A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse May 11, 2018 Millions and Mites Scripture Reading – Mark 12:41 (NLT)"Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." 

I wonder once again if any of the Pharisees or the rich people who just doubled down their gifts in the eyes of Jesus were in ear shot and heard what He now said to His disciples? If any of them or especially a group of them did hear, I wonder exactly what they would not only be thinking but saying too!

Things like: 'What is he thinking, those two mites more than anything everyone here gave'; 'Doesn't he realize who really pays the bills around here'; 'If he keeps on talking like that, the giving is going to dry up'; 'That kind of talk might work in church, but it certainly won't work out in the business world'.

Ah friends and when we begin even to think or worse to say to anyone things like these, we too as these Pharisees and rich people miss the point entirely! For Jesus truly sees both, 'Millions and Mites'. The point of His teaching today that cuts quickly down through two thousand years of time, is that what He is concerned with is that every one of us would bring to Him a worthy sacrifice. One, that would be acceptable as Abel who brought His best instead of Cain who brought only some. One that would be costly who as David the one after the heart of God said would never offer to God that which costs him nothing.

When we are willing to give in worship materially that which costs us something as this widow did that day, and even as the boy did in giving his lunch some loaves and fishes - guess what will take place? There will be plenty for all and baskets full left over so God's great name and generosity will be shown through our willing sacrifice. 

Prayer Father, forgive me when I am weighed down by the things of this world: money and possessions. Help me to be willingly and joyfully faithful to Thee with my silver and gold, my time, my talents, for all You have given me I pray in Jesus name. 

Memory Verse: James 4:7 NLT “So _______ yourselves before _____. _______ the ______, and he will _____ from you.”