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Plastic Donuts



I've read books on giving. I've heard sermons on giving before. I've considered asking for money here on this blog. (Operators are standing by.) I've seen articles and listened to opinions that cover lessons for both the giver and the receiver. I'm sure you have as well.

So why would I even bother trying to pass off another book and opinion to you? Simply put, because this book is different and gets at the heart of the Father.

It's a short book and a quick read that is aptly summed up by author Jeff Anderson all the way in chapter 5.

That's why this message will not unpack the tithes of Abraham, Jacob, Malachi, Melchizedek, or the Pharisees. Nor is Plastic Donuts a message about triggering blessings, dodging curses, sowing seeds, or not robbing God.
You also won't hear any ideas about how the tithe was for farmers, not fishermen; was applied to crops, not currency; was actually the last tenth, not the first; was expected to be given two to three times annually, not just once.
But you will hear more about this: acceptable gifts.

And that is exactly what Jeff Anderson does. He does not spend our time going round and round about particular scriptures and what they meant to the original audience. He does not write to make anyone feel guilty. In fact, by the end of this book, he leaves more about giving open to the reader than he does declaring anything set in stone.

He begins with his own story of his daughter sharing a plastic donut. He references the Genesis account of Cain and Abel. From there he chases after the heart of God. He shares from a changed perspective and honestly, he has me thinking. I am thinking both as a child of God who wants to give God acceptable gifts. I am also thinking as a pastor, knowing that money given can fund ministry.

Plastic Donuts was gifted to me by my good friends over at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. I think they give with the same heart that Jeff Anderson is talking about in this book. They ask for my thoughts and I pass them on. You should check this book out.
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