I am not a great gift-giver. I really wish I were, because I know what it is like to receive great gifts. Gifts can be great in the sense of their magnitude, sacrifice, thoughtfulness, or meaning.
Growing up, my family gave me gifts that were at times expensive and meaningful, and I valued them very much. Some of the best gifts were the times my aunts, uncles, and grandparents spent with me. It also meant a lot when I could tell that someone had put a lot of thought into a particular gift. My wife and kids have given me handmade gifts that I cherish today.
In Matthew 2, we see the story of the wise men coming to Jesus with their gifts. They came to Jesus after seeing a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a great king. These men brought significant gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which were costly and thoughtful. I have heard that they represented Jesus’ kingship, his divinity, and his upcoming sacrifice. Amazingly, Jesus was revealed in the heavens to the Gentiles before he sacrificed himself for them. It was perhaps even these gifts that Mary and Joseph used to pay for their flight to Egypt.
Our Lord longs to give us good gifts. Every day, He is ready for us to come to Him and receive His presence. He is willing not merely to listen, but to speak to us and guide us. He is willing to call us his children, his ambassadors, and his friends. These truly are amazing gifts that he has given.
Our Lord blesses us so that we, in turn, can go out into the world and be blessings. He longs for us to shine our lights into the dark places of our families, churches, communities, and beyond our national or ethnic borders. We are blessed to be blessings! What an epiphany this truly is.
I continue to be humbled by the generosity of all of you, through the sacrifices of time and resources you contribute through the Prayer League to glorify our Lord and advance His Kingdom. These gifts are given with great intention, thoughtfulness, prayer, and sacrifice. May Jesus receive these gifts as he received the gifts of the wise men. May he be worshipped around the world and glorified. Thank you for your prayers and support!
GOD’S PROVISION – NOVEMBER 2025
| ALLOWANCE: Designated Support Funds: | $27,958 |
| General Support Fund: | $42,819 |
| Transfer from General Fund: | $0 |
| BENEFITS: Designated Support Funds: | $48,537 |
| Transfer from Estate Fund: | $0 |
| Donations to Benefits Fund: | $75 |
| Number of full-time worker units: | 25 |
| Worker Units with 100% allowance | 25 |
| Minimum allowance provided: | 100% |