2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 23 GW; Luke 21 GW
Give in faith, reap in blessings.
Jesus watches what we give; He knows the motives behind the giving. Today’s heroine, a poor widow with no name, gains His approval:
“All of these people have given what they could spare. But she, in her poverty, has given everything she had to live on.” (Luke 21:4 GW)
Heartbroken, with only 2 pennies to give, the poor widow gave in faith all she had, trusting her God would provide for her. She knew Jewish leaders had a reputation for mishandling funds, but her trust was in God, not man.
Jesus noticed.
Attention from Jesus is something we all crave. Aligning my heart with His takes sacrifice but is always worth the effort. Giving in faith takes the emphasis off of our shortcomings and places it on God’s power. God has already made way for you.
God provides.
Reaching the halfway point of studying Ruth meant a review of the Levitical law.
“’When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God.’” (Leviticus 23:22 NIV)
Long before this poor widow walked the earth, or Ruth, another widow, existed, God provided for them. Notice, His provision required work. God commanded food left behind for the poor and widows, but they had to go out and gather it. God creates opportunities for us; embracing opportunity requires effort. Your effort reaps the blessing.
Put your faith in God. Give to Him out of your poverty, not your abundance. Jesus will notice. God has already provided. Your job is to glean; then, you reap the benefits of your efforts.
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Lord, thank You for Your provision long before we ever existed. Forgive us for doubting You and for expecting everything to come quickly. Your word tells us, we must glean to reap. Help us give life our all today, reaping Your blessings from our efforts. Let us align our hearts with You. As we give You our all, fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Whatever circumstances we face, show us what You want us to do. Then help us complete our divine tasks. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What divine task does the Lord want you to do?
