The origin of Black Friday

Deuteronomy 14:28-29  (ESV)

28 “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt attempted to bolster the great economic collapse by moving up the date of Thanksgiving. The idea was to give people more time to Christmas shop, thus boosting profits for businesses and merchants. The change didn’t hold and Thanksgiving reverted to its original date; however, the drive to increase spending among Americans remained, with the creation of a special day dedicated to mass spending and stocking up on Christmas purchases: Black Friday.

Probably not what Sarah Jospeha Hale had in mind when she campaigned against “the want of all things!”

The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1950’s by Philadelphia police to describe the worst working day of their year. The Saturday after Thanksgiving was the annual date for the city’s Army/Navy football game. (It doesn’t get much more American than that!) Every year, loads of people flooded into the city during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to celebrate — and do their Christmas shopping the day before the game — requiring the attention of Philadelphia’s whole police force.

Looters took advantage of the crowds, preying upon business owners and taking off with their merchandise; such rampant crime after a national holiday dedicated to gratitude.

A not-so-nice aspect to our infamous shopping day.

Now, joining Black Friday, are Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. One is dedicated to online shopping, the other to “giving back”. Some feel donating to charity has become an afterthought to materialism, and maybe they are right to be concerned. Because after we spend all of our money on acquiring more things, often we can only spare a few dollars to give to those who truly need it.

In Deuteronomy, we read about the practice of offering the firstfruits of a harvest to the temple. The people worshipped God by giving thanks for the fertile land he had given them; and to receive forgiveness of sins. Sometimes the offerings were used to feed the poor, orphans, and widows.

Here is a good question to consider this Thanksgiving: does the retail industry dictate the way you shop and spend?

Dear Lord, show us how, and when we can give to those who are struggling to clothe and feed themselves. Help us to be Your hands and feet. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

God can use your 57 Cents

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School, "she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday School class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school. For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there! A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, "acres of Diamonds"---a true story. It goes to show you "What God CAN Do With 57 Cents."

Are you willing to give so that the Lord can use it in a mighty way?

Dear Lord, help our hearts be willing to give sacrificially to You so that the ministry can go forward and reach the lost. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sowing unshelfishly

Mark 9:34-35 (ESV)

34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Once there was a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, a large gathering took place in the palace courtyard and our finalists were brought forward.

The first person was a wealthy philanthropist. This man was deserving of the king's honor because of his great humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor, building orphanages, schools and hospitals throughout the land. The second was a celebrated physician. This outstanding doctor was deserving of honor for rendering his faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years and discovering medicines that saved many lives. The third was a distinguished judge. He was noted for his wisdom, his fairness and his many a brilliant decision.

The last person presented before the king was an elderly woman. Her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so very much?

The king was intrigued, to say the least and was somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. Then the answer came: "Well, my king, do you see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge over here? She was their teacher!"

This woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but countless lives were helped, healed and changed through her giving.

We never know whose lives we're touching. I'm sure someone prayed -- someone gave -- someone shared the Gospel with some of the greatest evangelists, preachers and givers we know.

Let's serve the Lord by sowing unselfishly into the lives of the people he's put in our path --- so that they may become great in God's Kingdom!

Dear Lord, we pray that we would allow You to use us today to touch someone with Your love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

God loves a volunteer

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

After Mt. St. Helens blew up in 1980, one church needed a great deal of cleaning up. Ash was in the parking lot and all over the inside because of open windows. A woman met the pastor in the hallway on Friday and asked "Why don't we get the High School and College kids to come in and help poor Fred clean this place up? Let's get them involved." "Great idea," he said, "Would you be willing to get some women together to cook lunch for us?" "Well actually, we had plans tomorrow and I don't know when we'll be back..."

We always want to volunteer someone else for a job needing done, don't we? It's so easy to get into the mindset that serving God is a chore, it's our job, our duty -- we give "valuable consideration" to our giving, as Webster describes it. The fact of the matter is that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves a volunteer. When I think of that verse, the first thing that comes to my mind is monetary giving, but God wants us to cheerfully volunteer every good thing He has so mercifully allowed us to have -- things we often take for granted -- our time, our energy, our abilities, our talents, our homes, our cars, our families -- all that we have - all that He has cheerfully given to us!

