A better way to give?

[Titus2woman]

I spent the morning online looking for a charity that deals specifically with human trafficking. I love the way the Lord leads and guides us to places we never pictured ourselves. The impetus for my search came as I was reading an inspiring message last night on the internet. It was from a church far from my home that there was no chance I could visit and I wondered how I had landed there when what I was really looking for was local churches.

Still I was moved by what I read and believed God had sent me there for encouragement. They had a 'donate' button on the site and I thought theirs was a message I'd love to see reach more people... so I clicked it... And God's greater purpose popped up in the form of a screen that said instead of a donation, to give my money to the truly poor. Those that have not enough for sustenance, those who are forgotten and abused... because... get this... These folks ADMIT they have plenty. While they are not well off they never go to bed hungry, are never sick from lack of clean water, nor ever cold for lack of clothing or shoes. No one is physically abusing them, they are mostly healthy and happy. I was amazed, as this is the first time I've ever found a church community without a list of 'needs'.

I am hugely disappointed that I was not able to again find their site this morning so I could at least send a note of thanks for the eye-opener. I am going to take that advice however. I am ashamed of how I have given my money in the past... to building funds and fundraisers for trips for the youth or for a vacation for the pastor. I have asked God's forgiveness for my carelessness and poor stewardship and have vowed to improve. Jesus came to the world a poor man and his love for the poor was at the forefront of much of his ministry. I have to take that to heart and make it a reality in my life.

How do you feel about your own giving? Do you feel that you have really touched the heart of God with it? How do you see you would like it to be?