The Widow's Offering
photo source
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
- Luke 21:1-4
Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world—
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life—
is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it;
but he who does the will of God abides forever.
- 1 John 2:15-17
It's only been twenty days since I returned from Manila, but it seems like so long ago.
Praise God indeed for the gift of time! In this brief span of time that I have been back in my home city of Bacolod, I accomplished many things. With much joy I had lots of bonding time with family -- my two grandsons, Matthew (Forerunner) and Elijah (Full of Hope/Mighty Warrior)... my sons First Born and Worshiper, and my daughters in law God-given and Chosen One.
Matt and his Nana
First Born and his son Matt
Elijah right after a bath
me and my grandsons Elijah and Matt
The Sunday after I arrived, we had a joint birthday celebration for God-given and Chosen One whose birthdays were both in July.
Chosen One and God-given, my beautiful and precious daughters in law!
There were many opportunities to spend time with my church friends and my Family Foundations ministry family!
Dinner at Grill Guru with my friend Pong and her daughter Kristel
Pat and me after an Ancient Paths seminar
And I am sure my garden was happy to have me back.
But what gave me the greatest joy was to receive a clear word from the Lord about the next step I was to take in my spiritual journey.
About a month ago, while meditating on the Scripture passage found in Luke 21:1-4, I had a sense that this was the message God was speaking to me. Ever since my husband passed away in November 2008, I had been asking God to direct my steps.
I knew I had to begin earning an income sooner or later. It cannot be denied that I am competent in many areas, and there were several options available to me. But I wanted to go through the right doors regarding this... and asked God for His peace and confirmation before I made any final decision.
In the story of the widow putting in her last two copper coins into the offering, Jesus emphasized that it was all she had to live on.
I asked God to speak to me, and He did! It seemed like He was telling me to give Him all I had to live on. To give Him my abilities, and to trust Him with the rest.
It was a total abandon... a total surrender of my life to the work of His kingdom.
It is easy to live life from the perspective of lack... but Jesus surprised me by opening my eyes to this amazing truth -- He is calling me to trust Him as my Shepherd and experience what it means to live from the standpoint of abundance and provision.
He makes me lie down in green pastures!
He leads me beside the still waters!
He leads me in paths of righteousness!
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies!
He anoints my head with oil!
My cup runs over!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
So much peace flooded my soul, and this is where I am now, grateful for the confirmation from His word.
His word washes over me like a cleansing flood, removing doubt and double mindedness.
This takes me to a new phase in my kingdom journey. I return to Manila tonight with the assurance tucked in my heart that God hears me when I call... He directs my steps... He makes my way secure.
Praise God indeed for the gift of time! In this brief span of time that I have been back in my home city of Bacolod, I accomplished many things. With much joy I had lots of bonding time with family -- my two grandsons, Matthew (Forerunner) and Elijah (Full of Hope/Mighty Warrior)... my sons First Born and Worshiper, and my daughters in law God-given and Chosen One.
Matt and his Nana
First Born and his son Matt
Elijah right after a bath
me and my grandsons Elijah and Matt
The Sunday after I arrived, we had a joint birthday celebration for God-given and Chosen One whose birthdays were both in July.
Chosen One and God-given, my beautiful and precious daughters in law!
There were many opportunities to spend time with my church friends and my Family Foundations ministry family!
Dinner at Grill Guru with my friend Pong and her daughter Kristel
Pat and me after an Ancient Paths seminar
And I am sure my garden was happy to have me back.
But what gave me the greatest joy was to receive a clear word from the Lord about the next step I was to take in my spiritual journey.
About a month ago, while meditating on the Scripture passage found in Luke 21:1-4, I had a sense that this was the message God was speaking to me. Ever since my husband passed away in November 2008, I had been asking God to direct my steps.
I knew I had to begin earning an income sooner or later. It cannot be denied that I am competent in many areas, and there were several options available to me. But I wanted to go through the right doors regarding this... and asked God for His peace and confirmation before I made any final decision.
In the story of the widow putting in her last two copper coins into the offering, Jesus emphasized that it was all she had to live on.
I asked God to speak to me, and He did! It seemed like He was telling me to give Him all I had to live on. To give Him my abilities, and to trust Him with the rest.
It was a total abandon... a total surrender of my life to the work of His kingdom.
It is easy to live life from the perspective of lack... but Jesus surprised me by opening my eyes to this amazing truth -- He is calling me to trust Him as my Shepherd and experience what it means to live from the standpoint of abundance and provision.
He makes me lie down in green pastures!
He leads me beside the still waters!
He leads me in paths of righteousness!
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies!
He anoints my head with oil!
