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Why We Believe Hope is More Important Than Money

By: Alex Shipley on | Comments: 0

If you’ve been around GiveSendGo long enough you’ve probably heard us say, “help and hope go hand-in-hand”, but what does that mean exactly, and why do we put such a high emphasis on hope? Aren’t we a crowdfunding platform that allows people to raise money for their needs, wants, and dreams? Well, yes. We are. But, we’ve come to realize that crowdfunding is SO much more than just raising money. It’s about the hope shared with people in times of need. 

But it’s not the hope that a person’s bills get paid for the month or that they’re able to now pay for their loved ’s funeral expenses. Money DOES relieve a heavy weight from people’s shoulders, but there’s a hope far greater and more powerful that everyone in the world needs - the hope of Jesus. 

See, everyone has material needs, but we all also have spiritual and emotional needs that must be met as well. Money can help pay for a team to Africa to share the gospel, but without hope and the Holy Spirit at work, no may ever hear or understand the good news being shared with them. Raising funds to help parents pay for their child's funeral certainly helps fill a real need they have, but it doesn’t take away the pain of loss they’re feeling or bring their child back. 

Meeting material needs are important, but they can go so far. It’s hope, specifically the ultimate hope Jesus offers, that can help carry someone through even the most painful and uncertain times. This is why we do our best to share Jesus with anyone who comes across our platform.

While 1 Timothy 6:17-19 is directed towards the wealthy of that time, these instructions are important for all of us to hear and follow. It says “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.”

When we do things for God’s glory, like sharing hope and being generous with those around us for the purpose of His kingdom, we store up real treasure in heaven that will not fade away. This is a promise that far surpasses anything that money can provide.

And speaking of promises, Hebrews 10:23 reminds us of the unwavering character of God. It says, “Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering since he who promised is faithful.” God has given us many promises throughout His word, and we can trust that He will always be faithful to fulfill them. Unlike paychecks or donations, we don’t have to worry or doubt whether or not God's hope will come through for us. He’s faithful, and He will never stop being faithful.

So, while money is important, it is not the most important thing in life. It can’t buy the kind of hope that Jesus provides - a hope, for all those who believe in Him, that can sustain us through life's toughest moments. At GiveSendGo, we believe in the power of hope and strive to share it with everyone who comes across our platform. By sharing this hope with you and others, while offering a platform for people to use for fundraising when they need it, we show that help and hope really do go hand-in-hand. We encourage everyone to hold on to the hope that Jesus provides and share it with the people you know! 

 
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Why is Good Friday “Good”? 

By: Alex Shipley on | Comments: 0

Good Friday is a day of remembrance and reflection for Christians around the world. It is the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified, and it is a significant event in Christian theology. Despite the somber nature of the day, it is known as "Good Friday." This may seem strange, as the events that occurred on that day were anything but good. However, there are several reasons why Good Friday can truly be considered "good."

First and foremost, Good Friday is good because it represents the ultimate sacrifice. We as Christians believe Jesus Christ died the death we deserved on the cross. He willingly gave up his life so that others could be forgiven and have eternal life with him. While he did die a gruesome death, without it we would have no hope, so his death is good for us. This act of selflessness and love is considered the ultimate expression of God's grace and mercy.

Secondly, Good Friday is good because it represents victory over death. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not the end of the story. Praise God! Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, which we celebrate as Easter Sunday. This resurrection is the ultimate symbol of hope and triumph over death. Without his resurrection, his death would have been meaningless and God would not have kept his promise to us. But Christ did what no one else could do - rise again after becoming the ultimate sacrifice that would finally satisfy God’s justice. That’s why Jesus shouted “It is finished!” as he breathed his last breath on the cross. 

Finally, Good Friday is good because it reminds us of the depth of God's love. We may think - how can God sending his son to die a painful death on the cross be good? The events of Good Friday demonstrate the extent to which God was willing to go to save humanity. It shows that God's love is not conditional, but is freely given to all who seek it. Because of Jesus’ death, the gift of salvation is extended to each and every one of us who chooses to believe and trust in Him. We could not earn this on our own, but Christ paid that price for us. What a gift! 
Today, we at GiveSendGo ask you to join us in reflecting on Good Friday as we bend our knees in prayer to the one who paid it all for us on the cross!
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Palm Sunday: Celebrating the Triumphal Entry of Jesus

By: Alex Shipley on | Comments: 0

As a society, we're accustomed to seeing the glitz and glamour of celebrities walking the red carpet, adorned in often outrageous designer outfits, to receive recognition and applause from their peers, professionals, and fans worldwide. But the true story of Palm Sunday tells of a different kind of "red carpet" moment for Jesus. Though he was a king, he arrived not in regal robes but as a humble servant, riding on a donkey. The same crowds who joyously welcomed him into Jerusalem soon turned against him, and he would ultimately give his life for us on the cross (which was God’s plan all along). Despite this, Palm Sunday remains a vital celebration and reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus and the importance of humility and service in our lives.

Palm Sunday commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which is recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament. This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, which ends with Easter Sunday - the day of Jesus' resurrection.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is significant because it fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, who had prophesied about a coming king who would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). The people of Jerusalem saw Jesus' entry as the fulfillment of this prophecy and laid down palm branches and their cloaks on the ground to honor him, shouting "Hosanna!" which means "Save us, we pray!".Today, Palm Sunday is celebrated in churches around the world with the waving of palm branches or other branches, such as olive branches or willow branches, and the reading of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

At GiveSendGo, we believe that Palm Sunday is a reminder of the importance of humility and faith in our lives. Despite being hailed as a king, Jesus came to serve and not to be served. He humbly rode on a donkey and did not demand glory or recognition. Instead, he sought to fulfill God's plan for salvation by giving his life in our place. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, which bought us our freedom, and the importance of spreading love, peace, and hope in our communities. This Palm Sunday, let us reflect on the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and praise Jesus as our King and Savior!
 
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