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“Do You Know What Your Gift is Doing?”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul says, "After I have completed this task and have made sure they have received this fruit..." Do you think he did this because the churches in Achaia and Macedonia wanted a receipt for their gift? Maybe, but probably not. Then why did Paul make this point so emphatically? I think it was important to Paul to bring the church in Jerusalem tangible evidence of the fruit it had produced. It's a great example for us all today as well -- to check in from time to time on the work we're supporting. In other words, if we're going to contribute money to some ministry, then it's a pretty good idea to know what it's doing.

The church I attend is very mission oriented. In fact, a very significant portion of our annual budget goes toward mission work around the globe. On a regular basis we invite the missionaries we support to present the fruit of their work to the church. I always find it interesting how few of our members actually attend these presentations. I personally do not believe that we as Christians should give to any work unless we know two things about it: First, what is it doing practically? And second, is the work effective in getting the Word of God into hearts and lives? Paul made certain, that when it came to giving, he provided the necessary feedback in both of these areas.

Questions to Ponder:

Christian giving is in trouble today. Why? Because too many of us are unconcerned about how our gifts are actually used. When was the last time you observed the fruit of your offering? Is it producing the intended result? What do you need to improve upon in your commitment to charitable giving?

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.