DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MARCH 16, 2026
READ: Exodus 35 (Focus vs.20-29)
MEMORY VERSE
“All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings.” Exodus 35:29
BACKGROUND
“I am thankful to God for His goodness,” reads the plaque, “in permitting me to have a part in building this broad thoroughfare as a frame to the beautiful picture which He created.”
The inscription is attributed to highway engineer Samuel Christopher Lancaster in 1915. It stands at a beautiful scenic overlook on the highway he designed, a road that takes drivers along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, with forests, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs.
It’s tempting to take credit for our resources and accomplishments or use them to bring ourselves praise. What would it look like, instead, to think of them as a lowly “frame” around God’s masterpiece?
One example is when Moses invited the Israelites to bring gifts to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them” contributed what they had: precious metal and stone, linen, leather, wood, spices, and oil (vv. 21-28).
These costly goods were offered from willing hearts to fulfill what God had commanded (v. 29). Some master craftsmen were especially gifted. But everyone could contribute something, like the women who skillfully spun goat hair (v. 26).
What mattered most then, and today, is the posture of the giver’s heart. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord” (v. 5). That’s when our resources are put to their best use.
Karen Pimpo
INSIGHT
Building the tabernacle represented a critical moment in the early history of Israel. Having escaped bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were now assembled at the base of Mount Sinai, where the God of their father Abraham reintroduced Himself to His chosen people.
The establishment of the tabernacle wasn’t only intended to represent God’s presence among the people but to serve as the center of their national life.
This would continue years later when the tabernacle was replaced by Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, where the people would continue to give of their best in service to God.
Today, as the Holy Spirit helps us, one way we bring praise to God is by offering Him our resources.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
What resources are at your disposal? How could they be used to bring praise to God?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“What matters most (in giving) is the posture of the giver’s heart.”
PR’s TAKE
“God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the “CALLED”
PRAYER
“Dear God, I can get caught up in seeking my own praise. Please help my life bring You glory!”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LORD I’M AVAILABLE” Milton Brunson
You gave me my hands to reach out to man
To show him Your love and Your perfect plan
You gave me my ears, I can hear Your voice so clear
I can hear the cries of sinners
But cannot wipe away their tears
You gave me my voice to speak Your Word
To sing all Your praises, to those who never heard
But with my eyes I can see a need for more availability
I’ve seen the hearts that have been broken
So many people to be free
Lord, I’m available to You
My will I give to You
I’ll do what You say to
Use me Lord,
To show someone the way and enable me to say
My storage is empty and I am available to You
Now I’m giving back to You
All the tools You gave to me
My hands, my ears, my voice, my eyes
So You can use them as You please
I have emptied out my cup so that You can fill me up
Now I’m free,
I just want to be more available to You
