ROOTED - Friday, June 13, 2025

Philippians 4:17
17 Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

Reflection: Roots to Fruit Friday: Benefit
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
We are going on a mission trip in July with the Youth Group. I was “roped in” (LOL) to this trip owing to the fact that we knew Makayla would be leaving the student ministry and we would have a new youth minister in July. I was meant to steady the ship and give confidence to parents that someone they knew would be going in the leadership. Addison (my daughter) decided she wanted to go, and it was her responsibility to raise the money for the trip. I encouraged her to ask for money (this is a very biblical model… Paul asked for money in his missionary journeys all the time). So, she did. She raised all her money, and then some. She communicated to those who are supporting her that they can pray for her and the work of the ministry she will do in July, and that whatever happens for the glory of God, will be on account of their prayer and financial support.
This is a good lesson for all of us. The fact is, everyone who is supporting Addison does, in fact, have a stake in the game. They are invested. Whatever God chooses to do will be to the eternal benefit of the financial supporters she has. I believe this 100%. The church Roots to Fruit capital campaign is the exact same thing. Paul encourages the church to support his ministry and if there is a benefit, it is to “their account.” That is, they get the eternal reward. Let us say that the financial sacrifice our church makes now for a renovated facility… let’s say that because of it more people come to faith. The benefit and blessing pour over those who gave. They receive an eternal reward. In a manner of speaking, the investment into the kingdom, into the future of Timberlake, is in the interest of the giver. May God bless you with eternal blessing for your contribution, in faith, to what God wants to accomplish here in the years to come.

Prayer
Lord, may our vision not be short-sighted and myopic. May we, by faith, see the eternal reward and benefit of sacrificing now for a future reward yet unseen.