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The Widow\u2019s MitesJanuary 29, 2012Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 21:1-4Vs 1-4: Things Are Not Always What They SeemMite (Gr. Lepton): literally the tiny invertebrate we tend to think of. As mites were thought to be the tiniest creatures, so the coin was the smallest in circulation. Quadran 1/64 of the average working man\u2019s daily wagesApp: Giving isn\u2019t a comparison game. God sees more than the portion; He sees proportionately. Though this widow has been used to manipulate greater giving, this was not Jesus\u2019 intention.\u201cBeware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows\u2019 houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.\u201d Luke 20:46-47App: This is more of a lesson on caring for the poor. In this case, to \u201cdevour a widow\u2019s house\u201d isn\u2019t a sin of \u201ccommission\u201d (i.e.-breaking and entering) as much as it\u2019s a sin of \u201comission\u201d (i.e.-not taking care of the less fortunate) \u201c\u2026because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.\u201d Acts 6:1b Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 (ref. Mark 7:6-13)Corban: dedicating one\u2019s wealth to God (in this case themselves) and using that as an excuse not to help others.Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.\u201d Luke 6:38 (ref. 2Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:6-8) App: Between yourself and God, decide what you are to give, and do it humbly, always being ready to adjust along the way. What is God\u2019s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?