In September 2013, a man paid for his $1.90 cup of coffee and left a $3,000 tip for the server. Since then, he has given away more than $150,000 in exceptionally large tips. He has typically written "God bless!" on the receipt and stamped @tipsforjesus next to his signature. But he told a magazine reporter, "The movement we have started is intended to be agnostic." Neither he nor the magazine clarified what he meant.
When I read the story, I thought of the thousands of people who make our ministry possible. Our work is funded entirely by our readers. We can send today's Cultural Commentary for free to more than 93,000 people in 203 countries only because our financial supporters are so gracious. Every word our ministry produces is an extension of your partnership.
Due to the God-given growth of our work, we are now considering new ways to serve our readers. Our team has prepared a survey which will enable us to identify topics and ideas you would like us to address. The survey will take less than two minutes to complete. I am looking forward to reading the results and finding new ways to serve you. Thank you in advance for your help.
The man behind "Tips for Jesus" may not intend his movement to glorify God, but our team is passionately committed to honoring Jesus in all we do. Every dollar you invest in the Kingdom through our work helps someone receive God's word. It is a great privilege to share this ministry with you. I am deeply grateful to our Father for your intercession, encouragement, and financial support.
Your support has enabled us to grow the Cultural Commentary more than ten-fold since our ministry began nearly six years ago. Janet's Blog continues to grow, providing practical biblical wisdom on cultural and parenting issues of our day. First15 is reaching thousands every morning with devotional resources that help people encounter God. Our other website resources continue to reach a wide and growing audience. When our staff gathers at 8:30 each morning to pray, we consistently thank God for our financial partners and the privilege of advancing the Kingdom with them.
With Paul I say to you: "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel" (Philippians 1:3-5). May our Lord abundantly bless you and yours in this new year. To God be the glory—great things he has done.
Publication date: January 14, 2015
For more from the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, please visit www.denisonforum.org.
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