Tag: poverty

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10.11.24.Giving From the Heart

God gifts men/women to do the work of the ministry

1 Cor 8 Giving 

We set aside one day of the week for our tithing but there are other times when we give sacrificially to meet the needs of others. Paul had been collecting monies for the Jerusalem church. Many gave out of their hearts, not out of their abundance. In fact, they had little to nothing but gave and gave and gave that they might receive the blessing of being a part of the giving. God has seen and blessed these for their names and places are recorded in heaven. Paul records this: “with abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.” [2 Cor 8:2-4]

Today, as then, we have many needs before us and it is time for us to open our pocketbooks to give sacrificially beyond our weekly tithing. 

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How Much Do I Trust God?

mark 12 trusting god 2aNow as Jesus is in the temple the rich in their long flowing robes and outward but false piety come to him to test him about money. But, Jesus knows their hearts and to their amazement he not only answers their devious question but challenges them to look within their hearts. They leave amazed at his answer but not before they drop their abundance of coins in the treasury box. It is then that Jesus takes a break and sits to do what he loves most, people watch. His attention is riveted on the widow who comes and drops in two small copper coins. This is a teachable moment that must be grasped for the disciples. Analyzing the scene He explains: “they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.”  Others may have taken this opportunity to chide her saying why not keep one to provide for your needs? But she might answer; this is what I desire to do for God—from my heart. God cares for the ravens will He not care for my daily needs?

This is the question we all must ask ourselves. Do we truly trust God for “ALL” our needs as she did? She knew this truth and lived it:  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord” [Jer 17:7]

 

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