Holy Tuesday – Jesus Sees a Woman’s Heart

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. Luke 21:1-3 ESV

On this, His final day of public ministry, Jesus took the time to praise the offering of a widow. Among the crowds at the temple that day, she was probably considered the least important by most people. Few would have even noticed as she quietly slipped her two coins into the charity box. But everyone saw the rich men as they carried in their gifts with great fanfare. At the sound of their silver and gold coins clanking into the box people were oohing and aahing about how much they gave. But Jesus was not impressed with their money. He did not care about their spectacular performance or false religiosity. But Jesus did take time to see and praise this widow, before He sat down for His last meal. He pointed her out for all of us to see, because she had come humbly and given all she had with all of her heart. Then He broke the bread and gave the cup and gave all He had for you and for me.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

I love both singing the hymns as well as the stories behind them, and had always believed ,” Be Thou My Vision” an 8th century hymn attributed to Saint Patrick to be the oldest. So this even more ancient song, released by Keith and Kristyn Getty with J.J. Heller took me quite by surprise. Dating from the 5th century this is stunning both in its words as well as the old French melody that is paired with them. Though they share this as part of a Christmas collection, I am not sure that was the original intent of the author. I am simply in awe to think that these poignant lyrics have come down to us from 16 centuries past. I pray you will be blessed to take a few quiet moments to listen, this Sunday.

Quiet Praise for Sunday

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:5 NIV

That God alone is my strength and the one whom I long to spend eternity with is what carries me through hard times and failures. That God alone began His work in me is my hope and confidence because He alone will complete it as He has promised and He alone will receive all the glory and praise. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, discouraged or even at times totally defeated, take a moment and allow the truth of today’s verse sink deep into your hearts. Then with that verse in mind, I hope you will be blessed as you  listen to this new release from Keith and Kristyn Getty, Kirk Whalum, Jordan Kauflin and Matt Merker.