January 11: It's Better to Give

You Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed...no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. - Philippians 4:15

Hudson Taylor, the English preacher who pioneered missions in China, never asked for money to fund his work. Rather, he deeply believed that God would supply all his needs, and he prayed every day for His provision. God answered his prayers, and people gave timely gifts, which enabled Taylor to continue his ministry. Their support of a co-laborer with Christ helped bring God's Word to the Chinese.

God honored the generosity of these believers, as he does our giving. He appreciates an open heart that responds to ministry and enables others to do His work (2 Corinthians 9:7). As the apostle Paul writes in Philippians, such gifts are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God (4:18, NIV).

Ask God for opportunities to invest in His Kingdom work.  This may mean doing more for your local church or for missions in other parts of the world. You may help the next Hudson Taylor and discover a valuable truth: it's bette to give than to receive.

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If the church marries herself to the spirit of the times,

she will find herself a widow in the next generation.

Charles Stanley