Luke 21:1-4
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
These verses have always made me uncomfortable because I have never been in that position. It is more than just generosity for her, it is true faith in the Lord. She does not fear giving up worldly comforts because she knows God will provide for her. I don't think God wants us all to be poor, putting our last pennies into the plate. But he wants us to have faith He will provide for us, and to step out of our comfort zone in generosity.
Father God, your grace and generosity are beyond my understanding. Help me to be more generous, and to worry less about the consequences. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday
December 8th, 2022
Luke 21:1-4
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
Most people live on a certain income. With all the current expenses and maybe long term debt we might assume that God’s call to generosity doesn’t apply. However, financial struggles don’t free us from God’s command to give generously and joyfully. The Lord calls us to generosity, n…
Luke 21: 1-4 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,”He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
God knows our heart. Jesus is telling me that it doesn’t matter how much I give, what matters is my giving with my heart. Jesus knows how much we are able to sacrifice and the reasons we give. Jesus notices the kindness we do in His name. He knows…
Luke 21: 1-4
The widows mite.
Maybe these verses aren’t really about money, but are about faith. The widow had enough faith that somehow God will take care of her so she could give all she had. That kind of faith is so strong compared to my own. I like to think I give generously. Our world is so different from the world of the Bible. Our money must do so much more for us. I hope my time and talent count toward that generosity.
Prayer: gracious God, help to guide me in my faith and in my giving. Amen
Luke 21:1-4
“Give till it hurts,” so the saying goes. Wesley echoes this in his admonition to “earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can.” Sharing all the gifts God has provided is a natural part of a life of faith. That giving extends beyond money to our time and talent as well. I think of all the effort that went into the “Starry, Starry Night event. On the passing of Dick Lord I think of him and Layla graciously sharing their home on the Cape with their church family. I think of Lucy and Margie joyfully serving CUMC without the customary compensation associated with their roles. Giving is the fuel that powers faith.
Prayer…