What practical steps can we take to support our church's worship needs? Seeing Worship Supplies in Exodus 35:14 “the lampstand for light and its accessories, the lamps and oil for the light, the altar of incense and its poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;” Step 1: Recognize What Worship Requires - God named every item—nothing was left to guesswork. - Today, worship still needs concrete things: space, sound, instruments, lighting, Scripture materials, and more. - Nehemiah 10:39 reminds us, “We will not neglect the house of our God.” Taking stock is the first act of faithfulness. Step 2: Offer Tangible Resources - In Exodus 35:20-24 the people “brought freewill offerings” of gold, fabric, and wood. - Practical application: • Contribute financially for equipment upkeep. • Donate supplies—everything from communion cups to fresh batteries. • Share larger items (musical instruments, projectors) if God has provided you with more. - 1 Corinthians 16:2 urges regular, proportional giving; plan it, don’t leave it to impulse. Step 3: Offer Skilled Service - Bezalel and Oholiab used God-given skills (Exodus 35:30-35). - Your church may need: • Sound technicians, musicians, graphic designers, livestream operators. • Carpenters or electricians for maintenance. • Seamstresses or decorators for seasonal banners. - 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” Step 4: Keep the Light Burning - The lampstand and oil point to continuous provision (Leviticus 24:1-4). - Practical steps: • Join or start a rotation to arrive early and set up. • Volunteer for post-service breakdown and cleaning. • Check supplies mid-week so Sunday never catches the team unprepared. Step 5: Sustain an Atmosphere of Prayer - The altar of incense symbolizes intercession (Psalm 141:2). - Commit to pray for worship leaders, musicians, and tech teams. - Form a small group that meets during rehearsal times to lift them up. Step 6: Guard Holiness and Beauty - The anointing oil and curtains underscored purity and reverence (Exodus 30:22-29). - Keep worship areas clean and orderly. - Replace worn items promptly—pews, carpet, or Bibles—so nothing distracts from God’s glory. - Psalm 96:8 calls us to “bring an offering and enter His courts” with honor. Step 7: Give Regularly and Joyfully - 2 Corinthians 9:7—“God loves a cheerful giver.” - Set up recurring giving or envelope systems to stabilize the worship budget. - Celebrate testimonies of how previous gifts improved worship; joy grows when results are visible. Step 8: Encourage One Another in Giving and Serving - Exodus 36:5 records the artisans saying, “The people are bringing more than enough.” Generous hearts are contagious. - Publicly thank volunteers and donors (Romans 13:7). - Share needs openly so the whole body can respond. Putting It into Practice This Week - Ask your worship leader for a current needs list. - Choose one material item and one skill you can offer immediately. - Schedule a time to pray specifically for Sunday’s service. |
    |