Places to Give & John the Apostle

In person Black Friday shopping was up nearly three percent last week, according to Bloomberg News. Financial experts say this weekend has also set a holiday sales record for online shopping.

As people prepare for the Christmas season, a new tradition for many is Giving Tuesday. Today marks the day many will donate to a church, charity or other organization.

If you’re looking to give, you might consider…

International Mission Board

* 59 percent of the world today is considered unreached – meaning Jesus is not known or named among 4.5 billion people. Supporting the IMB enables them to train and send missionaries to the nations to share the good news of Jesus.

Send Relief

* Your gift to Send Relief will help fund hunger relief project in dozens of countries that have been affected by war, the pandemic and inflation.

GuideStone

* Giving to GuideStone’s Mission: Dignity will help honor retired Southern Baptist ministers, workers and widows struggling to meet basic needs through advocacy and financial assistance.

Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

* When you partner with the Psalm 139 Project, 100 percent of the donation goes to placing an ultrasound machine in a pro-life pregnancy resource center.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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Tradition says John was the only apostle not martyred for his faith. But late in his life, around A.D. 95, he lived on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, just off the coast of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:9). He was exiled there because of his bold ministry for Christ, primarily in the city of Ephesus, according to a Lifeway Bible study.

While on the island, he received a revelation from God.

In Revelation 2:8-11, John wrote to the church in Smyrna. Jesus’ message to the believers began with encouragement: “I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich” (v. 9). The church at Smyrna was a poor church with few resources. Still, Jesus described them using one word: “rich” (v. 9). Their lack of material and financial wealth did not completely define them; their spiritual blessings in Christ, however, did.

Even as they face difficulties and persecution, they had all they needed in Jesus. It was a good word for them and it’s a good word for Christians today.

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