Put in Everything – Are You? Word of God Speak Linkup
While reading the 4th lesson in Lent my eye caught, “put in everything”. I am trying to remember that. I want to watch that I am ready to put in everything every day.
S – Say the passage out loud: Check other versions.
“I will tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on (Mark 12:43-44, NIV).”
I – Interpretation – Check footnotes, references and commentaries. Find out all you can about the passage. When? Where? Why?
Jesus is speaking. This passage follows Jesus’ speaking to the people and telling them to beware of the teachers of the law that they devour widows’ houses and make a show of lengthy prayers.
The temple treasury – was in a court of women. Men and women were allowed in this court but women could go no farther. There were 13 trumpet-shaped receptacles for contributions.
Here is my Bible Journalling for this week.
The coins the old woman donated were very small, the smallest of currency in circulations.
Here are a couple of good references about the coinage:
https://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?
NewsletterNewsArticleID=2857http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=widows%20mite
Two mites? Prutah? I found the articles fascinating.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 8:12
“I tell you the truth” is spoken by Jesus in many places. He used it to strengthen His assertions.
M- Make a list of thoughts, questions and ideas.
When I saw the part about the widows I thought of all those people who are exploited by others – human trafficking as well as the aged, including widows.
Then the words “put everything in” really grabbed me. That doesn’t have to mean only money. I believe it means to put in your whole self – to give over everything to follow Jesus. It reminded me of my blog post about Kyle Idleman’s book, Not a Fan.
All of my life is yours, Lord. Thinking beyond the dollars.
I ask: What do I put into His treasury?
- my time
- my thoughts
- my ideas
- prayer
- study
- writing to expand my knowledge
God wants us to be prudent with our time, talents and givings. But He also wants us to trust HIm. He watches how we spend His money. He watches if we are wise or foolish.
This is where the exploitation of widows comes in.
There are those who prey on the elderly, particularly those who are alone. This is wrong. This is abuse. (click to tweet)
God does tell us to be cheerful givers. I think when the Holy Spirit prompts us we need to be ready to give of our time, talents or finances. He will tell you even when to give beyond.
He asks for total submission. Jesus said that, “she gave everything”. (click to tweet)
What are your thoughts?
P- Pray for God’s Guidance This is a silent time of prayer, listening to God Speak. When you have finished writing all your thoughts, questions and ideas then take time for prayer.
L- Life Application – Write down what you heard God speak (no matter how different from your own thoughts previously).
I heard, “give without expecting to get anything back”. I thought of the pay it forward movement – a way to give anonymously.
So in all things that I do this week, I will look for ways to give – without expecting anything in return.
E- Exit with a prayer of confirmation, forgiveness, praise or acceptance.
Oh Father, once again Your Word has opened up some thinking for me. In what ways would You have me give? Give me a clear sense of what You want me to do. I promise to be watching and waiting for Your call. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
CALL TO ACTION
Are you frustrated with your spiritual life?
Do you want to meet Jesus and talk to Him?
Do you need friends to pray and study with together in a safe place?
I have TWO opportunities for you:
What a beautiful post to read at the start of a new week. Planning on “putting all in” this week. Thank you for your insight into this Scripture.
These three little words say so much to me today. “She gave everything.” Thank you for sharing this with us, Janis. I hope I can live a life worthy of such a legacy! Thank you for hosting this wonderful party.
God truly blesses us when we give our all to Him, Janis. Thanks for this inspiring word today and always for the linkup, my friend!
I am so thankful to have found you and your beautiful blog!! What a blessing- Love your words and art! Looking forward to joining you all here! with love!
Susie,
I felt the same way when I found you. Thanks for coming over and I hope you become a regular here.
Blessings,
Janis
Loved this post, Jan! I appreciate the way you had us consider “giving all she had” had a deeper meaning than just monetary. Very cool! Linked up!
Doris,
Never sure how God leads me to think beyond… but I thought about the things we give Him and they are not always monetary – time, caring for others, learning about Him – doing daily tasks for others. In all that we need to be totally god-centred – right? Thanks.
Blessings,
Janis
I haven’t really visited since you changed your weekend format but it seems you are taking the reader on a deeper journey to hear the Lord. This is something I know I need.
Yes, God does ask us to give “all”. But He asks because He Wants to bless us, not to be cruel.
I like your idea of the pay it forward–that the Lord gave you. I see opportunities for me in this area as well.
Blessings, Janis
Janis,
Yes the “all in” is definitely to bless and help us grow closer to Him. The more time we spend with Him the more we can be like Him. I hope you join me at Word of God Speak Facebook. We look into each Scripture and learn to memorize it. Glad to have you back.
Blessings,
Janis
Wise advice here, Janis. The pastor at my church has been talking about the widows and how we need to take care of them as a church and body of Christ. Thanks for sharing this great post and for hosting! Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Kelly,
There were quite a few thoughts that came out of this passage. We read much in the paper of abuse to those less fortunate. And widows can be so vulnerable in the first year especially. Let’s keep our eyes out how to help them.
Blessings
Janis
I had never noticed the importance of those three words in that story. This is what I want to do — and I know that you do, too.
Michele,
I hadn’t noticed those 3 words either until reading the passage this time. Then it struck me – she put it all in. I need to do that.
Blessings,
Janis