Pastor Karen's Post for December 7

Here is Pastor Karen's devotion today:

Good morning, friends!

Do you remember the poor widow in the gospel of Luke who gave two small copper coins to the temple to help other people in need, after all the wealthy people gave their more substantial donations? And do you recall what Jesus said when he saw this?

“He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of
their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’”

Here’s a widow living in poverty during ancient times, with no family to speak of to care for her, and she is giving away all that she had, demonstrating her deep contentment in the Lord and her belief that He is sufficient for all her needs. Her gift also shows her great compassion for people living in situations more challenging than hers, perhaps people who are sick with no money for medical care or families with hungry children they cannot feed.

She gave without concern for her own well-being. And the Lord blessed her for her gift.

I have seen it happen in churches today. So often the generous givers are the ones who they themselves have endured times of going without and making do with only a little to stretch for an entire family. They are not the ones who usually call attention to their own needs; they are not worried for themselves. They are often very humble and grateful for what the Lord has given them and have faith the Lord will continue to provide for them in His love, in His way, in His time.

I am feeling very grateful today for the generous people who have inspired me to take risks with my giving. People who may not have a lot of material things, but they have big hearts and give so much of themselves in glad service to the Lord.

They are people who see someone hurting and think, “What can I do to help?” And “What can I give?”

Will you pray with me?

Holy Lord, thank you for all of our blessings and how you continue to provide for our needs every day. Make us truly grateful for your love for us that goes on and on and want to share that love with others. Give us compassion for those who are in need and stir us to reach out and help them, and by helping them, demonstrate Your mercy and compassion for a hurting world. Thank you for Jesus Christ, who gave everything so all people may be saved. In His name we pray. Amen.

Our gospel reading today is Luke 20:41-21:4.

Blessings in Christ!

Pastor Karen