Devotional Tidbit – August 14, 2006
A Tender Heart and Sixty-Four Cents
I would like to share with you a little story about a tender heart and sixty-four cents. But first, allow me to share with you some background.
Yesterday, an elder at our congregation mentioned our need to raise money. God willing, we plan to attend a church planting discovery lab in Portland Oregon, and we are raising money for the cost of the lab and transportation. This lab will help determine if our family is suitable for the important job of church planting. Research has shown that church planting is the number one way to reach out to those who are not part of an existing church family. (If you are in ministry, please think of this as an option.) Mary Ann and I are thrilled to take part in this upcoming lab. We have faith that we will raise the needed money. Today, we welcome anyone who reads this devotional to partner with us financially and prayerfully. Please contact us for more information.
A few minutes after the elder announced our need, I ran into a young man named Parker as he was walking to his car. After I finished talking with his grandfather, Parker came to me with his hand extended. “I want to give this to you,” he softly said as sixty-four cents trickled into my palm, a mixture of pennies, nickels, dimes, and one shiny quarter. To put it plainly, I was touched by the tenderness of his young heart and his giving spirit. His thoughtfulness reminded me of the woman Jesus spoke of who had two coins. She placed them both into the temple treasury although it was all she had.
At this point in my life, I have time and physical effort to give. I share those assets with others, but is it enough? I don’t think so. I know I can always do more. My prayer today is to be a more giving person. Jesus was such a person, and while I know a lot about him, my true goal is to be a lot LIKE him. In Christ y’all, Brian Humek P.S. Please say a special prayer today for Parker and his very tender heart.
