MIGHTY MITES

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Sorry I missed you last Friday...

Luke 21:1-4 (ERV)

True Giving

Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. He said, “This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.”

Beth and I were blessed to travel to WOOSTER yesterday and share “our story” (Spongebob and the Professor) with Pastor Jerry O’Brien’s congregation at Faith Harvest Fellowship.

We were getting some introductions done when “she” wheelchaired in.  

She was wearing a Christmas sweatshirt and some well-worn sweatpants.  Now you may ask why that is relevant, just hang on.  It was evident at first blush this little lady was “barely” hanging on; physically and financially. 

But she had such a lovely disposition.  

She was upbeat in-spite of being humped over and clearly hurting in her chair.  

The service was a great time of worship and encouragement.

Jerry’s team was so gracious and accommodating.  

Beth and I were given the FREEDOM to just share what GOD had and continues to do for us.

And the Holy Spirit, like the Holy Spirit blessed our time together.  In fact, there were some clear DIVINE moments of knitting in the service, times when, while nothing was planned or scheduled, it appeared they HAD BEEN PLANNED because of what was said or shared.

But as the altar was opened and as the service was ending Jerry paused and asked for an offering for Beth and I.  We NEVER do that.  To be honest, I am NEVER compelled to do that. 

But Pastor Jerry was.

So, those who wanted to give were encouraged to come forward to a little basket in the front.

It was a very humbling experience; it always is.

Mind you, what we share is just “our story”.  We are NOT famous evangelists.  We are not notable or quotable, so to have someone feel compelled to share what they have with us, is a little overwhelming.  

It will cause you to pause.

Then the unthinkable happened.

I look up and who do I see coming down with a friend helping her? My little Christmas clad lady sans the wheelchair.  And as she makes her way to the basket, I am already wrecked that she is giving, then I see what she gives, the little bit of change that she had; probably the only little bit of change she DID have. 

Immediately Jesus’ story from the temple came to mind.

And I will tell you, Beth and I have never felt more honored and more humbled at the same time.  

She had NO business giving that to us.  No business.

And yet she did. 

Because SHE knew she was GIVING it to Jesus.

So yes, her blessings will be eternal, her treasure in heaven.  

But she couldn’t have imagined the blessing she was to Beth and I.  We will never forget her, even though I don’t know her, don’t know her enough to tell you her name today.  

But her little gift and her ENORMOUS heart will NEVER be forgotten; NEVER.

Why do I share this with you today?

I believe that Jesus shared the story of these "mighty mites" to remind us that what we do, what we give is measured in heart and obedience not in dollars, cents or notoriety.  

My little red sweater lady clearly LIVES this principle whether with her smile or her last few cents. She is an example for all of us; to give obediently and freely and to share without reservation.

I was convicted by her generosity.

I pray you were too. 

Let’s both take her lead and GIVE what we can to those around us today. 

Let’s give it freely and without reservation.  

GOD will use it to bless others and BLESS us I am sure! He said so. 

Luke 6:38 (ERV)

Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.”

Love you all…

Opportunities for Hope