Discover week 3 of Children’s Hunger Fund’s 35 Days of Generosity devotionals, featuring inspiring real-life stories, Bible-based reflections on giving, and practical ways to help kids embrace Christlike generosity and serve families in need through the local church.
5.1: Why Joseph’s Integrity Still Matters Today
By Justin Phillips
Director, National Supply Chain and Logistics
When He summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. Psalm 105:16-17
Psalm 105 reminds us to give thanks to the Lord, to call upon His name and make known His deeds among all people (v1). As I reflect on what that looks like in my own life, I am grateful for the example of men like Joseph, who God raised up for His purposes in difficult times. Abandoned by his brothers and sold as a slave in a foreign land, Joseph was no stranger to trial or rejection. Yet, Joseph remained true to his God and His promises. Whether in Potiphar’s house or in prison, Joseph’s integrity remained steadfast such that those in Egypt could not help but take notice. God’s plan of redemption has never been in question, but it was Joseph’s faithfulness that allowed for him to be used to save his people and his family.
As we reflect on the blessings in our own lives, I hope that we remember Joseph’s example of faithful living. A commitment to integrity requires guarding that which we know to be true, regardless of the consequences. This commitment to truth produces lives that are open to being used for God’s purposes and to His glory. I am so humbled that God would choose unworthy vessels like me and you, like Joseph, to multiply His blessing. And like Joseph showing generosity to his family that had turned their back on him, I know that our hearts will be softened to be generous toward others.
5.2: We Have Each Been Gifted Something of Value
By Marcos Fernandez
Bookkeeper
Matthew 25:14-30
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little: ‘I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’. Matthew 25:21
Reflection
We each have been gifted something of great value. What is it? What is it for? How do we use it?
Therein lies the task and mission.
Are you good with a hammer? Are you a patient teacher? Can you make the ugly beautiful?
Christ has imbued each of us with a gift for the purpose of His glory.
Do we employ what He has given us for His kingdom?
Christ calls us to act with integrity – we must be proactive, seek out our gifts, cultivate them, and employ them for His glory.
It is not just kingdom growth we seek, either. Integrity requires us to use these gifts in a manner that reflects the merciful and loving nature of our Savior.
So, what kind of servants are we? Are we growing what has been given, or are we burying it?
Even worse, are we using it for our own vain glory?
Let us be people who, on the day we “settle accounts” with our Master, hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Application
- How can you use your skills, knowledge, and insight to serve Christ’s people and further His kingdom?
- How might you reorient resources provided to you for the glory of the kingdom?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for lovingly crafting me to have a role to play in the building of Your kingdom and the sharing of Your character. Please help me strive to commit everything to Your glory and to play my part well.
5.3: Walking in Integrity, Serving with Purpose
By Becky Schulte
Coordinator, Grants
Integrity is an integral part of CHF’s ability to fulfill its mission. CHF asserts that 25 cents can provide a meal. Integrity calls for the receipts. Are we who we say we are? I am burdened with that question both as an individual and as the grant coordinator for CHF.
In my time with CHF, I have overseen many groups of volunteers packing lentils and dried vegetables into Meal Paks, a nutritious soup mix. After each volunteer shift, I would tell them, “Each Meal Pak you made matters. The next person to open these Meal Paks will be someone in need who may not know where their next meal is coming from.” I always found that to be a sobering and humbling thought.
A significant part of my job is writing reports that detail how CHF uses donations and grants to support its programs. Some days, I am buried in paperwork and too many spreadsheets. But then I remind myself that integrity matters. If we say that we will deliver Meal Paks, it is imperative to verify that.
Each child or family that fills a Coin Pak deserves to know that their donation and sacrifice matter. Everyone who fills a Food Pak, writes a check, or purchases a Giving Catalog item deserves to know that their actions matter.
I keep this photo on my work desk to remind me that the details matter.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:7