My cup runs over!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
So much peace flooded my soul, and this is where I am now, grateful for the confirmation from His word.
His word washes over me like a cleansing flood, removing doubt and double mindedness.
This takes me to a new phase in my kingdom journey. I return to Manila tonight with the assurance tucked in my heart that God hears me when I call... He directs my steps... He makes my way secure.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you
great and unsearchable things you do not know.
- Jeremiah 33:3
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
- Psalm 18:19
You enlarged the path under me,
So my feet did not slip.
- Psalm 18:36
great and unsearchable things you do not know.
- Jeremiah 33:3
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
- Psalm 18:19
You enlarged the path under me,
So my feet did not slip.
- Psalm 18:36
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
- Isaiah 58:11
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
- Isaiah 58:11
This post is lovingly dedicated to Elaine Olsen of Peace for the Journey .
Through her obedience, God has spoken to my heart a much needed confirmation.
Thank God for you, Elaine!
Through her obedience, God has spoken to my heart a much needed confirmation.
Thank God for you, Elaine!
26 comments:
Dear Lidj,
I just wanted to say thank you for your sweet spirit! God is without a doubt going to continue to use you as a vessel in His hands, to do wonderful things, for His glory! :)
I just read your comment on my blog, and first of all, my reaction was to smile at the way God is working! Then I was just amazed at how you and I are from countries so far away, and yet I feel a closeness to your heart, because we seem to be going through similar things. Then finally, my heart is humbled at how God can take a hurtful, just unspeakable situation, and teach a valuable lesson, then prompt me to share it. All the while, I had no earthly clue that anyone else would be going through something and need to hear that. . especially you, my sweet sister! :) You keep seeking Him. and we know that HE will direct your path. The verses you've posted here are just so very good and helpful to my heart tonight. One verse that means alot to me is (and I'll paraphrase it) "Before we call on Him, He has answered us, and while we are still speaking, He will hear us." Isaiah 65:24 That means He still takes time to listen to us pour out our hearts to Him, even though He's already got the situation taken care of. :) Such a patient Father!
Thanking God for you!
In Christ,
Tammi
I am moved this morning by the witness of your "garden" included with this post. Over the last few days, I've been pondering these words from Scripture...
"For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations." (Isaiah 61:11)
God, the soil upon which we plant our lives--sow those last coppers--so that righteousness might spring forth in due season. Seems as if both of our hearts are ripe for a fresh planting of the Lord, sister.
peace to you~elaine
I was taking my time, letting His Word soak my heart as I read those Scriptures you shared...How I always enjoy the pics you share, be it about your family or your flowers/plants and enjoy the love, warmth, bountiful blessings that emanate from each of them!
I never at one point worried about my struggle at work knowing how faithful His promises are! And now that they had put me on a forced leave without pay, this did not worry me because I know the Lord will provide. I was thinking of that widow you shared when I went for our Sunday's fellowship and how thankful I was that even with little, I had something to give Him. Something that He gave me in the first place. How awesome is He!
Truly, nothing...nothing can ever separate us from His love! Glory be to God! God bless you sister and may you always be strong in the Lord's mighty power! You always encourage me and thank you for that and your prayers!!!
You filled that time with so much! Matthew and Elijah are growing and are certainly a blessing. Your garden shots and the verses are do refreshing.
Hi Lidj,
Thank you for this inspiring post. It is so awesome He leads us and guides us through this life. I pray the Lord uses you in a mighty way as you move forward with what He has called you to do.
Blessings,
Ken
Your life has many beautiful things within it...your family...your faith...your smile.
I so enjoyed reading about how God is blessing you and your family. The scriptures you shared spoke to me. God is so good. I know that God will direct your path as you give Him your abilities, and trust Him with the rest. God bless you, dear sister!
Came back to thank you for sharing that heartfelt post about your precious daughter. It surely blessed me and how I was comforted! The Lord comforted you and now you did with me!
I am so blessed and so thankful to be the "mother" for my son who with the Lord's guidance continues to amaze me and my hubby. It truly is different when we point them to our Father Who sees and knows it all. That's what comforted me...in letting go...that He is the Father, He is the Parent for our child. We're only here to guide. In this process, we are learning to completely put our trust on the Lord Who guides and protects our children...
2nd day today of school, I see more confidence and more strength as I said goodbye again. This time, my heart is at ease. Yesterday, it was an awesome sharing with what went on at school. For him to tell me regarding his understanding of not going with this world's flow, I am grateful...Grateful for all that He's etching in his heart. His Word. Glory be to God!
Thank you for blessing my faith again sister...God bless you and sending you cyber hugs.
What an awesome word...I am so glad you received confirmation on your next journey. His grace is sufficient...oh something I need to be reminded of.
