, for His sake, as unto the Lord, not as unto man. Hence, even the humblest act of humblest disciple acquires a certain divine quality by its being done with reference to Him. The supreme test of service is this: 'For whom am I doing this?' Much that we call service to Christ is not such at all....If we are doing this for Christ, we shall not care for human reward or even recognition. Our work must again be tested by three propositions: Is it work from God, as given us to do from Him; for God, as finding in Him its secret of power; and with God, as only a part of His work in which we engage as co-workers with Him." (A.T. Pierson wrote, The Truth)

In summary, the Lord has commanded us to observe a Sabbath of rest, offer something from what we have and glorify Him by using our talents and skills.

I hope we were enlightened by this message and were encouraged to give our best to the Lord. Let me end this by a poem from an unknown author:

Leftovers are such humble things,
We would not serve to a guest,
And yet we serve them to our Lord
Who deserve the very best
We give to Him leftover time,
Stray minutes here and there.
Leftover cash we give to Him,
Such few coins as we can spare.
We give our youth unto the world,
To hatred, lust and strife;
Then in declining years we give
To him the remnant of our life.

Thank you and God bless us all!

NO, MONEY IS NOT THE REAL PROBLEM by Bro, Malloy Cabahug

“Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” (Proverbs 17:16 NIV)

The key verse I am giving reference here is part of one section of the chapter, which starts from Proverbs 17: 14-19. This speaks about interpersonal conflict. And in verse 18, it particularly sets a wise limit to a friendship, for example when one is asked to put up a pledge or security for a loan of the other. However, I will focus the discussion on verse 16, which fits to my assertion that “no, money is not the real problem.”

It is the majority’s notion when one is in financial trouble, money, or the lack of it, is the problem. Hence, the solution they could right away think of is to get money from whatever or whoever the source is.

If one thinks that getting extra income is the way to go, there is the danger of spending more time working and less time with social and spiritual life. Time with family, friends, and your loved ones may get less and less as one’s time will be spent more to earning money. Same thing with the time spent for your prayer and devotional time, notwithstanding the skipping of church services and fellowship with the brethren.

The worse thing one could resort to is to borrow money to pay another maturing loan. Applying a re-loan or some term it top-up loan from an existing one with a financial institution; approaching relatives and friends to borrow money; and resorting to approach loan sharks or usurers (commonly known by Filipinos as 5/6, where for every 5 borrowed the borrower pays 6) are some of the other common solutions one would resort to. This is a type of loan pyramiding.

Borrowing from a financial institution or from the usurers may require a surety. This is a big no-no for anyone. The Bible is clear enough to instruct anyone not to enter into as surety. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, the limit to a friendship is when one puts himself as pledge or surety to a loan of another.

If you are in a situation where you are financially challenged today, think deeply enough your real problem. Is it really money? Then as you realize that it is not, you can finally come up with a solution that is way better than those most people resort to, as aforesaid in the preceding paragraphs.

No, money is not the real problem. It is one’s attitude towards money and stewardship of the resources God has entrusted us. And attitude is to be developed starting with wisdom and understanding that one can learn from the Bible and their church.

Going back to the key verse, what use does money has in the hands of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? Give a financially challenged person your money and his problem will not be solved. His current situation will not improve if a dole out is what you think could solve it.

Teaching him the ways of God as regards personal finance, surely his current situation will have the greater chance to improve.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For those in the Dubai I invite you to attend a talk entitled “The Capital Offense — A Debt Sentence” on October 19, 2010 from 8PM to 10PM at the Holy Trinity Compound, Unity Hall 2. This talk will provide some Biblical perspective about personal finance. Central topic of discussion will be credit cards and loans, in which a detailed description of most, if not all information not known by everyone, such as, but not limited to how financial institutions and its cohorts (business establishments) sucked up every salaried employees income.

http://malloy.multiply.com/journal/item/98

Pastor’s Message for WIN- Al Ain Ladies 15th Anniversary

DRESSED TO KILL (THE ENEMY)

1 Peter 3:1-6 (NKJV)

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. ³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. ⁵ For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, ⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

My family and I would like to greet our Ladies Ministry a blessed 15^th anniversary. Our congratulations to our dear Sis. Jas Santos for being a faithful handmaiden that the Lord uses to lead the women of this church into fruitful service for the glory of God. May the Lord continue to bless and prosper all married women to reflect the beauty of Christ in their lives today.

The theme they have chosen this year is “DRESSED TO KILL (THE ENEMY).” The theme suggests that there is a conflict happening. It is not against their husbands, among themselves nor involving other human beings. It is a spiritual battle being waged in the heavenlies. Our enemy Satan is constantly attacking our marriages and homes. It is time to fight back with weapons which are not worldly but spiritual to the pulling down of strongholds.

The world believes in fighting fire with fire. To most of us, “surrender” is not an option. But according to St. Peter, the only way to win is to submit. This is a most humbling experience. It is easy to get back at people. Submission has almost become a dirty word among wives that they will prefer to fight their husbands rather than submit. But this is the only way to win our loved ones over. Having a gentle and quiet spirit is one of our most powerful weapons against the spirit of divorce and domestic strife. It will stop cold the advances of the enemy into our homes.

