Thursday, September 14, 2017

LHM Daily Devotion - September 15, 2017 "Real Wisdom"

Somewhere along the line, many people have concluded that when the...

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour



"Real Wisdom"

September 15, 2017

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness."

Somewhere along the line, many people have concluded that when the light of faith goes on in a person's heart, the light of knowledge in their brain has to be put out.

Now, you should know, nowhere in Scripture does God condemn the acquisition of knowledge. It is only when experts elevate human knowledge over godly wisdom -- that's when they become foolish.

Now understand, I have a deep appreciation of human knowledge.

Because Sir Alexander Fleming saw the curative possibilities of penicillin in a Petri dish, I survived pneumonia when I was five. The knowledge of Jonas Salk and his team offered our children freedom from polio. Other smart folks have given our households microwave ovens, automobiles, light with the flip of a switch, central air-conditioning, Band-Aids®, computers, nail clippers, CDs, and videos to preserve family memories.

No, God isn't against human knowledge. He who gave us brains to think is pleased when we put them to use. But when earthly experts elevate human knowledge over God's wisdom, they become foolish.

Take a look at the Bible. I'll show you what I mean.

Adam and Eve were intelligent enough to name and, I suppose, remember the names of all the Creator's creatures. God asked them to do that. But when the first family thought they were experts and elevated their wishes above God's will, they got into trouble.

Before the flood, God had no problem with humans using their intelligence to subdue the earth. He said that was their responsibility. But when those humans thought they were wise enough to put their pleasure seeking above God's wisdom, the Lord was greatly grieved (see Genesis 6:5-6).

The Lord was glorified by many of the things His prophet Moses did. But when Moses thought himself an expert -- wise enough to improve upon God's plan to give water to the wandering Israelites -- things did not go well (Numbers 20:5).

Time and again, Scripture tells us that when a man thinks he is expert enough and has wisdom enough to displace God, the Lord turns the tables. When experts elevate human knowledge over godly wisdom, they become foolish.

And what should we do to become truly wise? That's simple: trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own smarts (see Proverbs 3:5-6). Believe Him when He says that Jesus is the only way of salvation (see John 14:6). Trust Him when He says that there is no other Name under heaven which can save (see Acts 4:12). Rely on His Word which tells us "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from every sin" (1 John 1:7b).

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, many thanks to You for giving us the ability to think. Forgive us for those times when we might think we know more than You. Grant us a spirit of humility and respect to You for Your many graces and gifts. This I ask in the Name of Him who is the greatest gift of all. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

CPTLN Devocional de 15 de Setiembre de 2017


Alimento Diario

Escuchando a Dios

15 de Setiembre 2017

¿Por qué no entienden mi lenguaje? Pues porque no pueden escuchar mi palabra.

Son muy pocas las personas que ponen en práctica el mensaje que el Señor Jesucristo nos enseñó.

Muchos de nosotros desde niños hemos aprendido acerca de las buenas noticias de Jesucristo, de cómo murió en la cruz y luego resucitó para perdonar nuestros pecados. Esas buenas noticias fueron escritas por los discípulos y apóstoles, predichas por los profetas del Antiguo Testamento, e impresas en nuestro corazón por el Espíritu Santo.

Sin embargo, Jesús sabía muy bien cuánto nos costaría recibir su Palabra. Ya por naturaleza no entendemos la forma en que él habla, pero a través del Espíritu Santo podemos conocerlo y confiar en él para nuestra salvación. Y, por supuesto, es la Palabra de Dios la que lleva al perdón y a la vida eterna a todos los que creen.

Por eso es esencial para nuestro crecimiento espiritual que leamos y estudiemos su Palabra. Y es mejor aún si lo podemos hacer junto con otra persona, así podemos compartir inquietudes y necesidades. Cuanto más conocemos y comprendemos la Palabra de Dios, más fácil se nos hace reconocer la voz de Jesús y responderle. Jesús dijo: "Mis ovejas oyen mi voz; yo las conozco y ellas me siguen" (Juan 10:27).

ORACIÓN: Querido Dios, gracias por bendecirnos y permitirnos escuchar tu mensaje de amor a través de tu Hijo Jesucristo. Amén.

Biografía del autor: Esta devoción fue escrita por un voluntario de la oficina de Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones en Nicaragua.

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017 - Holy Cross Day


Opening Sentence
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
~ Isaiah 60:3

Confession of Sin

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Morning Prayer
Holy God, in the daily journey from sunrise to sunset, remind me always of your holy presence hovering near, both within me to guide me, and surrounding me to protect me. Free me from shame and self-doubt; and help me, and all of my fellow believers, to see the myriad opportunities to walk our path in the courage, honesty, and wisdom inspired by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today's Readings

The Old Testament Readings are taken from the Books of Isaiah and Psalms
Isaiah 45:21-25
Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: "To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.


