Sacrificial Summit Prayers of Ascent - Day #3
Mark 12:41-44 – “41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 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. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
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It’s critical that we fill our hearts with Scripture as we make our ascent to offering our sacrifices to God in this Banner Years Initiative. The preparation of the heart is critical to the presentation of the offering.
I see several Touchpoints in this passage to guide our hearts in this season of sacrifice…
#1 – Jesus is the one who knows what we’re giving, but more importantly…he knows why we’re giving what we’re giving.
#2 – God cares about the “how come?” more than the “how much?”
#3 – God isn’t looking at large amounts or small amounts, he is looking at faith-filled sacrifice from the giver.
#4 – Some people can give a little and sacrifice everything, some people can give a lot and sacrifice nothing.
#5 – God cares about the widow’s fraction of a penny. He appreciates it. He sees the sacrifice.
I’m moved by some of these simple truths. We are humanly impressed with the quantity more than the quality because our eyes are drawn to volume. Large volume. Loud volume. We worship volume. In God’s eyes, the amount doesn’t amount to very much in comparison to the sacrifice. Giving that is offered in deep faith moves God’s heart.
I feel this is critical for us to understand as we ascend towards the Sacrificial Summit. There will be wealthy people that give large amounts and my fear is that there will be people who feel their gift is insignificant. No gift is insignificant! Not one. The only insignificant gift is the one given without sacrifice and faith.
“God, release a spirit of generosity even in our poverty. May the rich give with great sacrifice and may the poor give with great sacrifice. You see our hearts and a penny could be worth more than a blank check in your kingdom economy depending on the state of one’s heart. Release anyone who is feeling like his or her offering is worthless. Let them feel your pleasure as they give with a pure heart and a sacrificial spirit. We want to bless you, Lord.”
________________________
It’s critical that we fill our hearts with Scripture as we make our ascent to offering our sacrifices to God in this Banner Years Initiative. The preparation of the heart is critical to the presentation of the offering.
I see several Touchpoints in this passage to guide our hearts in this season of sacrifice…
#1 – Jesus is the one who knows what we’re giving, but more importantly…he knows why we’re giving what we’re giving.
#2 – God cares about the “how come?” more than the “how much?”
#3 – God isn’t looking at large amounts or small amounts, he is looking at faith-filled sacrifice from the giver.
#4 – Some people can give a little and sacrifice everything, some people can give a lot and sacrifice nothing.
#5 – God cares about the widow’s fraction of a penny. He appreciates it. He sees the sacrifice.
I’m moved by some of these simple truths. We are humanly impressed with the quantity more than the quality because our eyes are drawn to volume. Large volume. Loud volume. We worship volume. In God’s eyes, the amount doesn’t amount to very much in comparison to the sacrifice. Giving that is offered in deep faith moves God’s heart.
I feel this is critical for us to understand as we ascend towards the Sacrificial Summit. There will be wealthy people that give large amounts and my fear is that there will be people who feel their gift is insignificant. No gift is insignificant! Not one. The only insignificant gift is the one given without sacrifice and faith.
“God, release a spirit of generosity even in our poverty. May the rich give with great sacrifice and may the poor give with great sacrifice. You see our hearts and a penny could be worth more than a blank check in your kingdom economy depending on the state of one’s heart. Release anyone who is feeling like his or her offering is worthless. Let them feel your pleasure as they give with a pure heart and a sacrificial spirit. We want to bless you, Lord.”
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