Let's make a point to volunteer some of these things to the Lord this week. Let's begin to bless the Lord and those around us!

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be willing to give of our time to do Your work. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Are you a cheerful giver?

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

One Sunday, a mother wanted to teach her daughter a lesson. She gave her a quarter and a dollar. "Put whichever one you want in the offering and keep the other for yourself," she told the girl. Later, the mother asked her little daughter which she had given to the Lord, the dollar or the quarter. "Well," said the girl, "I was just about to put in the dollar when the pastor said that we should all be cheerful givers. I knew I'd be a lot more cheerful if I gave the quarter, so I did."

Can you relate? We like to make sure we're all taken care of. Then, if there's more left over after that, we're cheerful to give it. This is a desire I think all of us fight. But God has called us as Christians to a much greater faith. He has called us to think creatively about the ways we can give to further His Kingdom. He's called us to give beyond our means at times -- to take a step of faith and allow Him to show His faithfulness to us in return. He has called us to seek His wisdom and hear His voice in every situation – not just give the loose change that happens to be left over in our pockets from our latest lunch outing.

Let's strive to seek God about our giving. Perhaps the Lord is calling us to give in other ways than we've ever thought -- of our time and effort or our possessions, an open home to a neighbor in need? Perhaps He's calling us to give more than our regular tithe to our local church body. Whatever the case, let's give cheerfully!

Dear Lord, thank You for all You give to us. Help us to give with a  joyful heart. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Will You Give Your All?

Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

A jewelry merchant had a store in a large city, with many beautiful gems in it. Some were quite reasonably priced, and some were very expensive. But there was one stone in the store, a flawless pearl, which was more strikingly beautiful than any other, and this was displayed in its own case located in a prominent location, where everyone who came into the store could gaze at it in awe of its perfection. Many people, rich and poor, would come to that city from far-away places, just so that they could view it. There was no price shown, and most, recognizing its great value, would not even inquire as to the cost of it; but to those who did, the merchant would always answer,

"Ah, yes, that one! That one costs everything you have."

And no one was willing to pay the price, because it was too great.

Then, one day towards evening in the middle of winter, a beggar came into the store to escape the biting wind and freezing cold. He noticed the pearl in its display case, and, like everyone else, he was fascinated by it, unable to take his eyes off of it. Finally, he approached the merchant and inquired about its cost, and he received the same answer as the rest. The beggar went back to the display case, and spent a long time looking at this object of unique beauty from every angle, until at last he turned around, and taking off his worn overcoat, he handed it to the merchant behind the counter and announced,

"I will take it."

Without the slightest hesitation, the merchant unlocked the case and gave the pearl to its new owner.

At this point, an even more astonishing thing happened. Asking the beggar to wait, the merchant disappeared into the back room of the store. He came back in a few moments with his own magnificent fur coat draped over one arm, and a key ring in his other hand. With just a hint of a smile on his face, he handed both to the surprised beggar, saying,

"You gave me everything you had, and now everything I have is yours."

He then put on the beggar's overcoat, opened the door, and vanished into the night.

Much like us when we give our all to Jesus He gives His all to us.

Will you give Him everything today?

Dear Lord, we want to give You everything today for You to use. Help us be good stewards of what You give to us in return. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

How Can You Help Someone Today?

Deuteronomy 16:17 (NIV)

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.

Ann was a single mother of three living on welfare. She was often without funds to pay the necessary bills each month. Her income was $262 a month and she received about $350 per month in food stamps. Although food was usually in abundance, they often lacked necessities that could not be purchased with food stamps, like toilet paper and shampoo. They often had to compromise and were challenged to find creative alternatives . . . Like using Downy as hair conditioner.

One summer, Ann found that she did not have sufficient funds to pay the electric bill. Disconnection was imminent. So, Ann packed up the kids (in the stroller, since she had no car) and began the all-too-familiar walk to the township trustee's office to once again seek assistance.

When Ann arrived, there were several others sitting in the waiting area. This was not an easy task as many of the township employees looked down on them and treated them as though they had some sort of disease that they did not wish to contract. They were often treated rudely, with little patience or understanding.