Psalm 98 Cantate Domino
1  O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
2  The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3  He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5  Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6  With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
7  Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
8  Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
9  at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

The Reading of the Epistle is taken from The Book of Galatians
Galatians 6:14-18
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule-- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

The Holy Gospel is written in The Book of John
John 12:31-36
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."

[The Unbelief of the People] After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Prayer For Increase in Wisdom
Dear God, I pray that I may proceed with boldness in the few things I know as a certainty, especially that my eternal salvation can come only from Christ Jesus; that He is my Lord and Savior; and that through my repentance of sin and my faith in Him, I will be saved. May I never shrink from your Great Commission, oh Lord, to share the Gospel with the world, so that those with ears to hear it might join me in salvation; for this is your express command to me, and to all Christians.

But also, I pray that my mind might be open and that I may always have an attitude of seeking and learning, for I realize that on many matters I might be wrong and not know it; or there may be wisdom that I do not even realize exists, awaiting discovery, as I live and grow in my walk with you. Give me grace through your Holy Spirit always to seek wisdom, to admit where I have been mistaken, even in attitudes I have held my entire life. Make me fresh every day in your word, Holy God; and let the light of your wisdom shine throughout the world, that we all might grow in our knowledge and love of you, throughout our lives. Amen.

A Prayer for Mission
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Highway To Heaven
Jessy Dixon & Gaither Homecoming Friends

Alleluia! Christ has risen.
Christ has risen indeed. Alleluia!

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are people praying with me, right now, whom I will never meet. I don't know their names, or what country they live in, or what they may look like, but I will know their souls, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that we might be united in the Holy Spirit, and that I will know and feel the kinship and love, in my spirit, of those who share these prayers with me. Amen.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Feast of the Cross (Holy Cross Day)


Today the church remembers Holy Cross Day.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself ” (John 12:32). It seemed in the fourth century that these words of Jesus were swiftly being fulfilled. Christianity had swept over the known civilized world. A Christian emperor now reigned from the throne of the Caesars and it was he, Constantine the Great, who, on this day in 335, dedicated the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as a monument to the triumph of the Lord over the grave. This day was celebrated throughout Christendom as the feast of the lifting-up of the Cross of Christ over all the world.

The hope that the time was at hand when all humanity would acknowledge the Lordship of the Savior was premature. But this dream has never been forgotten. Christian people still work and pray for the time when everyone everywhere will return to their Creator, the Crucified and Risen Lord. This is a day for rejoicing in that hope, as Abraham rejoiced in looking forward to Christ’s coming, though he had only the most vague notion of what it would be like. We look forward with joyful anticipation to the day when all people shall find their Lord, and we work toward making him known in every corner of his creation.
O God, who by the passion of your blessed Son has made his shameful death to be unto us the sign of life and peace: Grant us so to glory in the Cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Prayer of the Day for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017 - Holy Cross Day


Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, September 14, 2017


Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV) [Imitating Christ’s Humility] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Read all of Philippians 2

Listen to Philippians 2

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - Clear Or Foggy


“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things...”
~ Psalm 119:18a (ESV)

A common metaphor is: “The eyes are the windows to the soul”. Many people believe it is an expression that means when you look into the eyes of a person it can give you a glance into their soul. In other words the eyes are a glimpse of whether they are happy, sad, loving, etc.

A person's vision is very important because it allows them to connect with their surroundings. In our world that we live in, our eyes see a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. We are able to notice if something shines or sparkles. For example, gems when in the sunlight often reflect colorful rays.

Having spiritual vision is another subject. Spiritual vision is a person's capability to discernibly see the brilliant promises and wondrous things in the Word of God, and also see the world from God's viewpoint. A person cannot have clear spiritual vision without God's help.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus spoke about spiritual eyes, He stated: “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.”

God's people do not let the world cloud their vision. When a person looks away from God, they lose their sight, and everything becomes foggy. George Mueller stated: “Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye. Faith is vision plus valor.”

Ask God to focus your vision so you will not stumble. Continue to stay alert, with your spiritual eyes wide open. In other words, do not shuffle along with your eyes constantly to the ground while being absorbed with the current challenge that is right in front of you. Look up to Jesus! It is then you are filled with His light and you will sparkle, shine, and reflect His colorful rays into the dark world.

Roy Lessin stated: “When the eyes of our faith are upon the Lord we can trust in Him to bring the light we need to take the next step, to give the wisdom we need to make the right decision, to give the strength we need to continue on in our service, to give the courage we need to stand against the enemy, and to bring the victory we need to overcome the world.”
Lord, we pray that the eyes of our heart will be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us. Amen.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Devotion shared by Ann Brock.
A common metaphor is: “The eyes are the windows to the soul”.

Un Dia a la Vez - ¿Por qué servir?


Servid a Jehová con alegría; Venid ante su presencia con regocijo.

