When we receive an appeal letter, we should check out the cause, pray about it, and if we are convinced the ministry is worthy, let us give as God has given to us.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Corinth was a major commercial and transportation hub. People with initiative and a hard work ethic could prosper and enjoy the blessings of their labor. Getting material possessions may have been their goal. Giving to the needs of others, such as the people of Jerusalem, who were in a period of famine, or to the support of God’s work in preaching and teaching the message of Jesus Christ, may not have had priority. Paul emphasizes love. Where love is lacking, it seldom occurs to people to give sacrificially, generously and consistently. When Paul first arrived in Corinth to plant the Church, he supported himself by making and selling tents. Now he asks, without apology, for their financial support. He refers to three of his financial supporters (vs. 17) who gave to make up the needed funds for the continuation of his ministry of winning souls to Jesus, which the believers of Corinth had failed to give. In this appeal for finances, Paul says, “A great and effective door has opened to me.” Adversaries will always oppose giving to the Lord. When we receive an appeal letter, check out the cause and the effectiveness of the ministry outreach. Pray about it, and if we are convinced the ministry is worthy, let us give as God has given to us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You gave Your all for me. Teach me to give as You would have me give. I know I can never even begin to repay You for all You’ve done for me, and You are not asking for repayment. Your love is unconditional. I pray that You will pour into me as much of Your love as I am able to contain and then overflow my life, enabling me to express my love for You in my giving to the causes You have presented. Causes which You want me to support. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I realized a long time ago that I can’t support every cause. I would take the request letters, read them, pray over them, and trust the Lord to draw me to the ministries He wanted me to support. I’ve checked out their financial accountability, leadership and verifiable results. Are financial records audited by outside accountants? Are they accountable to an association, such as the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, of which Crossroads is a member? Make sure the Ministry you support meets the high standards we expect of those who do God’s work. The Bible speaks of the necessity of having “a good report” (KJV) in the eyes of the world outside, as well as inside the body of believers (1 Timothy 3:7).