An Offering's Value

In spite of a terrible ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy, along with their deep poverty, has resulted in the abundance of their generosity. I can testify that by their own free will they have given to the utmost of their ability, yes, even beyond their ability. They begged us earnestly for the privilege of participating in this ministry to the saints.
(2 Corinthians 8:2-4 ISV)

"Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." (Mark 12:43-44 NKJV)

O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
(Psalms 51:15-17 NKJV)

Most Sundays at our church, a gentle woman of limited mental faculties presents a spontaneous offering of praise. She stands just behind and below the director and "conducts" the choir and orchestra.

An offering may or may not require sacrificing many hidden hours of preparation to polish it. Everyone in the Sunday auditorium has opportunity to bring from a humble heart of love offerings of praise, thanksgiving, worship, tithes, prayers, repentance.

Most offerings are made another day of the week. Many are altogether unseen. Some require financial sacrifice. Some cost many hours. Some cost tears. The most precious offering is when a soul puts everything on the altar.

God alone knows the value of each offering. How fitting, since He and not man is the recipient.

Almighty God, You are worthy of all we are, all we do, all we have. No offering—no sacrifice—is too costly to bring before you. We are nothing without You.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy