SCRIPTURE
(Mark 12:12&13) "And they (the chief priests and scribes) were seeking to seize Him; and yet they feared the multitude. . . And they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him, in order to trap Him in a statement."
OBSERVATION
The truth of Jesus' words are not always easy to hear. Jesus often spoke in such a way as to reveal the heart attitude of His listeners. The Pharisees were threatened by the popularity and following of Jesus, so they formed a partnership with the followers of Herod to trap Jesus in or with incriminating statements that Jesus would make Himself. They were dumbfounded with His insight and wisdom.
APPLICATION
There are still those today who are threatened by the devotion and commitment of the followers of Christ. His words still reveal heart attitudes. Many in today's society, whether in Hollywood or policy makers on capital hill, seem to take delight in degrading or making Christians look foolish in what they say and do. We do not have to defend the Word of God, just speak His truth in love.
PRAYER
God, help me to depend upon Your devine wisdom and not be swayed by the opinions of man or societal persuasions. I want my words to glorify You.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
It's the Percentage, Not the Amount
SCRIPTURE
Mark 12:43-44
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
OBSERVATION
The widow's gift was far more valuable to God then the riches of the wealthy because she gave a larger portion of what she had.
APPLICATION
God is more interested in the percentage than He is the amount. Some have lots of money or lots of time. Some have few. God is less interested in whether I have a lot or a little to give, but rather whether what I give is proportional to what I have. Far too often I have made the mistake of patting myself on the back for giving a gift to the church or paying my tithe, when in actuality I was simply giving out of my abundance. Yes, I gave out of obedience, but did I give till it hurt? Only those who give till it hurts — whether they give little or a lot — truly discover the joy of full trust in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give until it hurts! I don't want to simply give out of abundance, but out of lack as well!
Mark 12:43-44
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
OBSERVATION
The widow's gift was far more valuable to God then the riches of the wealthy because she gave a larger portion of what she had.
APPLICATION
God is more interested in the percentage than He is the amount. Some have lots of money or lots of time. Some have few. God is less interested in whether I have a lot or a little to give, but rather whether what I give is proportional to what I have. Far too often I have made the mistake of patting myself on the back for giving a gift to the church or paying my tithe, when in actuality I was simply giving out of my abundance. Yes, I gave out of obedience, but did I give till it hurt? Only those who give till it hurts — whether they give little or a lot — truly discover the joy of full trust in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give until it hurts! I don't want to simply give out of abundance, but out of lack as well!
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