In this day and time where we feel as if how much money we have what designer label we are able to tote or wear validates who we are is sad. Of course if you are carrying a coach or prada bag then your offering in church should be just as off the chain, but what is in it your heart when you give it? We love to say that God knows our heart, well the truth is He does and sometimes we have justified ourselves so much that we believe our intentions and hearts are pure. But God may look and say differently. A lot of people think their works are enough but God is actually looking for the pure in heart.
How can you give with a heart that doesn't love, a heart that won't forgive? Is that acceptable to the Father? You are willing to justify not speaking to your loved ones, or people you work with or go to church or school with, but you can speak and hold conversation with complete strangers, you are willing to give them a chance at salvation but not those you see daily those with whom you know personally. God convicted me of this very thing. So now that I know better I do better, I give better because GOD wants not one to perish and how and what you give to others and to God should be given with a pure heart. Not seeking accolades and titles. The only TITLE that means anything anyway when it's all said and done is SERVANT.
Blessed to Be A Blessing,
Shon Garner Cole follow me at www.realtalkwithshon.blogspot.com
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Dr. Tony Evans
In His Presence: Mark 8:36
Jesus not only closely watched people give their offerings, He watched them critically. He went beyond their visible actions and looked into their hearts. Jesus called His disciples over and said: "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury" (Mark 12:43). He didn't want them to miss seeing the heart of the widow, or to miss the lesson that her giving provided.
Most of us would miss watching the widow. Instead, we would be watching the bigwigs in the temple, the ones who made large offerings from their ample funds. We would be impressed by how much they gave. We might even suggest honoring them for their giving, maybe naming a building after the donor. But Jesus didn't call the disciples over to see the big givers. He called them over to notice a poor widow who gave less than a penny.
Why did Jesus fix His attention on the widow? Because she gave more. "She, out of her poverty, put in all she owned" (v. 44), while the rich men gave out of their surplus. The rich gave what they had left over. This woman didn't have anything extra; she gave everything she had. Jesus knew this, and He saw her heart. God measures our gift not by its amount, but by our motive. A godly steward will give with the motivation to honor God rather than just to tip Him with what he has left over after the bills are paid.
One Minute Please
God is not only interested in what you give; He also wants to know why you give it.
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