Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 15, 2024
Luke 21:1-4
1 Looking up, Jesus saw rich people throwing their gifts into the collection box for the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow throw in two small copper coins worth a penny. 3 He said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than them all. 4 All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had to live on.”
Good Morning! Give your heart to Jesus!
How do we give to God? We might donate money in an offering, and we give of our time. Many are like the rich people in this parable. Do we give from our excess or spare change? Some choose not to give because they assume the small amount they have to give is insignificant. Who will notice if I fail to place my meager offering into the collection plate?
God blesses us each time we give. We should give much back when we have much because all we have comes from God. When we are struggling, we give to help those in greater need than us. Maybe you have only enough to sustain yourself for a week, but some are down to their last meal.
Giving, time or money, should reflect what is in your heart. Why do we give? The rich in the parable only give to show off their wealth or to earn status with the religious leaders. If we only give out of obligation, we do not receive the same blessings as when we can’t help ourselves but give. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds to become cheerful givers of our time and money. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Devotion to God adds meaning to everything I do.
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength! Pastor Liz