4 Dimes, 1 Nickel, and 9 Pennies

Do we really believe that Jesus knows the best way to live to the point that we live it? Or, do we think it sounds good on paper but doesn't really work in the real world? That was the message of the sermon this morning.

One of the ladies who attends our food distribution during the week came into the worship service just before the sermon began and sat down. I recognized her and was so glad to see her come to the Sunday morning assembly. At the end of the worship service, I stood at the back to shake hands with those who were filing out of the auditorium, when this lady came up to me with a smile and said that she came in late and missed the offering plate and wondered where she could take her offering. I told her that I would be glad to take it to where it needed to be. She told me that during the sermon she remembered the story about the woman who gave all she had. With her delightful smile, she held out her hand and dropped a few coins in my hand and asked if I would put it in the offering for her. I gave her a hug and we parted with a mutual "God Bless".

I took the coins back to my office for safekeeping until in the morning when I can give it to our bookkeeper for the final count of the contribution. I sat down and laid the coins on my desk. Our average weekly contribution is around $36,000.00 and this week, an additional 4 dimes, 1 nickel, and 9 pennies.

I think this lady, who struggles to have enough to eat each week, believes that Jesus knows the best way to live. She lived it this morning.

Investing In Lives

I hesitate to share this letter that was given to me this morning because of the admiration toward me, but I think it speaks to what our time and effort means to those who don't get much time and effort because of their status. The cool thing about this is that the body of Christ gets the ultimate glory.

Thank you for being my friend and my Sunday School teacher. You are one of the great ones of all time and your like a angel set from heaven. I can tell things that sometimes I can't tell them to no body else. Your smart and your so funny, witty and very gracious all the time. God will be with you until the end of time because you help those who are in need.

Thank you and the church for helping me in this trying time.

Love Always,
Your Friend
(And her name)

P.S. My heart and soul is with you and the church always. Since I have met you my life has been full of joy and peace. The church also has been a real uplifting for my heart and soul. And it will continue for my heart and soul until the end of time.

(End of letter)

One gift the poor can give are kind words.