As Ann waited her turn, another young mother, Sue, with three children and a stroller entered the waiting area. Sue approached the receptionist and stated her need. She was out of food and would not be getting any money or food stamps for another week. The receptionist looked up the young mother's file in the computer. She then informed Sue that she could not have any assistance because it had not been long enough since her last visit.

Ann immediately spoke up and said, "I can help you". Then Sue looked at Ann strangely. The receptionist looked at Ann even more strangely. She suspiciously questioned her, "If you can help Sue, why are you here asking us to help you?"

Ann explained, "I have lots of food, but no cash. I can't pay my electric bill with food stamps." Sue was very hesitant but finally agreed to accept Ann's offer of help. When Ann returned from her visit with her case worker, Sue was gone. Hurriedly, Ann left the office and began going from street to street in an effort to find Sue and her young family. After about 20 minutes of searching, Ann finally found them and after some persuasion, she finally convinced the Sue to follow her home.

When they arrived at Ann's house, Ann called a Christian neighbor who brought his car to help with the delivery. As Ann filled bag after bag with groceries, Sue expressed her thanks. She was in awe that Ann would share with a total stranger. They filled the car with groceries, baby clothes and a playpen that Ann no longer used. Sue was embarrassed, but Ann explained to her that we are all blessed with something that we can share with others regardless of how little we have.

The Lord has blessed us each. How can you help someone today?

Dear Lord, thank You for all you have given to us. Help us use what You have given to us to help others. Open our eyes to see what we can do today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Let the Lord Work Through You Today.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

In Beaumont, Texas, there is a fine school: Baylor University.

You may have heard of the school, but you probably haven't heard about the Christian man who gave the money to build that school. The story is an interesting one.

Later in life the benefactor lost all his property. More than one friend asked him, "Don't you wish that you had all the money you put into your school?"

His reply is a solid one. He said, "Not at all. It is all I've ever saved. If I had kept that money, I would have lost it too. I am thankful that I gave that building when I did."

How about you? Are you glad for the good things you've done?

Or do you regret the sacrifices you've made for others?

Mothers, are you sad you did without, so your children could dress right for school? Fathers, do you feel your time and sweat on the job has been ignored as you tried to provide? If so, you need to be like the man in our story.

Indeed, you need to be like the Lord. Almost 2,000 years ago Jesus died to save us from sin, death, and Satan. If the statistics are correct, there are hundreds of millions of people who don't believe in Him or the salvation He has won for them.

Nowhere in the Bible do I see any sorrow on Jesus' part for having made the sacrifice He did. On the contrary, there is great rejoicing in heaven for every sinner who repents.

In short, heaven is rejoicing at the good Jesus has done.

We need to rejoice in the good the Holy Spirit does through us; we need to give thanks for every opportunity He puts on our plate.

Let the Lord work through you today.

Dear Lord, thanks for all You have given for us. Help us be willing to give what we have so that Your name will be honored and the lost will be saved. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You Can't Out Give God.

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

One of my favorite stories in Scripture is where Jesus is telling his followers that the more they give, the more they will receive. It cannot be otherwise, he explains, because God will never be outdone in generosity. The concept of tithing is explained in a different part of Scripture, the idea that the first fruits---perhaps 10 percent of one’s earnings---should be given to God as an act of faith. (The actual money can be given to charity or church.)

It sounds simple, but putting it into practice is very difficult. We all have reasons for not giving money away, especially now when so many people are out of work completely, or earning reduced wages. But a principle is a principle, and it works all the time, not just when it seems easier to accept.

Colleen W. knows it first hand and her story is typical of how most of us take the first step. Finances had been somewhat tight for Colleen. One day she received a letter from a woman for whom she had done a favor. Inside was a gift card for $25, along with a brief “thank you” note from the woman.

Colleen was hadn’t expected to be paid, and she was thrilled. She couldn’t remember the last time she had received money that had no specific destination. The possibilities, although modest, seemed endless---something to wear? Something pretty for spring? She headed out to one of her favorite stories to enjoy some browsing time before making a selection.

