Passion Week Day 2

Tuesday
money and taxes. signs of the end of the age. the greatest commandment. all these things Jesus talked about were so important to him, important enough to take time to teach about it during his final week. he knew what was coming, he knew he had limited time - these are the things that were weighing on his mind, things that he wanted his disciples to know before they were left without their Teacher. but among the grand teachings about hypocrisy and money and the second coming, Jesus took notice of a poor widow's offering at the temple - an offering worth almost nothing in the eyes of this world, but such a precious offering to our Lord. "They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." (Mark 12:44)

what a striking difference between me and this widow. she gave everything she owned to God in offering, with a thankful and joyous heart, not afraid to give it all because she trusted that He would provide for her. and me? out of the great wealth that i've been given, still trying to calculate how much i can afford to give, not just in money, but also in time and energy; more often than not, becoming bitter or just weary from giving to the Lord; so very afraid to put all of my life into His hands, wanting control and security. it seems implausible from the world's eyes that Jesus would take notice of such a woman as this widow, but the world couldn't see the heart that was so pure and beautiful to Jesus' eyes. and when i reflect on what Jesus must see in my heart, i know it isn't the heart of this widow. Lord, give me an undivided heart that lives only for You, purify my heart..

Teach me Your ways, Oh Lord
And I will walk in Your truth
Teach me Your ways, Oh Lord
I am devoted to You

Purify my heart's desire
I long to be Your servant

Give me an undivided heart
That I may fear Your name
Give me an undivided heart
No other gods, no other love
No other gods before You