When the itty bitty WAS THE BIGGEST OF ALL!

What is the best present you have ever GIVEN?  Who did you give it to?  What was it for: birthday?  Christmas?  Valentines?  Did you make it or buy it?  What did it cost you?  Would you give it again?

Prayer:  God, teach me more you today  I want to get to know You.  Show me who you are.

Grab Your Bible:  Read Luke 21:1-4.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

One of the best ways to make the Bible “come alive” is to put yourself in the story.  So today I am asking you to read the story 3 times.  Each time from a different perspective.

The first time read it like you are a bystander.  You are not really in the story.  You just witness it take place.

The second time read it like you are the widow.

Who are you giving it to?  Why?

Are you anxious about giving it?

What are you going to live on or use for food?

Are you joyful or giving out of obligation?

The third time read it as a disciple, a follower of Jesus.

You have seen lots of money put in, now her, what do you think of her?

Are you looking down or judging her?

Do you feel sorry for her?

Is she smiling or sad?

How does Jesus respond?

This story is about so much more than money!  It is about your life!  Wow, something that happened 2000 years ago is about your life and heart.  Some people are willing to give God a little bit of their lives.  Some give a bigger portion.  But to be a Christian is to confess Jesus is Lord of your life.  That means He wants your whole life, your whole heart.  Because in doing that you will find out what your purpose, your meaning.

This lady’s itty bitty gift was THE BIGGEST OF THEM ALL!

What is one little thing that you can begin to trust God with today?  Friends?  Algebra?  Your parents’ relationship (that’s big), stress at home?

Talk to God about it.

Prayer:  God,  be Lord of my life today.  I know you want my whole heart.  And honestly, God, there are parts I want to hold onto.  It is really tough to let you have everything.  So today, show me one little thing that I can let go of and trust you with.  I know you love me and want the very, very best for me.