For many, December is the season for giving, and there are many opportunities to give this time of year! Just walking into a store, there are bells ringing, donations being made, and ample opportunities to reach into your wallet for some extra change. As Christians, we are called to give as an act of worship to the Lord, but have you ever wondered why we give financially to support various ministries, causes, or the local church? Is it just a gimmick for the church, ministries, and missionaries to make money?

What if someone told you that there was a letter? Words straight from God himself to explain our purpose and act of giving as Christians?

Would you read it?

Would it quench our wonder, and expand our faith to trust the God who is the God of increase not just financially, but spiritually and relationally as well?

What if I told you that there was, in fact, a letter?

Written by Paul to the Philippians (and the Christian congregation) about the new ministry Paul had established in Macedonia before his imprisonment?

It is here, in Philippians 4, where theology meets our human practicality.

Paul’s letter declares the joys of knowing Jesus, and a community (the church) living in light of all that Christ has done. While declaring the goodness of God, they walk in obedience to God by partnering with Paul’s ministry for all God is going to do through it.

Philippians 4:10-19 NLT :

Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[d] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Notice what Paul is saying. In their giving, the Philippians were not merely supporting Paul’s ministry, they were partnering IN his ministry! Their financial assistance of Paul’s mission called by Christ made them a part of that very work themselves!  

God has BIG VISION through The Pause Pursuit this year! (Check out Part 2 now for more details on that!)

We are asking and believing for God to prompt the hearts of at least 20 individuals to give $20/mo. to carry out God’s 2020 vision in the new year…To carry His message globally and practically in our community in the coming months through The Pause Pursuit.

Please consider partnering with us through your financial support as you plan your year-end contributions and gifts. Giving and partnering with us financially doesn’t just mean you GIVE to us.  It means you are officially AN ACTIVE PART in this ministry, and on this journey with us! You are a part of what God is doing, even if you can’t be actively involved in person.

That’s so important for us to understand. Giving is not simply a way to support The Pause Pursuit, or just Matt and Dayna. Giving makes you a part of the ministry itself! There is no greater motivator than the glory of God backing your giving, and giving is one way we’re called to honor Him.

So, now, it’s your turn.

See what the Bible has to say about giving, and pray how God would have you partner with us financially as we enter the new year with BOLD 2020 vision, together!

Click here to be one of the 20 people we’ve been praying for to join with us at $20 as partners with this ministry in 2020. See how God is going to use YOU this year through HIS ministry!

*Check out part 2 of “Better To Give Than Receive” now to see how becoming a partner with us will help propel the things that God is doing through The Pause Pursuit in 2020.

Matt & Dayna

We’re Matt and Dayna. Life Enthusiasts in the pursuit of a life enriched in God’s sustaining grace, empowering others to pursue the same.  Two very imperfect people who wake up with bad breath, have days (sometimes weeks) of losing our patience, modeling to the world, each other, and our children, a life that points to Christ through our imperfection.

Most days you can find us chasing after our little heartbeats, Luella and Chase (4&2) This dynamic duo plays a big part in the heart behind The Pause Pursuit; a ministry empowering couples and families to slow down to pursue God and each other. In a media-saturated world, the comparison game is real, but so is real life. The Pause Pursuit is a safe place that combines the two. Where real life meets the sustaining power and pursuit of a real Jesus.