And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mark 12 : 42 (NASB)
Today I was blessed by the honesty and the beauty found in Ruth’s devotional poem “My Offering.” It reminded me of the poor widow who gave what little she had to God. From this scripture we learn that the heart that gives is more important than the gift given. Our Father God sees our heart and whether we give sacrificially, which He loves.
Offerings need not always be money in the collection plate, it can be personal attributes or abilities surrendered to His service. Sometimes disability/illness can restrict our ability to give, but the beauty is that our Father God will accept our situation as an offering surrendered to Him. I don’t know the history of the phrase “to make a silk purse from a sows’ ear” but to me it talks of our Father God’s ability to take whatever we can offer Him and make something beautiful and holy with it.
Dear reader, Christmas is a blessed time of remembering God’s willingness to surrender His Son to humanity beginning His work of Salvation. Yet there are those for whom Christmas is filled with sorrow and pain, their soul or body is frought with strife. If this is you today offer your pain to Father God, a holy offering. He can create the impossible, something beautiful in His eyes.
Thank you for this, Alan-especially this part “ If this is you today offer your pain to Father God, a holy offering. He can create the impossible, something beautiful in His eyes.” This is me and It’s exactly what I needed to hear. Have a blessed Christmas!
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I was thinking of you and someone else when I wrote this Aimee. I remember my single years when Christmas was a dreadful time of year, it meant more time alone. I have been blessed with a family since then, but have never forgotten my past. May our Father God bless you.
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Pasts are difficult to forgot. May God bless you as well, Alan!
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Give your pain and fear to God as an offering. This is a great thought, brother!
This made me think of aquote:
“Everything God made has a crack; that’s how the light gets in.”
Blessings
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Thank you brother. That is a great quote which is new to me. God bless you David.
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Here is the full quote:
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
– from Anthem by Leonard Cohen
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You always surprise me with the depth of your knowledge David
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…in a good way of course!😉👍
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Well said, Alan! Beautiful picture to go along with this beautiful post!
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Thank you for your precious encouragement Mandy, may God bless you and your family abundantly today.
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Same to you! Praying for y’all!
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What a great, blog, Alan, and I’m bowled over by your mention of my blog today. Thinking of you both ahead of tomorrow, and really hoping Susan can be helped xxxxxxxx
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People often forget that offerings are gifts that we give over & above our tithe
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True, our offering isn’t just financial. Good song too btw
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This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing the blessing you gained from Ruth’s poem.
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Ruth’s poetry has been a great source of encouragement and strength over the last few months. She has become a good friend, sister and prayer partner for the Lord.
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