February 3, 2009
DAY 17
Posted by KI Contributor
Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
A Widow Who Gave All to Jesus
Giving to God, whether it is money or service, should come from the overflowing of God’s Spirit in our lives. The widow gave all she had without fanfare. Here is a person with no source of income who is on the fringe of society, gaining high praise from the Son of God.
God isn’t focused on what we give but the love and brokenness of heart when we give. Have you been too calculating about what you give? Do you first think about your lifestyle and your material wish list before you give to the Lord? We are called to give our first fruits. Doing so is a way to celebrate God’s control over our lives. And giving is the antidote to materialism. When we give cheerfully and yet sacrificially, there is less of a foothold for greed. Imagine if you were the next person after the widow to put in your offering. What would Jesus say about you?
Consider the things you are withholding from God: your freedom, lifestyle, control, security, time, and energy. Can you give like the widow? Remember, she has no income. She is basically giving and trusting that God will take care of her. What a radical concept: Giving to the point where we have to trust God to take care of us! Follow His ways. Learn the joy of sacrifice. Know that blessings we never dreamed of are awaiting us. Learn to trust God first, knowing He means to bless us even more than we want to be blessed!
PRAYER FOCUS: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries of the world with a population of 23 million that is estimated to double by 2025. Without freedom of religion, there are 70 unreached people groups with no known fellowship of believers or a single church building in the country. Pray that people will be reached, and that once reached they will be protected from persecution by the ‘religious police.’ Pray, especially, for women who have suffered greatly under the Taliban regime, resulting in high rates of suicide, depression, and destitution.
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