Today's Message:
"Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a
quadrans. Mark 12:42
In some churches the offering plate is not passed. Instead those who wish to give march to the front of the sanctuary and place their offering in the plate. Imagine for a moment that you are in one of those churches. The offering prayer has been uttered. The organist begins the peppy offering march. People begin to gather in the center isle and make their way to the front. Nothing out of the ordinary happens until fellow steps from the back pew of the building. Heads turn. The room hushes of all but the melodious strains of the pipe organ. The man is dressed in the finest silk suit, obviously hand tailored to fit him and him only. The mass of humanity opens before him like the sea at Moses' command. Reaching the front, this fine fellow dramatically reaches into his coat pocket, pulls out pen and checkbook, and with a flourish writes
a huge check.
In some churches the offering plate is not passed. Instead those who wish to give march to the front of the sanctuary and place their offering in the plate. Imagine for a moment that you are in one of those churches. The offering prayer has been uttered. The organist begins the peppy offering march. People begin to gather in the center isle and make their way to the front. Nothing out of the ordinary happens until fellow steps from the back pew of the building. Heads turn. The room hushes of all but the melodious strains of the pipe organ. The man is dressed in the finest silk suit, obviously hand tailored to fit him and him only. The mass of humanity opens before him like the sea at Moses' command. Reaching the front, this fine fellow dramatically reaches into his coat pocket, pulls out pen and checkbook, and with a flourish writes
a huge check.
Immediately behind him, un-intimidated by the show, slowly and painfully creeps a little old widow who cares for three abandoned grandchildren, all on her pittance of a social security check. Few notice. Some snicker. "What do we need with her coins after that huge check?" some ask. Finally reaching the front, the widow carefully opens a worn coin purse, pulls out its contents. Silently, timidly she drops a couple of coins into the plate. The organ plays on. The people murmur about the generosity of the rich man. The deacons rejoice that the new roof is paid for.
Who put the most in the offering? Of course we know that it was the widow -- she gave her all -- everything she had. The man gave petty cash! One made a show. The other made a sacrifice.
The New Testament never really talks about tithing. (Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of one's income to the Lord.) It does talk about giving. The reason tithing is never mentioned is that something greater is demanded of the Christian believer. Jesus uses the example of the widow and her two coins to illustrate the principle. He expects our all, every cent, every possession, every ounce of flesh, every breath we breath,
every drop of our blood. He expects us to be a "living sacrifice." After
all, He set the example of giving. He gave His very life for us. What less
could we offer Him?
The next time the offering plate is passed your way, stop and think about the widow. Compare her gift to yours. Then remember that your offering is just a token of what God wants -- everything! Amen and Amen.
Personal note from Pastor Jeff:
Hi All,
I have received hundreds of e-mails saying you would love to support our ministry financially, and that you would continue to lift us up in your daily Prayers. However, at this time it just isn't possible to give, because finances are already stretched. I can truly understand where you are coming from, because Janette and I are right there with you. One pay check away from being homeless, having to depend totally on God and
I have received hundreds of e-mails saying you would love to support our ministry financially, and that you would continue to lift us up in your daily Prayers. However, at this time it just isn't possible to give, because finances are already stretched. I can truly understand where you are coming from, because Janette and I are right there with you. One pay check away from being homeless, having to depend totally on God and
God alone to pull us out of the pit of despair.
It takes a lot of Faith to do what we do, in our work with the homeless. In most of the situations we face, if God doesn't show up, we're in a "world of hurt." Please take all of this into consideration when you read my next statement:
I believe it takes more Faith for you to Partner with us than it does for us to be on the front lines doing the stuff we do, especially during the holiday season.
Those of us who work here at JJL Ministries get to see God move firsthand, phenomenally, on the streets and in the hoods. For most of you, the benefits of seeing what we get to experience doesn't come into your equation. You have to move by Faith, believing and giving to something that you can't always see, touch or experience. Because of our experiences and God's faithfulness, we have witnessed miracle after miracle over the past 10 years and know that this ministry is the best thing since sliced bread. So, because you don't have that influence, in my book You are the real people of Faith.
It's not always easy to believe and obey. But I think you can agree with me that the greatest testimonies come to us when we are faithful to obey and believe in the most difficult times.
Thank you for giving when it's not convenient, for believing when it's not easy, and for your commitment to us when there are so many viable things tugging at your heart. Please continue to Pray for our safety and increase in provision. And now I ask.
You to Give...
Give at our secure Paypal site:
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Since we are a registered (501c3) Non-Profit your donations are tax deductible. Just print out the receipt that Paypal sends you.
It takes a lot of Faith to do what we do, in our work with the homeless. In most of the situations we face, if God doesn't show up, we're in a "world of hurt." Please take all of this into consideration when you read my next statement:
I believe it takes more Faith for you to Partner with us than it does for us to be on the front lines doing the stuff we do, especially during the holiday season.
Those of us who work here at JJL Ministries get to see God move firsthand, phenomenally, on the streets and in the hoods. For most of you, the benefits of seeing what we get to experience doesn't come into your equation. You have to move by Faith, believing and giving to something that you can't always see, touch or experience. Because of our experiences and God's faithfulness, we have witnessed miracle after miracle over the past 10 years and know that this ministry is the best thing since sliced bread. So, because you don't have that influence, in my book You are the real people of Faith.
It's not always easy to believe and obey. But I think you can agree with me that the greatest testimonies come to us when we are faithful to obey and believe in the most difficult times.
Thank you for giving when it's not convenient, for believing when it's not easy, and for your commitment to us when there are so many viable things tugging at your heart. Please continue to Pray for our safety and increase in provision. And now I ask.
You to Give...
Give at our secure Paypal site:
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Since we are a registered (501c3) Non-Profit your donations are tax deductible. Just print out the receipt that Paypal sends you.
Checks and Money Orders can be sent to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
Blessings
Pastor Jeff Lilley
Bible Stumper Trivia: Answer Below
How many of Jesus' brothers wrote books of the Bible?
Free Online Bible All Versions
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Something to Ponder
Why is there a disclaimer on the Allstate Auto Insurance commercials that says "Not available in all states"?
Please Support our ministry, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Complaint Department
People who push alcohol at social functions.
and
When there are no hot dog buns left and you
have to eat your hot dog on a folded piece
of bread.
Everyone has a complaint, right?? What makes you complain?? Let us know in the comments.
Bible Stumper Answer:
How many of Jesus' brothers wrote books of the Bible?
A: Two. (James and Jude Matthew 13:55)
A: Two. (James and Jude Matthew 13:55)
Who We Are at JJL Ministries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJJL@gmail.com
Janette4God@aol.com
Remember
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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All rights reserved worldwide.
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