Joel M Bradshaw

21These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.–Exodus 38

For many Christian families, this has been the week you have been gathering Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at your churches. Click here to learn more!

Years ago, the little church I pastored had collected almost 40 shoeboxes to donate. We were just under 20 people in regular attendance. So at the end of that journey I took a picture of all the boxes together and put it in the church’s newsletter. I am on staff at a much larger church now and we just celebrated 1600 shoeboxes collected!

Moses commanded Ithamar to record all the numbers and weights of the supplies collected for the tabernacle assembly. Why keep records?

1. ORGANIZATION HONORS THE GIFT. Every gift has a purpose and will be used for accomplishing a goal.
2. ORGANIZATION INSPIRES THE GIVER. Every giver can feel like they participated in the ministry goal together, whether it is for a tabernacle supply, a capital campaign, or a shoebox collection!
3. KEEPING TRACK OF NUMBERS GIVES SOMETHING TANGIBLE TO CELEBRATE. Each number stands for a person or a story. Each number stands for a life changed or blessed for God’s glory!

Keep records of prayers that God has answered. Look back at old journals to see God’s faithful hand at work in your life. Don’t keep records of sin, leading to bitterness and strife. Do keep records of God’s faithfulness, leading to gratitude and thanksgiving! And celebrate when goals are met.–JMB