Even Jesus commanded us in Matthew 5:38-41 (NKJV)

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' ³⁹ "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ⁴⁰ "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹ "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (In the case of your husbands, till death do you part – comment mine).

If you can do this to an evil person, how much more can you do this to your beloved husbands!

Paul reminds all of us in Romans 12:17-2 (NKJV):

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men (that includes all husbands- comment mine). ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men (that includes all husbands- comment mine)¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him (that includes all husbands- comment mine); If he is thirsty, give him a drink (that includes all husbands- comment mine); For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. (that includes all husbands- comment mine)" ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So how should we dress up to kill the enemy (satan)? With the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

God bless all the ladies in Christ!

Ps Edward, Sis. Marlene, David John & Sally Joy

Ladies Ministry 15th Anniversary, Message from the Ministry Head

ALL GLORY TO GOD!!!

Ladies Ministry of this church is celebrating it’s 15 years of the LORD’s goodness & faithfulness… Indeed, the LORD is

Our FATHER,… for we are secure

Our PROVIDER,… for we are satisfied

Our SHEPHERD,… for we are cared for

Our REST, … for we are comforted

Our ENCOURAGER,… for we are edified

Our SHELTER,… for we are covered

Our DELIVERER,… for we are free

Our VICTORY,… for we are triumphant!!!

As in 1 John 3: 1 “ How great is the Father’s love lavished on us, that we should be called children of GOD “,… (excerpts from Dayspring)

Truly indeed He is with us daily in our lives & as children we will always be ready & dress… to kill the enemy! Trials & blows of life will come & go, but there’s always an assurance that GOD is with us & he will not leave us.

Thanking the LORD for this ministry that every women in this church experienced the awesomeness of GOD, His ways of preserving the lives of all women, how He sustained us all the years, as He carry us through in all storms of life, all happy moments & even in all our deepest grief in our lives.

GOD has proved HIMSELF how powerful HE is!!!

To all Ladies, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & GOD BLESS!

Sis. Jas Santos

FIRST LOVE, FIRST WORKS

Rev 2:1-5 (NKJV)

The Loveless Church

¹ "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. ⁴ "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

My family and I would like to greet the WIN – Al Ain Men’s Ministry a joyful 13^th anniversary this 2010. May the Lord call all men unto His Kingdom for the glory of His name alone. We praise God for Bro. Teody Galit for his untiring effort in leading all the men to their first love, Jesus Christ.

They have chosen the theme “Remember Your First Love” based on Revelations 2:2-5. It is a call to go back to our Lord if ever we have strayed away from His presence. Men today are being challenged to be faithful unto the end. Women by comparison are spiritually far stronger than men. Men find it difficult to worship the Lord with all their heart. Thus the theme “Remember Your First Love.”

In verse 5, however, we are called by God Himself to remember where we have fallen. The question is not whether we have forgotten our first love, the real issue that we have forgotten the very reason why we left our first love. Our first love towards God, I believe, is always there somewhere deep within our spirits. Nobody who is truly born again could ever forget our first love. Backsliding comes not from rejecting our love for Him but by doing secondary works in replacement to our first works. We still love God but our labor for God has substituted our love for Him. The key is to remove the blockage of religious works so that our first love will shine again. Men are often proud of their own achievements but in the process shut out God form our hearts.

The Church in Ephesus was actually commended by God Himself for their works, labor, perseverance and patience. They were working for God which by itself was a good thing. But like Martha, they have fallen from their first love and got involved with too much ministry. That is why God called them to remember where they have fallen. Repentance in this context is not turning away from sin (Jesus never mentioned any sin in the Ephesian Church). It is repentance from dead works. (Heb. 6:1). It is a call to come back to our first works which are done in the power of the Spirit and not on our own. Our first love involves working for Him in Spirit and in truth. But we are doing works for God in the power of the flesh then we in turn have fallen from our first love and substituted it with dead works (good works done in the flesh).

In Proverbs we will read:

Prov 14:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.

Backsliding is the result of being filled with our own ways, even good works (no mention of sin here either). Repentance is surrendering our good works and doing the first works which God has instructed us to do as a result of a loving relationship with Him. We could come up with various religious programs and plans in the church for the sake of God’s name and still end up backslidden. The only thing that will satisfy our spirits is from Above (GOD) and not from our own selves. We must therefore empty our selves of these plans and programs and pay attention to what God is saying to us today.

Jesus ended His message to the Church in Ephesus with these words:

Rev 2:7 (NKJV)

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '

Just listen to His voice and we will remember again our First Love.

Finally, in Hosea, God promises to heal our backsliding as long as we will no longer say to the work of our hands, “you are our gods.”

Hosea 14:1-4 (NKJV)

O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; ² Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. ³ Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, 'You are our gods.' For in You the fatherless finds mercy."

⁴ "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.

Let us not worship our good works. Instead, let us worship God with all our heart, soul, mind and body. Surrender every dream, plans, goals and ambitions, and God will turn away His anger and He will love us freely and heal our backsliding.

Rev 2:5a (NKJV) "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…

Do the first works, then you will find your First Love!

God bless us all today and forever more!

Ps Edward, Sis. Marlene, David John and Sally Joy