Joel M Bradshaw

3And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, 4so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, 5and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.”–Exodus 36

“We’re sorry, Pastor. We have to cut your pay in the budget. But if the money still comes in we can pay you your normal amount.”

I remember those really lean budget years at the small church I pastored. Our budget was made off of the pledged giving amounts for the coming year. And that church was so generous even though our numbers were decreasing. And I want to tell you that behind the scenes money came in each week to pay my salary. Even though I officially took a pay cut, I never actually received one. There was always more than enough.

Over the 10 years of ministry at that church I saw God display His provision time after time. Workers for work days. Donations for community care events. Major building repair costs. God always provided more than enough. Even when I was physically most weak and in the throws of a challenging MS flare-up, God provided more than enough energy for me to get through the weekend!

Moses actually had to tell the people to stop giving. They were getting too much and the donations were overwhelming the workers. God is faithful to provide. Never forget the many ways God cares for us! As a former small church pastor I never will forget.–JMB