The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, July 13, 2023, was written by Brian Kosinski of Illinois.
Scripture
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4 NRSV
THE LITTLE THINGS
Sol is the bus driver for a summer youth ministry in West Chicago. Each weekday morning, Sol picks up the children from their apartment complexes and drops them off at the church. In the afternoons, he drives them back home. Sol's job often goes unnoticed, but it is absolutely necessary to the success of the ministry. Without Sol, there is no ministry.
In the kingdom of God, small acts of love become mighty. Consider the widow who gave her only two coins to the temple treasury. Taking notice, Jesus immediately praised this woman because although her offering was small, the act of love was significant. For the widow, those coins were her only resources, but out of love and faith, she gave freely. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 the apostle Paul encouraged the church community to do everything for God's glory. In other words, even the most ordinary tasks or acts of service can bring glory to God. God calls us to look for ways to serve and love those around us. God values and is glorified by acts of service both big and small. No acts of love is insignificant.
Thoughts
Friends,
Brian's reflection reminds us of two things: 1) Small faithful acts of compassion serve as tangible demonstrations of our transformed hearts, and 2) In all we do, we should consider that we are doing it to and for the Lord. Small faithful acts can be powerful tools for sharing the love of God. A simple smile, encouraging word, or pausing to pray all have significant impact when we offer them as a gesture of God's love. We can offer such gestures of love when we humbly accept the premise that all we do should give God glory. What would happen if each of us decided that everything we do, and say, today will be done to bring God glory?
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer
Dear God, inspire us to acts of mercy and generosity today so that in serving others we glorify you. Amen.
- Brian Kosinski