The Widow’s Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the Treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the Treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12: 41 – 44)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus watched as the masses deposited their money into the Temple Treasury. Most gave out of their abundance; but one poor widow put in everything that she had to live on. Jesus honored her because she possessed absolute faith in God’s ability to provide for her needs. Those who fully trust in God will know His blessings.

As the story goes, there once lived a wealthy shoe manufacturer who at one point in his early life became completely broke. He had been unemployed for so long that he was down to his last dollar. He decided to trust in God, and he put (half) 50 cents into the collection basket at his church. The next morning he heard of a job in a neighboring town. The railroad fair to that town was one dollar. So he paid 50 cents to travel halfway to the desired location. He exited the train and began walking into the town. Before he had walked one block he discovered a factory that was employing men. Within thirty minutes he had a new job at a salary of five dollars more a week than he would have received had he gone to the other town. God honored him for his trust; providing for all of his needs.

Like this poor widow woman, we too can possess an extraordinary faith. If we trust fully in God for His guidance and provision then we can live without fear and walk in His perfect will. May we step out in faith whenever we feel God calling us. By trusting in our Lord, we will know true faithfulness and abundant peace.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may walk by faith without fear. May we be willing to put our trust in You and to follow Your guiding hand. As we practice sacrificial giving, may our endeavors be blessed; that others might observe the power of Your provision. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, amen.” God bless all of You!

Love is an Action

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his Father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21: 28-31)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

This parable clearly illustrates the active nature of genuine faith. Although both sons responded with words, only one son took action; thus displaying true obedience. For those who believe, mere words are empty and deceitful, unless they are accompanied by acts of kindness and affection.

Today my wife called me at the coffee shop and told me that the dishes had not been done. Still she explained that it wasn’t necessary for me to come home and do them. When I hung up the phone, I said “I love you.” In that solitary moment I realized that my expression of love was empty and hollow, because my words were devoid of the corresponding action. And so, I decided to return home and do the dishes.

As Christians, we are expected to go beyond only verbal expressions of love. Our affection for others must manifest itself in our actions. Thus faith is an action (and internal belief), which can also be accompanied by words. May we continue to love others in all that we say and do.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. May Your love and affection for mankind be expressed in the things that we do, and in the actions that we take. May our words and deeds be without hypocrisy, as we seek to genuinely love others. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. We ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Only Way

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 7 – 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus uses a shepherding parable to illustrate an essential truth. In this illustration He identifies a sheepfold, or an enclosure where the livestock are penned in for safe keeping. This secure and protected place represents heaven. Jesus then likens Himself to the one true Shepherd, as well as the only door through which an individual can enter God’s heavenly kingdom. The thieves and robbers mentioned in this parable represent anyone who suggests there is another way to fellowship with God, other than through Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As they reached the shores of the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army were fast approaching them with murderous intentions. With no means of escape, God performed a miracle. He divided the Red Sea and made a pathway for the Jewish people to escape to the other side. They walked through the sea and were saved; Pharaoh’s army however was destroyed. God prescribes the method of salvation, and mankind must then choose to follow God or to wander off. Any religion that suggests there is a different pathway to reach God is evil and exists solely to lead people astray.

Like those who walked through the sea, God has made a way for human beings to escape death. This pathway is exclusive; rendering all other religions useless. Only by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting His sacrifice upon the cross can one enter God’s eternal kingdom. Jesus is the doorway; He is the path, and He is the life. May we all choose to follow Him and surrender ourselves to His service.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. We recognize that You have made a way for us to enter into eternal fellowship with You. May we never stray from this path, nor become idle in our evangelistic endeavors. May we remain zealous for the truth as we spread the gospel message to all those who are lost. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!