And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44) as I continue a focus on what scripture says on money, extending my study on this topic for another day of my reading and study:

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• The second and third truths from the commentary that shares scripture on money: Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Principles, and Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Practice. 
• Expanding these core truths: Giving is to be viewed as investing with God (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38); if you cannot handle money, you will not be able to handle spiritual riches either (Luke 16:11); [g]iving is to be sacrificial (Mark 12:42-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3); [g]iving is not just a matter of what we have (Luke 16:10); [e]ach individual determines the amount to give (Luke 19:8); [g]iving can be in response to a need (spontaneous and special; Acts 2:42-47; 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Philippians 4:14-20); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (2 Corinthians 8:8); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7); [g]iving is to be generous (2 Corinthians 8:2-3; Phil 4:14-20);[g] iving is to be joyful (2 Cor 9:7); [g]iving is to be complete (2 Corinthians 8:5); [g]iving biblically always results in God’s blessings (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-11; Phil 4:19).      
• "In light of God’s indescribable gift of His Son Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15), it is hard to imagine doing anything less. God gave His all. He gave His best. So should we." 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who provides for all my needs - You also save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, provide, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.