Trusting God Through Sacrificial Giving and Generosity

Devotional

Day 1: God Measures the Heart, Not the Amount

Jesus is not impressed by the size of our gifts or the noise they make, but by the sincerity and devotion of our hearts. While the world is fascinated with numbers and outward displays, God looks deeper, seeking hearts that are fully aligned and surrendered to Him. The true value of our giving is not in the dollar amount, but in the measure of our trust and love for God that it represents. Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. [25:14]

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 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.”

Reflection: In what area of your life is God inviting you to give from your heart, not just your abundance, and how might you respond to Him today?

Day 2: Faith Over Security—Letting Go of Idols

The story of the rich young ruler reveals that even good deeds and religious observance can be overshadowed by misplaced trust in possessions and status. Jesus calls us to let go of anything that becomes an idol in our hearts, asking us to trust Him above all else. True faith means surrendering our security in things and placing our hope in the eternal life that only Jesus can give, freeing our hearts to follow Him fully. [29:13]

Mark 10:17-22 (ESV)
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Reflection: What is one possession, status, or comfort you tend to rely on for security, and how can you take a step to surrender it to Jesus today?

Day 3: Sacrifice Reflects True Trust in God

God is not moved by the size of our gifts, but by the size of our sacrifice. The widow’s offering was small in the world’s eyes, but it was everything she had, a true act of faith and trust in God’s provision. Sacrificial giving reveals where our priorities and trust truly lie, and it is in these moments of letting go that we declare, “God is my provider.” [45:56]

2 Corinthians 8:12-14 (ESV)
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to give sacrificially, and how can you trust Him to provide as you step out in faith?

Day 4: Giving as a Pathway to Deeper Relationship with God

Many long for a closer relationship with God, but true intimacy often comes when we step out of our comfort zones and rely on Him in places of sacrifice and need. When we put ourselves in situations where we must depend on God—whether through giving, serving, or stepping into the unknown—we experience His faithfulness and provision in new and powerful ways. [55:04]

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Reflection: How can you intentionally place yourself in a position to rely more on God this week, and what step will you take to trust Him more deeply?

Day 5: Responding to God’s Love with Cheerful Generosity

God desires our giving to be a joyful response to His love, not a calculated obligation. When we give out of love—like newlyweds living on love—we trust that God will provide and that we have all we need in Him. Our generosity becomes an act of worship, a declaration that our hearts belong to God and that we are living in the freedom and joy of His provision. [01:01:56]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to give cheerfully and generously out of love for God today, and how might that change your perspective on what you have?

Sermon Summary

Today, we explored the question that so often shapes our lives: “How much?”—how much do we need, how much do we have, how much do we give? Jesus reframes this question, not in terms of numbers or amounts, but in terms of trust and the heart behind our giving. In Mark 12, Jesus observes people giving at the temple, noting not the size of their gifts, but the posture of their hearts. The wealthy gave large sums, making a show of their abundance, but it was the poor widow, quietly offering two small coins, who captured Jesus’ attention. Her gift, though tiny by human standards, was immense in the eyes of God because it was given out of faith and total trust.

This story challenges our cultural obsession with bigger, better, and more. We often equate blessing with material abundance, but Jesus points us to a deeper reality: true blessing is found in relationship with God and others, not in possessions. The widow’s offering was a declaration that God is her provider, even when she had nothing left. In contrast, the rich young ruler’s story reveals how easily our hearts can become entangled with our possessions, making it difficult to fully trust and follow Jesus.

We also considered the patterns of giving in our own community. Many give out of abundance, but few give sacrificially. Jesus raises the bar for us—not just to meet a minimum requirement, but to give in a way that reflects the generosity and sacrifice of God Himself. Our giving is not about meeting a quota, but about aligning our hearts with God’s heart, trusting Him as our provider, and participating in His kingdom work.

