Devotion for Monday, May 18, 2026

“A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.  Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:42).

In whom do you trust?  One of the gods of this world is money (Mammon).  Those who have more than enough still seek to have even more.  Money gives the illusion of power.  But all power belongs to God, so this is just one of the illusions of this age.  The Lord grants us an abundance so that we can share with others.  The sharing is for the sake of bringing all to the Father’s house.  Be generous as our Lord is generous to you.

Creator of all worlds, You have blessed me with so many things.  I live in a time of extreme blessings, but I often take these for granted.  Help me to live knowing that all things are from You, for You created them and they are Yours.  Help me to see that even a cup of water for one who is thirsty ministers to those in Your kingdom.  Help me to share what I have with others so that they too may have the opportunity to be with You forever.

Lord Jesus, You have pointed out these things for our sake.  I do not have to do certain things to gain Your approval.  You have gone to the cross to gain my approval before the Father.  Help me to live into the life You have given me knowing that all things are in Your hands.  Where I withhold where I should freely give, convict me.  Where I would give, but You would have me withhold, grant me strength to be faithful and discerning.  Amen.