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Written by Pastor Chris
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"Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies.
He called his disciples to him and said, 7 assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.'" (Mark
12:41-44 NLT)
When I joined the United Methodist Church I promised to serve the church with my time, talent, gifts and service. Giving and serving are two verbs that describe the essence of the Christian life. Ouch! I soon wished this wasn't true because I knew early on that I was in big trouble. Serving is something I expect others to do for me, and giving is something I often put off until I have more. Whenever I hit it big on the Lottery, and I have enough to spare, I will be more than happy to be a generous person. You will never have seen such a generous person. In fact, I will break the record on generosity, as long as I have millions left over for my needs -- just you wait and see. But right now, I rarely have enough for my own needs so I don't have to worry about this giving stuff -- that's a long way off.
I'm just being honest. This idea of giving and serving is hard. It's not an easy thing to serve and give when you are thinking about yourself all the time. God has matured my spirit. I've learned that I need to change my thinking, and I need to get into a habit of serving and giving even when I don't think I have anything to give. If I don't have anything, I just give whatever I have. That's what Jesus was telling us. A widow once brought a tiny little offering to the temple, but in Jesus' eyes, she out-gave the wealthy, because she gave all she had.
Perhaps it's time to think of someone other than myself for a change. Perhaps I should ask God to open my eyes and make me aware of others first. Maybe I should think about those around me before I think of myself. And wouldn't it be wonderful if God would teach me how to give ... not like the rich people whose wealth I am so jealous of, but like this poor widow, who, according to Jesus, knew what Godly giving is all about.
Chris
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Last Updated ( Monday, 09 November 2009 10:15 )
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Written by Web Team
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We all wish we could love others, but we can't do it on our own. The kind of love we long to show others (and receive) is only found in a growing relationship with God. Without God's power in our lives, our love will run out.
You don't build a relationship with God by accident. You do it through habit. Persistent habits. Here are three habits that will help your soul grow in your relationship with God.
1. A daily quiet time. Listen. Let God talk to you through the Bible and through prayer. It's not a deep dark mystery. Nothing will help your spiritual life more. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:16:
"This is the reason we never lose heart. Our body does suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength."
Take a look in the mirror. Our body suffers wear and tear, but deep down, spiritually, we can be renewed every day by spending time alone with God. Try reading Psalm 23 quietly and reflectively, and just sit in your favorite chair and think about what you've just read. Then talk it over with God about what's going on in your life.
2. A Small Group. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25:
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..."
You need to spend time with other believers. We now have small groups who would love to have you as a member. Just call the church office, ask for Cindy and we can connect you with a small group, whether that's a Sunday school, Bible class or Dinner for Eight. You need the prayer support and encouragement of other believers. A Christian without a small group is a ship without a sail.
3. Worship through song. Psalm 59:16 says:
"I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love."
Singing builds you up. It allows your soul to express the joy of worship. Our congregational singing in worship is just as important as my sermon. Don't miss it on Sunday. Also, put some worship music on your iPod or your car CD player this week and don't be afraid to sing along. It will recharge your soul and give you the God-given strength to love others.
I'll see you Sunday! |
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