Ultimately, giving is an act of faith. It challenges our self-reliance and invites us to experience God’s faithfulness in new ways. Whether we are just beginning to give, striving for consistency, or moving toward extravagant generosity, the journey is about growing in trust and love for God. When we give out of love, like newlyweds living on love alone, our hearts are freed from the grip of possessions, and we discover the joy of living in God’s provision.

Key Takeaways

1. God Measures the Heart, Not the Amount God is not impressed by the size of our gifts, but by the posture of our hearts. The widow’s two coins mattered more to Jesus than the large sums of the wealthy because her giving was an act of deep trust and surrender. Our generosity is significant when it reflects a heart fully aligned with God, not when it simply meets an external standard. [25:14]
2. Sacrificial Giving Reveals True Faith Giving that costs us something—giving that is sacrificial rather than convenient—demonstrates genuine faith. The widow’s offering was a risk, a declaration that God would provide for her needs. When we give sacrificially, we step out of our comfort zones and into a deeper reliance on God’s faithfulness. [42:16]
3. Possessions Can Become Idols The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that our possessions can easily become idols, subtly taking the place of God in our lives. When our security, meaning, or fulfillment is rooted in what we own, we risk missing out on the true riches of relationship with Christ. Jesus calls us to examine what holds first place in our hearts and to let go of anything that hinders our devotion to Him. [28:31]
4. Giving is a Pathway to Spiritual Growth Our patterns of giving reflect and shape our spiritual journey. Whether we are just starting to give, striving for consistency, or moving toward greater generosity, each step is an opportunity to grow in trust and love for God. As we move from emerging to extravagant giving, we participate more fully in God’s kingdom and experience the joy of being part of His provision for others. [56:53]
5. Trusting God Frees Us from Worry and Self-Reliance When we trust God as our provider, we are freed from the anxiety that comes from trying to secure our own future. Giving becomes an act of hope, a way of declaring that our lives are in God’s hands. In a world of uncertainty, faith-filled generosity is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and a pathway to deeper contentment and peace. [50:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - The “How Much?” Question in Life
[04:10] - Jesus Observes the Temple Offering
[08:45] - The Show of Wealthy Givers
[13:20] - The Widow’s Two Coins
[17:48] - God Looks at the Heart
[23:18] - Faith, Not Numbers
[26:36] - The Rich Young Ruler’s Dilemma
[29:13] - Idols of Possession
[32:27] - American Consumerism and Greed
[36:20] - Tithing and the Higher Standard
[39:44] - Where Your Money Goes, Your Heart Follows
[41:23] - Sacrifice vs. Abundance
[45:56] - God’s Provision in Uncertainty
[56:53] - The Giving Pathway
[61:00] - Living on Love and Trust
[62:44] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV) — > And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 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 10:17-22 (ESV) – The Rich Young Ruler — > And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Observation Questions

In Mark 12:41-44, what differences do you notice between how the rich people and the poor widow gave their offerings?
According to the sermon, what was Jesus really looking at when he watched people give at the temple? [[25:14]]
In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22), what did Jesus ask the man to do, and how did the man respond?
What does the sermon say about how our culture measures blessing compared to how Jesus measures it? [[30:26]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus said the widow gave “more” than all the others, even though her gift was so small? What does this reveal about God’s values? [[23:18]]
The sermon mentions that giving out of abundance is different from giving sacrificially. What does sacrificial giving show about a person’s faith and trust in God? [[42:16]]
How can possessions become idols in our lives, according to the story of the rich young ruler and the sermon? [[28:31]]
The pastor described different “giving pathways” (emerging, engaged, tithing, expanding, extravagant). What might be the spiritual purpose behind moving from one stage to another? [[56:53]]