While wandering up and down the aisles, she passed a display of Easter bunnies and angels. And she thought immediately of Grace. Grace was a dear friend who was mourning the death of her son. He had died around Easter of last year, and the anniversary was approaching. How would Grace handle it, Colleen wondered? Grace had started a collection of angels and another of bunnies shortly after the funeral. “They just make me feel better,” she once explained to Colleen. Now Colleen was looking at a display of the same items, and…she moved closer. There was a statue of an angel holding a bunny. Just perfect for Grace. The price? A little under $25.

No, Colleen thought. I can’t spend my gift card on something for someone else… But she could and she knew it. You will be repaid, said a voice in her head, but what did that mean? Quickly, before she changed her mind, she bought the statue, went home, wrapped it and left it on Grace’s porch.

When Grace phoned, Colleen could hardly hear her through the tears. “It’s the nicest thing that’s happened to me in a long time,”her friend told her. “How could you possibly know that I was asking God for a sign that my son is in His arms?”

Colleen cried too then. She had definitely been repaid, as the words in her head had promised. What could be more enjoyable than making someone happy?

God probably feels that way too, which is why Colleen received an unexpected check in the mail a few days later, from a utility bill overcharge. The amount? $25.

The amount? Not important.

Being a part of God’s answer to prayer? Priceless.

Dear Lord, help our eyes be open and our hearts be willing to give. Help us be the one that You use today to bless somebody. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are You Hooked on Giving?

Deuteronomy 16:17 (NIV) 

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.

Dr. Mar Aprem of the ancient Chaldean Orthodox Church of the East in India, sometimes tells a funny story about when a member of the church won a lottery worth 100,000 rupees. His wife went to the bishop and told him that she was afraid to tell this glad news to her husband because he had a heart problem and any sudden excitement could cause a heart attack.

The bishop offered to break the news gently to her husband. He visited the house and asked the man, "Wouldn't it be a good thing if you won 1,000 rupees in the lottery?" The man replied that he still would have to work to support his family.

"What about 10,000 rupees?" the bishop asked. The man still showed no excitement, so the bishop carefully raised the amount to 50,000 and finally to 100,000 rupees.

"If I got 100,000 rupees, I would give half of it to you, your Excellency," the man replied.

The bishop had a heart attack, and the man called an ambulance.

We can get excited about winning and getting. But have you learned how fun it is to give? Engineering and machinery genius R. G. LeTourneau discovered the joy of generosity. Besides establishing a private school, he reportedly gave 90 percent of his income to worthwhile causes, while living on the remaining ten percent. He became hooked on the fun of giving!

Of course, money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. Give some time, give your expertise, give a smile or give your love. You can never run out of something worthwhile to give. Giving is fun. And there is no stopping those who discover it!

Dear Lord, Thank You for all that You have given to us. Help us have the heart to give unto others so that we may be a blessing to them and show Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Do You See the Silver Lining?

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to take their grandchildren to the toy store and buy them scooters with the spare change that they had collected for quite some time. Their spare change, collected every evening before going to bed and put in a jar, had grown to a whopping $450. The three grandchildren children went into the toy store and picked out scooters.

Now all the children had "wheels." One of the granddaughters, Allison, has always had wheels on her wheelchair, being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth. Allison has always had a positive attitude. She had never let her disability get to her. Allison has always focused on her strengths rather than dwell on her losses.

After the children were given their scooters, Allison's father, Richard, was about to begin the process of loading Allison's wheelchair back into the van via a motorized lift. Before he could load the van an urchin boy came up to the family with a plea for $2, money the boy stated that he and his mother needed for a motel room that night. As the adults told the boy that they had no money for him, the grandfather and Allison noticed a mother with a dog standing approximately 15 feet away.

Allison quickly rode up to the boy and his mother in her wheelchair, opened her zipper purse, and gave the boy a $1 bill. The boy and his mother thanked Allison and let her pet their dog.

Then Allison rode back to the rest of her family and said, "I am so lucky...lucky I remembered my purse today."

Allison will not let her disability get to her. No matter what "cards are dealt to her," she always looks for the "silver lining."

How do you look at your situation in life? Do you see the silver lining or do you see the troubles? Today why not make it a goal to be like Allison.

