Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Revelation 2:9

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, July 5, 2019

“Poverty–Yet You Are Rich!”

She walked tall but slightly bent, a long coat and scarf seemed to be her constant companions no matter the weather. It appeared that she ate little, and knew nothing of the extra pleasures of life. With a countenance that neither smiled nor frowned she went about with a seriousness of life; she was retired, but not done yet.

The church had gathered some food and necessities for this tired saint. I remember the day that a couple of us took them to her. In a house that looked like it couldn’t stand the wind much longer; she greeted us at the door. “What is all this?” she asked as we placed bags and boxes on her table.

We watched and wondered as this angel unpacked groceries one by one. She seemed to bless them and organize them in separate groups around the small kitchen. “God has answered prayer,” she said. Then she continued as she touched each stack: “I know who needs this, and who can use that.” We thought we were helping her through her poverty; but she believed that God had blessed her to be a blessing.

That happened over thirty years ago, but I count it as another lesson in the Seminary of Real Life. “I know your afflictions and your poverty–yet you are rich!” Revelation 2:9

It is interesting that the one offering that made Jesus so excited that He had to tell it, was the same offering that no one else noticed. “Two mites” is a penny in a world of wealth, hardly worth the trouble; yet that offering has been recorded in the Ledger of Heaven, and on the pages of the Bible.

Jesus said that “She gave of her poverty.” If you have ever searched the house and car for another dime to “have enough,” then you may come closer to understanding that little is much when you need it; and when you give it away, you have given your all.

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – We Are the World”