05
A Cheerful Giver
Ken SilvaMark 12: 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This passage of scripture is commonly known as the “widow’s mite”. There was a public fund for charity that people could contribute into. These funds were then used to assist the poor and the down trodden. Jesus while teaching at the temple observed those that were putting money into the charity box. He saw those that obviously were very well off and deposited a sack of coins. He observed those of more modest means and the lesser amount they gave. He also saw what others could not see. He could see the condition of the heart of the giver. Were they giving joyfully or begrudgingly? Were they giving so that others would notice or giving because there was a need that needed to be met? Jesus calls attention to his disciples to the giving of the widow. She gave two copper coins, in itself not very substantial. But these two coins represented all that she had. She gave freely, withholding nothing to help the needy.
As I was thinking about this passage of scripture I could not help but think about our building campaign. Where am I as far as my financial commitment to the project? Am I giving out of my comfort? Am I giving with a cheerful heart? The Lord has blessed me in so many ways. He has always met my needs and walked with me through the difficult times. He has shown up in each and every valley that I was in and helped me find a way through. The building campaign is so important to the future of the church. Besides helping to organize the project I need to contribute monetarily with a belief that God will continue to meet my needs. Each of us need to make a commitment to the future of NHO.
Dear Lord please continue to bless the church and all that we do. There are so many in our community that don't know you yet. Help NHO to serve as a beacon to those that need to find the light. Please bless the building campaign and the givers. Thank you Lord. Amen.
