Fundraising: Rejoice in the Lord in need and in plenty

Lord as I come back from several great trips and dive into the challenge and joy of fundraising I pray I would rejoice in you both in need and in plenty. Whether fundraising is going well or not, whether I am in abundance or in need I want to hope in and rejoice despite the circumstances. For I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength!

Philippians 4:10-20

"10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

This is my prayer also like Paul that in fundraising (Ministry Partner Development MPD) that the focus would not be on the money but rather the spiritual investment and partnership that blesses you as my donors and partners in the gospel. God will supply our every need, I need not worry about raising another $21,000 or $1700/month. And I believe God will provide for you as you give generously and joyfully. I pray for you as you give your time and money to support my ministry and other causes that your gifts would be a beautiful offering to God and that our Lord would provide for you not just with your physical/financial needs but with strength to endure all circumstances. 

Here is as word of encouragement I needed this morning to remember why I do the ministry and fundraising I do and why we follow Christ:

1 Peter 1:23-25

... you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for

“All flesh is like grass
    and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
    and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

We are born again of imperishable seed that builds us up to eternal life in Christ. For God has promised in his Word that through faith we would be saved and the Word of God and his promise remains forever! In Christ and his promise we set our hope!

Amen