El servicio es un privilegio. Es algo que podemos hacer y nos deja muchas satisfacciones. Es una manera muy especial de representar el corazón de Dios. En otros devocionales recordamos que el mejor ejemplo de servicio lo dejó Jesús cuando estuvo en la tierra sirviendo a los demás. Incluso les lavó los pies a sus discípulos. La Palabra dice que «hay más dicha en dar que en recibir» (Hechos 20:35).

Muchas personas se comunican conmigo para decirme que quieren servir a Dios, pero no saben cómo hacerlo ni en qué hacerlo. Lo importante es que tengas el deseo. No necesariamente tienes que servir en la iglesia. Puedes hacerlo en las cárceles, los hospitales, las casas de refugio para mujeres maltratadas, hogares de adopción, centros de rehabilitación de adicciones, etc. En realidad, la mies es mucha y los obreros son pocos.

El gran problema es que muchos no sirven porque no quieren compromisos. Creen que por servir tienen que dejar de hacer sus cosas o limitarse, pero no se imaginan que Dios restituye, premia y nos da todo lo que deseamos.

He escuchado en diferentes ocasiones esta frase: «El que no sirve, no sirve». Aunque no somos salvos por obras, «la fe sin obras está muerta» (Santiago 2:26). Tu salvación es posible cuando recibes a Jesús como tu Salvador, pero la fe se manifiesta con la acción.

Pídele a Dios que te muestre cuál es tu mejor campo de servicio y empieza a desarrollarlo.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón

Standing Strong Through the Storm - LOVE YOUR ENEMIES


“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
~ Luke 9:24 (NIV)

One of the Anabaptists of the 16th Century who died in flames was Dirk Willem. His story is particularly touching, because he forfeited a real chance to escape prison and death when he turned back to help one of his pursuers.

Dirk was captured and imprisoned in his home town of Asperen in the Netherlands. Knowing that his fate would be death if he remained in prison, Dirk made a rope of strips of cloth and slipped down it over the prison wall. An alert guard began to chase him.

Frost had covered a nearby pond with a thin layer of ice. Dirk risked a dash across it. He made it to safety, but the ice broke under his pursuer who cried for help. Dirk believed the scripture that a man should help his enemies. He immediately turned back and pulled the floundering prison guard from the frigid water.

In gratitude for his life, the man would have let Dirk escape, but a Burgomaster (chief magistrate) standing on the shore sternly ordered him to arrest Dirk and bring him back, reminding him of the oath he had sworn as an officer of the peace.

Back to prison went Dirk. He was condemned to death for being re-baptized, allowing secret church services in his home and letting others be baptized as adults there.

The record of his sentencing concludes: “all of which is contrary to our holy Christian faith, and to the decrees of his royal majesty, and ought not to be tolerated, but severely punished, for an example to others; therefore, we the aforesaid judges, having, with mature deliberation of council, examined and considered all that was to be considered in this matter, have condemned and do condemn by these presents in the name; and in the behalf, of his royal majesty, as Count of Holland, the aforesaid Dirk Willems, prisoner, persisting obstinately in his opinion, that he shall be executed with fire, until death ensues; and declare all his property confiscated, for the benefit of his royal majesty.”

Dirk was burned to death on May 16, 1569. He showed love to his enemy and “saved” his life.

RESPONSE: Love for our enemies even surpasses the love of our own lives. This is the Jesus way of the cross!

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to show love to those who are my enemies—even giving up my life.

NIV Devotions for Men - On Track

1 Chronicles 23:24–32
Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1–11; Matthew 6:5–15; Colossians 4:2–4

What if every driver decided to ignore the center yellow lines? Smash-ups would rival apocalyptic visions. Those colored splotches in the roadway keep us on track. They keep us safe.

In our spiritual journey, praise and thanksgiving are like a yellow line, keeping our hearts on track. But it doesn’t take much to veer off course, does it? Think about the Levites. They were set apart to offer thanks and praise to God every morning and every night, day in and day out, in a never-ending cycle (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). It was their job. Forced “thank yous.” Praise, praise, praise.

Imagine the temptations inherent in this routine. Did easy-to-repeat prayers take the place of petitions motivated by full hearts and genuine gratitude? Did their minds wander as the words bubbled out? “Hear me, O God. Here we go again.”

We’ve all heard of the doctor who’s in terrible physical condition or the plumber whose house has leaky pipes. When you do something for a living, as these people do, it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated to keep your own life in order. This is what it may have been like for the Levites as well.

Praise and thanks are key ingredients in a healthy relationship with God. We need them as much as we need fresh air. Praise isn’t just an outward gesture; it reveals what’s inside us—the attitude we have toward God. When we offer meaningful thanks, we acknowledge that God’s goodness deserves our recognition and awe. Every gift comes from his hand. Nothing we’ve done grants us the sun’s bright rising or peaceful slumber at night—it all comes from God’s good hand.