Application Questions

The widow gave “all she had to live on.” Is there an area in your life where God might be inviting you to trust Him more deeply, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area? [[45:56]]
The sermon challenged the idea that blessing is shown by material abundance. How do you usually measure God’s blessing in your life? Are there relationships or spiritual gifts you’ve overlooked as blessings? [[30:26]]
The rich young ruler’s possessions kept him from following Jesus fully. Is there anything in your life—possessions, habits, or even dreams—that might be holding first place in your heart instead of God? What would it look like to “let go” of that? [[29:13]]
The pastor talked about giving as a pathway to spiritual growth. Where do you see yourself on the “giving pathway” (emerging, engaged, tithing, expanding, extravagant)? What is one practical step you could take to grow in generosity this month? [[56:53]]
The sermon said, “Where your money goes, your heart goes.” If someone looked at your spending or giving, what would they say matters most to you? Is there anything you’d want to change about that? [[39:44]]
The pastor shared stories of God’s provision during times of uncertainty. Can you recall a time when you trusted God with your resources and saw Him provide? How did that experience affect your faith? [[45:56]]
The message compared giving out of love to newlyweds “living on love.” How can you cultivate a fresh, love-driven attitude toward giving and generosity in your own life? [[01:01:00]]

Sermon Clips

We should not take pride in the giving because it's only giving what we've been given; we're giving back only what we have been given by God, so in the ability, the opportunities to earn and have those gifts, and so it's not is what the scripture is talking about, it's not, it's an issue of pride. Don't take pride in the amount of your giving because that's not the point of it, because Jesus is looking at something much deeper than your giving. [00:19:22] (30 seconds) #GivingIsReturning

Where is your heart in alignment with him? Is your heart fully aligned with him? Is it fully surrendered to him? Or is it not? Is it divided? Is it partial? Is it hard? Is it soft? Where is your heart? Where is your heart aligned to? Where is your heart going? Because where your heart is is where you go. [00:25:31] (29 seconds) #HeartAlignment

You can't do anything to get an inheritance. It's a gift. And already we see that this guy is misguided. His heart is out of alignment. The religion has got into him to a point where he is looking at his way to earn, to purchase, to grab hold of a gift that can only be given through Jesus. [00:26:30] (24 seconds) #InheritanceIsGift

The greatest sin we have in America is not all the sexuality and stuff like that. It's greed. It's greed. American consumerism, greed, is the greatest sin we have. We're the wealthiest nation and we're the selfish nation. [00:32:29] (19 seconds) #GreedIsGreatestSin

He's not even saying wealth is bad. But what is bad is when it takes over your heart and gets in the way of him. And so he's warning like, look, what do you really trust in? And be careful because when you get abundance and you get more possessions, it's easier to trust in that than it is in God. [00:51:43] (18 seconds) #WealthCanDistract

We've got to put ourselves in a place where we're reliant on Him to provide. And then we'll see Him. We'll see His work with daily bread. We'll see His work, how He provides. [00:55:52] (15 seconds) #RelyOnGodDaily

The widow believed that even as she gave her last penny, God still held her future. I mean, do we give like that? She gave without fear, but with hope that God has been faithful and will remain faithful to take care of her. [00:56:10] (15 seconds) #FaithfulGiving

What if our hearts were like that when it came to giving? God, I trust you. Because I'm living on your love. Like I got a love for you like we're just getting married. It's fresh. It's not all set and got stale and it's got miles on it. It's just fresh. And you're just full of it. Say, I know. I know we're going to be okay. I know we don't have everything, but it's going to be okay. We don't need everything because we got each other, God. I know if you're with me, I'm good. Who if we had that kind of love? Would our giving be different if we felt that kind of love? It's just the love he wants in your heart. [01:01:10] (47 seconds) #FreshLoveTrust

What inheritance he has given us freely through him, those great treasures. So God, let us honor you with the earthly treasures you entrusted with us. As well as the spiritual treasures. But let us honor you with it. That it just would glorify you and lift up your heavenly treasures. And Lord, it would just be a demonstration of our faith with you. To know that you truly are a provider. You care for us. And that we will daily walk with you. In all circumstances, as you say, as Paul says, I've learned to be content in all times, whether I'm rich or poor. Beaten or not, or healthy. I mean, I just, the secret of contentment is to define that, man, amazing walk in grace with you, that love. May it be with us too. [01:02:23] (49 seconds) #HonorWithTreasures

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