Dear Lord, we pray today that we would not look at our circumstances and get down but that we would see the silver lining. Help us always be positive and look for the blessing that You give us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What is Your Ability to Give?

Ezra 2:69 (NIV)

According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.

In the summer of 1959, Robert Hill was a 13-year-old boy living in Italy. His father was a sergeant in the United States Army and was stationed there. Robert had just read of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's humanitarian works in Africa and he wanted to help him. Robert had only enough money to buy one bottle of aspirin. He didn't even have enough money to mail it to the doctor. But Robert wrote a letter to the Commander of the Air Force in Italy asking if "one of your planes" could just drop the bottle at the hospital. The Commander was touched by Robert's letter and passed it on to an Italian radio station. The station broadcast Robert's letter on the air. Soon thousands wanted to give to Dr. Schweitzer's work. In July 1959, Robert Hill flew to Africa with four and a half tons of medical supplies worth more than $400,000 carried in planes provided by the French and Italian Governments. There were a great many persons who wished to give "aspirin" for Dr. Schweitzer's work. Dr. Schweitzer was touched by the display of compassion and said: "I never thought a child could do so much for my hospital."

What is your ability to give?

Dear Lord, thank the Lord for the opportunities You give us to give to others for Your  glory. Open our eyes today so that we can see what we can do to help others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

The Travels of a One Dollar Bill and a Twenty Dollar Bill.

1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV)

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

    bring an offering and come before him.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

As you think about giving your offering to God this week take a minute to read this fun little story.

A well-worn dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty arrived at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to the shredder they struck up a conversation. The twenty reminisced about its travels all over the country. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway and even a cruise from Miami."

"Wow!" said the single, "you really have gotten around."

"So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"

"Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church . . ."

And the twenty says, "What's a church?"

Don’t let that be the words of the money God entrusts to you.

Dear Lord, help us be faithful with the money and blessings that You give to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Little Girl and Her Crutches

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

One day a minister received a request from a missionary society to preach a missionary sermon to be followed by a collection for a certain foreign field. The minister put his whole soul into the effort, encouraging the people to give cheerfully for the Lord's work.

After the sermon the collection basket was passed as usual; but the minister watched the result with depressed feelings as only small amounts were dropped in. Evidently his words had not reached the hearts of his hearers. He noticed how those who were well able to give kept looking at the time, anxious to be out and about other things.

On the last bench, in the meantime, a battle was waging in the heart of a poorly clad girl. Through an accident, Margaret had been crippled. She could not take a step without assistance. One day a kind lady procured a pair of crutches for her and since then her life had been much happier. This Sunday she ventured for the first time to church. What a great blessing it was to be able to listen to the Gospel once more.

As the usher came near with the basket, Margaret said to herself with a sad heart, "I have nothing to give -- not a cent -- and there in the foreign land the missionaries are expecting our gifts; they need so much to carry on their work. Oh, what can I do?"

These thoughts went through her mind and made her shudder. "My new crutches could be sold for a sum of money, but I cannot spare them; I must have them; they are my very life".

"Yes, your life," said a voice within; "but did not Christ give his life for you? If you give what is your life, some poor souls in Africa will hear that he is their Savior too. Oh, if you only would!"

Finally a glow came over her face. She pressed a kiss on the crutches and waited her heart pounding.

The collection basket came to where Margaret sat. The usher knew her well. He gave a friendly nod and was about to pass on. To his astonishment, she made an effort to lay the crutches on the basket. The man grasped the situation, took the crutches out of her hand, put them on the basket and carried them slowly through the aisle, laying them without a word on the altar.

Everyone watched him in breathless suspense. They all knew the young girl, and many eyes filled with tears. The minister, deeply affected, laid his hand on the crutches and repeated solemnly the words of Jesus: "She hath done what she could."

What a stir this incident made in the meeting! Suddenly the perspiration came on the banker's brow, and he wiped his face with his handkerchief as he pulled out his pocketbook. The rich lady fumbled about for her purse. The rich merchant whispered something in the ear of the usher, who passed the collection basket once more from bench to bench. This time money came like raindrops. Quietly and solemnly the people left the church. One lady stepped up to Margaret and gave back her new crutches. She had redeemed them for the benefit of the missionaries for the sum of one hundred dollars. The happy girl returned home, little realizing how much she had done that day for her Master.