I love the lantana flowers...because of our heat and lack of rain mine haven't bloomed, so here I see yours and I think how God's watering brings blossoms to our lives...even in the middle of drought or heat.
Blessings on your journey...thanks for the words that also encouraged me.
As always, thanks for your visits to my blog...for letting me get to know a sister in Christ half way around the world.
Lidj, so glad I jumped on there this morning..... love your post and your photos!
Elijah looks like you! What precious boys...... you look so happy too!
Looking forward to your next post.
*ps... I think of you every time I run into Starbucks.... one of these days my friend....one of these days! : )
Hello Lidj, It's always a treat to visit your blog. Your garden looks gorgeous and your grand babies are growing so fast and are adorable. First born looks very tall. The Lord loves us to wait on him in faith . . you know it's only going to be good, better than you can imagine and so gratifying too . . complete. Lots of love and blessings sent your way, Sandy:O)
Although I have only recently found you on here, I am excited to hear you will be returning so soon to Manilla the place where I see your precious grandsons reside. The shots of your garden are so lovely! Thanks for your visit and comments over at my place Lidj, that was very sweet. ~Lili
What a peaceful post. I am glad the Lord has spoken to your heart about a direction in life and I can't wait to read about the path he is directing you to walk. ' You Enlarged the path under me .. so my feet did not slip' .. Psalm 18:36
God is so good.
All the while you have been seeking His next in your life, He has been drawing you and preparing you, and I can't wait to hear more about what it is. I think the older I get the more I relax and KNOW that He is everything, and that I can trust Him fully, feelings or circumstances aside...
Good Lidj! I know your tender heart toward God and He is going to continue to use you as you move forward.
I LOVE the lantanas... some of my favorites!
xo
Lidj - This was a beautiful post from so many standpoints. I loved the lovely pictures from your garden. I felt joy at the photos of your precious family. I was moved by the powerful words from Scripture. And I was very excited about your testimony to God's faithfulness!
How wonderful that He has spoken to you a word of His confirmation - I can't wait to read about where He takes you next, and about all the ways that He is going to use YOU for His Kingdom purposes!
GOD BLESS!
Greetings Lidj! I am so touched by your blog and the sweetness of your postings! I found you on Heavenly Humor and I'm so glad that I did! I will be back! ;)
Hi Lidj -
I so loved this piece. The photos are such splendor. And I so much enjoyed what you expressed. It massaged my heart indeed.
I needed to read what our Lord gave you, Lidj, in this piece. It is so where I am, too.
Thank you, dear lady of GOD.
He will supply all of our needs and give us the desires of our hearts - He promised and surely, GOD is a promise keeper.
"Abundance" fills your post - from times of fellowship and celebration with your family to the colorful bounty in your garden...
Thankful for the confirmation you needed. I look forward to hearing how/where God plants you for another season of provision, yea--abundance!
Matt and Nana look so sweet
God really shines in your life and in and through you.....the photos are great and the flowers reminds me of what someone once said...the earth laughs in flowers. I think they're His gifts to us...to make us smile. Have a great weekend out there Lidj.....stay strong and always keep smiling.
Dear Lidj,
Thank you for being my faithful friend and taking time praying for me, even when you had such drastic decisions to make for yourself.
I pray that the promises of Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; {N}
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"shall be confirmed for you every day your are in the service of our Lord.
We know that the evil tries his filthy tricks with temptations and doubts.
This is my prayer this late evening, "Dear God, never hide your face and good will from my dear sister Lidj. Let her rest in your safe father arms every step of the way. May she feel your love and concern just this minute and every coming minutes. Amen"
From felisol
such a beautiful post. and an amen to prayer!
Lidj,
I have been drawn to Isaiah 58:11 in this new season I am in. And, when I stop by, you have a message, like you already know my heart. I have been job searching - and trusting that God will provide. Your scriptures are balm to my spirit, soothing and reaffirming what my heart knows!
Praying blessing as you pursue your answered prayer dear friend!
Maryleigh
No doubt the Lord will bless you as you trust yourself to Him.
It's been a while since I've visited, and as usual when I read your words, the Lord speaks to you as he speaks to me, and I am encouraged you have heart him speaking so clearly that he is with you on a new journey, that the call is clear and defined. May he continue to define it clearly as you walk each day. Blessings!
I was reading your post where you said you have power and authority to re-create your environment.To be an agent of reconciliation" and I couldn't help thinking how true! Circumstances may not change; accusations may not cease. BUT, if we seat ourselves in God's hand of protection, we can have peace in the midst of the storm. Love the pictures of your grandsons. They're adorable. Much love, Lidj.
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