Gifts of the Heart

Written By Betty Predmore
 
 

It is only one paragraph in the Bible and we find it in Mark 12:41-44:

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which made a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them. “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 she had, her whole livelihood.”

This parable is such a perfect reminder to us. We see this woman who had so little to give, yet she gave it all.

God wants our “ALL”. Not just in our finances but in our deeds, in our worship, in our grace and forgiveness, in our compassion and love for others, in our service to Him.

He wants all of the above to be done in the same manner as that widow of long ago who threw in her two mites...He wants it to come from our hearts.

Does your giving come from your heart? Do you love God so much that you would give your last two mites to His service?

Or do you gripe and grumble over your gifts to Him? Do you do them because you feel you “have to”, not because you ”want to”?

God wants the the best of us...and He wants us to give it from our hearts. When we give and serve from the heart, His work is done here on this earth and we make an impact for the kingdom.

What I love about the story of the widow is that, even though she had so little, she wasn’t afraid to give it. She didn’t think her gift was unworthy or not good enough. She went right up there and tossed in her coins!

How often do we think we aren’t good enough or that our gift won’t matter? How many times do we let an opportunity to serve pass us by because we can’t do or give much as someone else might be able to?

Don’t be afraid. Be like the widow and be a giver! Give from your heart. Perhaps it is money. Or a prayer you offer up for a friend. Perhaps it is a phone call or text to someone who is struggling. Maybe it is a missions trip, or work with the homeless. Maybe you will disciple an unbeliever or share the love of Jesus to a stranger.

There are are so many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus...so many ways to make a difference. Whatever it is, however God chooses to use you...do it with a sincere and giving heart. Put in all you have.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders.  She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances.  Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.  

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center.  She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty holds a certification as a Christ-Based Counselor through the National Association of Certified Christ-Based Counselors. She is also a State of California Certified Facilitator for Anger Management/Batterer’s Treatment Program. In addition, she is a certified Facilitator for Living Free, a faith-based curriculum for parenting, addiction recovery, and anger management.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women.  She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor.  Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way.  She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website.

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement.  Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns.  Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.

http://bettypredmore.com/
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