Are you willing to do what you can?

Dear Lord, we pray that our hearts would be willing to give what we can. Help us give from our heart so that others may see Your love through our gift In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Can God Use 57 Cents?

Matthew 25:2 (NIV)

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it 'was too crowded'. "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday School class.

The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribble in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there!

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 cent payment. Church members made large subscriptions. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 - a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).

Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300, and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."

Do you have room for someone today who needs a place to learn from God?

Dear Lord, help us have a heart that is open to those around us that need Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Story of an 80 Acre Farm.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In 1989 they began conducting monthly outreach crusades in the government projects of their city. Using tents and community centers, they faithfully ministered year after year to people of all ages through evangelistic services, medical care, food, and clothing.

As the needs of people increased, more and more came to them with every imaginable need. This growing influx of people revealed to them the pressing need to have an onsite outreach in the area, which would better position them to meet their needs.

In 1998, a newspaper article identified the area of Tulsa as having the highest crime rate. The people began to pray that God would give them land for an outreach center that would turn the tide of violence and make this a place of peace. They wanted to see Jesus exalted in the middle of their neighborhood.

Within a few days two sisters named Mary Trotter and Martha Cobb contacted them. They informed them that their grandfather had left an 80-acre farm to them in the very location over which they had prayed, and that they had a desire to see the land used by the Lord as a community outreach. As they walked the property, they sensed in the Spirit that this was, indeed, special ground; there was a reason it had never been developed.

The Lord brought together a team in their church who started to research the land in courthouse records. They were told the land would never be rezoned for the purposes they desired; thus began the lengthy process of preparing the appropriate documentation needed to present a case for a special exception.

In November 1999, they appeared before the Tulsa County Commission, requesting a special exception to be made that the land might be used as an outreach facility. A pastor from the church presented their case with charts and explanations of the plans. One of the commissioners surprised them by saying, "if you had sent Sharon Daugherty to sing, this deal would already be over." At that point we knew God had gone before us!

They were soon granted the zoning they requested, which enabled them to begin the first phase of their dream.

Today they have almost 25,000 square feet that is comprised of the following: a medical area with a pharmacy, dental offices, clothing distribution area, computer center, gym, kitchen, and dining areas with a food distribution center. Outdoor areas for sports and recreational activities make possible make year-round outreach.

Mary and Martha gave what they had-they gave the farm. And because they did, on that land today worship and work, miracles and mentoring, praise and play are taking place year-round.

Are you willing to give what you have today to help further the kingdom of God?

Dear Lord, we thank You for what You have given to each of us.  We pray today that we would be willing to let You use it in whatever way You want us to.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Will You Be The Conduit God Uses?

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;

    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous person will prosper;

    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

One of the reasons God entrusts money to us is to bless other Christians by meeting their needs. God uses the transfer of money within the Body of Christ to build unity among Christians. Sometimes we withhold money that God has designated for someone else. He wants to bless through us, but His will cannot be accomplished through us if we are disobedient.

This was the case for a business owner who tells of the time when God told him to forego a company bonus one year. God directed him to share his year-end bonus with an employee to show his appreciation for him. He wrestled with God for three full days before obeying the Lord on the matter. When he finally met with the employee to give him his check, the man said he had been praying about a financial need he had three days earlier. He had decided to borrow the money to meet his need. The amount of money he borrowed was the exact amount the business owner gave him.

God had already planned to provide for the employee through the business owner, but because he was hesitant, he almost missed the opportunity to be an instrument of God in this man's life. Even so, he could have prevented the man from having to borrow money. It was an important lesson for the business owner.

How many people do we let down because we feel the "harvest" God provides is all ours? In America the pressure is always on to move up the ladder of material accumulation. Jesus warned us about this. If our focus is on accumulation, we will not look for opportunities to be God's vessels of financial blessing to others. Ask the Lord if you have an open hand when it comes to finances.

Dear Lord, Help us be a blessing to someone today. Help our eyes and hearts be open to what You would have us do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are You Giving Your Best to Others?

