A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse May 14, 2018 He is Watching Scripture Reading – Mark 12:41 (NLT)"Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts." 

I wonder how the religious elite, the Pharisees felt about the seat that Jesus took, close to the collection box and watched that day as people put in their money? I wonder if the many rich people spoken of in today's text when they saw where Jesus was seated and what He was doing reached into their pocket books and doubled, tripled or even quadrupled what they had originally intended to give?

Actually I know exactly what the Pharisees were thinking and saying that day. Things like: 'What does he think he is doing sitting there watching what people give; It's none of his business what any of these people give; What I give to God is between me and him alone'. You know what I mean, it's the same kinds of things that people like us can say when we get into a religious attitude concerning His money that He has allowed us to steward for this short life. And when we say, think or feel things like this, we like the Pharisees, or even many of these rich people - who probably increased their giving so as to be seen in Jesus eyes - have our hearts and attitudes in the wrong place.

Remember friends: 'He is Watching', yes, even every Lord's Day when the tithe that first ten percent of our income is collected in worship, when those offerings - above the ten percent are given for missions or other purposes like 100 Points of Light, when the giving of alms - to those in places of need - without our left hand or right hand knowing what was done, and certainly not telling anyone else - Jesus our Lord sees it all. And remember it is His business to do so, and the work of the Holy Spirit to direct our hearts in generosity for all God has given to us. 

PrayerJesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. Father, make my life a willing and worthy sacrifice in the Person and power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of Jesus my Lord I pray. 

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 NLT“Always be _______. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”