How do we make our delight in God genuine and true every day? Unlike the Levites, God doesn’t demand that we follow certain daily requirements. Maybe that makes the routine more difficult. We are responsible for taking the time to bow before him and offer our praise and thanks.

When we skip this routine, we become like those drivers who disregard the center line—a potential accident waiting to happen. But when we take the time to regularly focus on and praise the God who loves us, he helps us to stay on track.

To Take Away
  • Spiritually, would you describe yourself as “on track” or as “an accident waiting to happen”? Why?
  • Why does God want you to praise him?
  • List several things in your life for which you can praise and thank God. How can you keep your prayers of praise and thanksgiving fresh?

The Widow’s Mite and Mighty Faith

Today’s Truth

“Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
~ Mark 12:41-42 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Beatrice woke as the morning sun peeked through the closed shutters of her sparse bedroom. Every joint in her tired old body creaked like a grinding wheel in dire need of good oiling.

Her arthritic hands rubbed sleepy eyes and instinctively reached to the empty space where her husband slept so many years ago.

“Another Sabbath to worship Jehovah,” she smiled. “Oh LORD, thank you for the health and strength to travel to your house today. Thank you for all the many blessings that you have showered on this old woman.”

Beatrice slipped on her worn woolen garment, wound her grey streaked hair around her head and splashed yesterday’s water on her wrinkled face. Slipping her hand into her money pouch hidden behind a grouping of jars, she fumbled her fingers to gather an offering for the temple coffers.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips as her hand retrieved two small coins. She put her hand back in the pouch and ran her fingers from side to side. This time she came up empty.

Looking at the two small coins in her hand she continued her conversation with God. “I wish I had more to give you today. But LORD, this is all I have.” Not once did Beatrice wonder how she would buy wheat for her next meal. She knew God would provide. He always did.

Beatrice shuffled out the door and through the busy streets of Jerusalem. The population was more than doubled because of the Passover celebration. Jews from miles around gathered at the temple during the holy week.

People, people, everywhere people, Beatrice thought to herself. And not one notices an old worthless widow woman like me.

Beatrice kept her eyes down as she climbed the first set of steps to the Women’s Court in the temple. I’m glad I’m not a man or priest, she mused to herself. I don’t think I could climb all those stairs to get to the upper levels.

The widow made her way to the same offering receptacle she always used. When she raised her eyes to place the two small coins in the container, she noticed a man sitting right beside it. It was Jesus! It was too late to turn back or walk to another coffer. Color rose to her cheeks as she realized that the Teacher was watching her. Beatrice cringed with embarrassment as she dropped the two small coins into the large box. What must He think of me? She thought. Two copper coins.

When she looked up and met Jesus’ gaze, He grinned from ear to ear and nodded his approval. Every wrinkle in her face crinkled as she returned the smile. But what He said next made her feel like a spry young girl again.

“Peter. John. James. Friends, come over here,” Jesus called. “You’re looking around at all these people dropping their coins in the temple treasury and I’m sure you have noticed some of the wealthy made large donations. At least they are hoping you’ve noticed. But I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more in the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth. That was no sacrifice at all. It was just surplus. But this woman gave out of her poverty,” Jesus continued as he placed his hand on Beatrice’s shoulder. “She gave all she had to live on. Her gift is more precious to God than all the others combined.”

Beatrice gently bowed and turned to leave. Jesus laughed to himself thinking about what she would find in her money pouch the next day. Oh how God loved blessing His children.

Let’s Pray

Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given me. I know that I could never out give You! Help me to trust You more with my finances and give You more than I ever have before.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you have enjoyed my retelling of the story of the widow and her two small coins. It is easy to think of these stories as just stories. But this was a real woman, living in a real world of poverty. We don’t know her name, but I’ve given her one so you could better walk in her shoes.

Have you ever been in a situation like this widow? Have you ever given a sacrificial gift like she did?

Now here’s a tough one. Is God calling you to give more than you have been giving in the past? If so, what’s holding you back?

More from the Girlfriends

HowJesusBrokeTheRules-150x232Today’s devotion was taken from my book, How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free: A Woman’s Walk in Power and Purpose. In this book we study each woman Jesus encountered in the New Testament and see how her story is your story. Jesus came to set women free! In a day when they moved about as shadows in the culture, rarely seen and seldom heard, Jesus broke the cultural rules to heal them, save them, and then send them. He risked His reputation to save theirs…and yours. The book comes with a study guide and is perfect for women’s Bible study groups. But be prepared, you’ll fall in love with Jesus all over again. Click on the book to watch the book trailer. That is a blessing in itself! Right now, this book is on sale for 33% off.

Visit my website and sign up for my blog, and I’ll email you a link to download my new beautiful adult coloring book journal for free!

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