1 Chronicles 29:9 (NIV)

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

Bill was a big, awkward, homely guy. He dressed oddly with ill-fitting clothes. There were several fellows who thought it smart to make fun of him.

One day one fellow noticed a small tear in his shirt and gave it a small rip. Another worker in the factory added his bit, and before long there was quite a ribbon dangling. Bill went on about his work and as he passed too near a moving belt the shirt strip was sucked into the machinery. In a split second the sleeve and Bill was in trouble.

Alarms were sounded, switches pulled, and trouble was avoided. The foreman, however, aware of what had happened, summoned the men and related this story:

"In my younger days I worked in a small factory. That's when I first met Mike. He was big and witty, was always making jokes, and playing little pranks. Mike was a leader. Then there was Pete who was a follower. He always went along with Mike. And then there was a man named Jake.

"He was a little older than the rest of us quiet, harmless, apart. He always ate his lunch by himself. He wore the same patched trousers for three years straight. He never entered into the games we played at noon, wrestling, horse shoes and such. He appeared to be indifferent, always sitting quietly alone under a tree instead. Jake was a natural target for practical jokes.

"He might find a live frog in his dinner pail, or a dead rodent in his hat. But he always took it in good humor. Then one Fall when things were slack, Mike took off a few days to go hunting. Pete went along, of course. And they promised all of us that if they got anything they'd bring us each a piece.

"So we were all quite excited when we heard that they'd returned and that Mike had got a really big buck. We heard more than that. Pete could never keep anything to himself, and it leaked out that they had real whopper to play on Jake.

"Mike had cut up the critter and had made a nice package for each of us. And, for the laugh, for the joke of it, he had saved the ears, the tail, the hoofs it would be so funny when Jake unwrapped them.

"Mike distributed his packages during the noon hour. We each got a nice piece, opened it, and thanked him. The biggest package of all he saved until last. It was for Jake. Pete was all but bursting; and Mike looked very smug. Like always, Jake sat by himself; he was on the far side of the big table. Mike pushed the package over to where he could reach it; and we all sat and waited.

"Jake was never one to say much. You might never know that he was around for all the talking he did. In three years he'd never said a hundred words. So we were all quite astounded with what happened next. He took the package firmly in his grip and rose slowly to his feet. He smiled broadly at Mike and it was then we noticed that his eyes were glistening. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down for a moment and then he got control of himself.

"'I knew you wouldn't forget me,' he said gratefully; 'I knew you'd come through! You're big and you're playful, but I knew all along that you had a good heart.'

"He swallowed again, and then took in the rest of us. 'I know I haven't seemed too chummy with you men; but I never meant to be rude. You see, I've got nine kids at home and a wife that's been an invalid bedfast now for four years. She ain't ever going to get any better. And sometimes when she's real bad off, I have to sit up all night to take care of her. And most of my wages have had to go for doctors and medicine. The kids do all they can to help out, but at times it's been hard to keep food in their mouths.

"Maybe you think it's funny that I go off by myself to eat my dinner. Well, I guess I've been a little ashamed, because I don't always have anything between my sandwich. Or like today maybe there's only a raw turnip in my pail. But I want you to know that this meat really means a lot to me. Maybe more than to anybody here because tonight my kids . . .' he wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand, '. .tonight my kids will have a really ..'

"He tugged at the string. We'd been watching Jake so intently we hadn't paid much notice to Mike and Pete. But we all noticed them now, because they both dove at once to try to grab the package. But they were too late. Jake had broken the wrapper and was already surveying his present. He examined each hoof, each ear, and then he held up the tail. It wiggled limply. It should have been so funny, but nobody laughed nobody at all.

"But the hardest part was when Jake looked up and said 'Thank you' while trying to smile. Silently one by one each man moved forward carrying his package and quietly placed it in front of Jake for they had suddenly realized how little their own gift had really meant to them . . . until now . . .

"This was where the foreman left the story and the men. He didn't need to say anymore; but it was gratifying to notice that as each man ate his lunch that day, they shared part with Bill and one fellow even took off his shirt and gave it to him."

