---

Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: Philippians 4:10-20

Thanks for Their Gifts

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

•••

Daily Devotional: Heart to Heart

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” 

Mark 12:41-44 

I heard Christian thinker and writer Dallas Willard once say, “No one asks that their names be put on (donated) mops.” But how enjoyable would those beautiful buildings be without clean floors? 

It is a virtuous thing to give large sums to any individual, organization, or institution that does God’s work. However, giving large sums alone is not what delights God. In fact, God may delight most in seeing His people, whose gifts may be small, working together to build His kingdom on earth. When one person funds an entire project, that person receives honor. But when each of us gives what we are able, as small as it might be, God receives the credit for doing what none of us could do alone. 

We may think our small gifts don’t matter. There aren’t enough to make any real difference. That mindset comes from focusing on the value of the gift. The widow in the story from today’s Scripture wasn’t thinking about the size of her gift. She was thinking about how grateful she was to God. She showed her thanks by giving all she had and then trusting that He would take care of her. In a time and place where widows were often forgotten, she responded to God’s love for her. Jesus saw her childlike heart. 

God loves us, too. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; now remain in my love.” Really? Jesus loves me as much as the Father loves him? That’s a mic drop statement. Think about it. Consider the many ways He has shown you, and is showing you His immeasurable love. Give your heart time to connect with Him. See if, after you do, you, like the widow, want to give him everything. When we give what we can, trusting God, we show our love and gratitude, just as the widow did— trusting He will care for us too.

Next Steps

Take time to remember specifically how generous God, and people He has put in your life, have been to you. How will you express your gratitude? 

Pray that God would give you a thankful and generous heart.