Sacrificial Obedience

 Scripture:

“He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

Jesus called attention to an offering time where some such people were putting a good about of money into the receptacle. He pointed out a little widow woman who put in a very small amount, but Jesus praised her because they had given out of their wealth and she had given out of her poverty. Jesus recognizes what is leftover after we have given more than how much we give.

Application:

Jesus isn’t very impressed with how much we give. He is more impressed with how much we have left after we have given. He wants to know that we are all in and will ask us at times to confirm that through our obedience. In our lives, we need to walk in surrender to the Lord in every area. We must be willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ.

Prayer:

Father, You are worthy of it all! You have Your very best for me and You are worthy of my very best. Help me to live in a constant state of obedience. Let my life bring You honor. Let my gifts be sacrificial and my offerings be complete. Let my ears be open to Your voice and let me hear clearly what You want me to do, then give me strength to do it.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Never Give Up in Prayer

 Scripture:

“yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out by her unending pleas.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them?” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NET‬‬ 

Observation:

Jesus told this parable about a woman who came to a judge and continued bothering him until he ruled on her decision. She bothered him until he was worn out by her constant pleading. Finally, he gave up and gave her what she requested, not because he wanted to, but because he was tired of hearing her. At the end of the story, Jesus said, “Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” 

Application:

Sometimes, we have to continue bringing certain things to God until He answers. There are times we need to be persistent in prayer. Some things we must cry out for day and night until God answers our prayers. I don’t want to give up on anything God has prepared for me. I don’t want to miss out on anything God has for me because I quit asking too soon. First, I must pray in accordance with His word and will, then, I must stand in faith and bombard heaven until He answers.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your word. Teach me to never give up in prayer, but to continue in faith when I believe there is something You want to do. I pray this morning for the land and building our church needs. We want to go from renting to owning this year. Show me how to continue steadfast in prayer until I see the deliverance. I pray for Cheryl to be completely healed and strengthened. Restore her youth I pray. Let my sons serve You faithfully all the days of their lives. Build Your kingdom through Word of Life and Hearts for the Harvest I pray. Renew my strength as well. Heal my voice that I may declare and sing songs of praise again.

Yours Forever,

Jeff

Helping Those Who Can’t Repay You

 Scripture:

“But when you host an elaborate meal, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

Jesus was teaching here about taking care of the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. He tells us that we will be blessed if we invite this group of people into our lives and our homes because they can’t repay us. He closes with the words, “you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Sometimes our reward comes immediately, sometimes it is delayed, and sometimes it will happen when we see Him, but we will be blessed for doing right things.

Application:

The poor are always on the heart of God. Throughout the entire Bible we see God’s heart and words telling us to take care of the poor. There are also promises for those who take care of the poor. He promises blessings for those who take care of the poor. When we take care of the poor, we are taking care of Jesus. We cannot look away when we see someone in need.

Prayer:

Father, help me personally to see what You see. Let me see people as You see them. Help me to not look away from the poor, but to bring them dignity and blessing. Let Word of Life do better at taking care of the poor. Help me to have a right perspective on giving to the poor.

Yours Forever,

Jeff