Dear Lord, help us show Your love today. Help our eyes be opened so that we can see beyond the present and see the real person that is before us today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Christmas Scout

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NIV)

7 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.

In spite of the fun and laughter, 13 yr. old Frank Wilson was not happy. It was true, he had rec'd all the presents he wanted, and he enjoyed the traditional Christmas Eve reunions with relatives for the purpose of exchanging gifts and good wishes..........but Frank was not happy because this was his first Christmas without his brother, Steve, who during the year, had been killed by a reckless driver. Frank missed his brother and the close companion- ship they had together.

He said good-bye to his relatives, and explained to his parents that he was leaving a little early to see a friend, and from there he could walk home. Since it was cold outside, Frank put on his new plaid jacket. It was his FAVOURITE gift. He placed the other presents on his new sled, and then headed out, hoping to find the patrol leader of his Boy Scout troop. Frank always felt understood by him.

Though rich in wisdom, his leader lived in the Flats, the section of town where most of the poor lived. His patrol leader did odd jobs to help support his family. To Frank's disappointment, his friend was not home. As Frank hiked down the street toward home, he caught glimpses of trees and decorations in many of the small houses. Then, thru one front window, he glimpsed a shabby room with limp stockings hanging over an empty fireplace.

A woman was seated nearby....weeping. The stockings reminded him of the way he and his brother had always hung theirs side by side. The next morning, they would be bursting with presents. A sudden thought struck Frank--he had not done his "good deed" for the day. Before the impulse passed, he knocked on the door. "Yes?" the sad voice of a woman asked. Seeing his sled full of gifts, and assuming he was making a collection, she said, "I have no food or gifts for you. I have nothing for my own children."

"That's not why I am here,” Frank replied.  “choose whatever presents you would like for your children from the sled."

"Why, God bless you!" the amazed woman answered gratefully. She selected some candies, a game, a toy airplane and a puzzle. When she took the Scout flashlight, Frank almost protested. Finally, the stockings were full.

"Won't you tell me your name?" she asked, as Frank was leaving.

"Just call me the Christmas Scout," he replied.

The visit left Frank touched, and with an unexpected flicker of joy in his heart. He understood that his sorrow wasn't the only sorrow in the world. Before he left the Flats, he had given away the rest of his gifts. His plaid jacket had gone to a shivering boy. Now, Frank trudged toward home, cold and uneasy. How could he explain to his parents that he had given his presents away?

"Where are your presents, son? asked his father as Frank entered the house. "I gave them away," he answered in a small voice.

"The airplane from Aunt Susan? Your new coat from Grandma? Your flashlight?? We thought you were happy with your gifts."

"I was......very happy," Frank said quietly.

"But, Frank, how could you be so impulsive?" his mother asked. "How will we explain to the relatives who spent so much time and gave so much love shopping for you?"

His father was firm. "You made your choice, Frank. We cannot afford any more presents."

With his brother gone, and his family disappointed in him, Frank suddenly felt dreadfully alone. He had not expected a reward for his generosity; for he knew that a good deed always should be its own reward. It would be tarnished otherwise. So he did not want his gifts back. However, he wondered if he would ever again recapture joy in his life. He thought he had this evening....but it had been fleeting. He thought of his brother.....and sobbed himself to sleep.

The next morning, he came downstairs to find his parents listening to Christmas music on the radio. Then the announcer spoke:

"Merry Christmas, everyone! The nicest Christmas story we have this morning comes from the Flats. A crippled boy down there has a new sled this morning left at his house by an anonymous teenage boy. Another youngster has a fine plaid jacket, and several families report that their children were made happy last night by gifts from a teenage lad who simply called himself the 'Christmas Scout'. No one could identify him, but the children of the Flats claim that the Christmas Scout was a personal representative of old Santa Claus himself.

Frank felt his father's arms go around his shoulders, and he saw his mother smiling thru her tears.

"Why didn't you tell us, son? We didn't understand. We are so proud of you."

The carols came over the air again, filling the room with music--"Praises sing to God the King, and peace on Earth goodwill to men."

Dear Lord, as we celebrate Christmas this year help our eyes be open to those in need around us. Help us be like the “Christmas Scout” And be a blessing to those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.