I shared a story Sunday from the late Dwight L. Moody. A wealthy man in a congregation had a friendship with another man in the church who always seemed to have difficulty handling money. Try though he might, he could never seem to make good financial decisions so he was constantly broke. The wealthy man, who had a gift of handling money, wanted to help but knew he needed to be wise. Going to the pastor of the church, he shared that he wanted to be an anonymous giver. Each week he gave the pastor an envelope to deliver to his friend. The envelope always contained a five dollar bill (which went much further 100 years ago). On the outside of the envelope, these words were written: MORE TO FOLLOW. Dwight Moody used this example to tell of our God of grace who always gives us what we need.
As I finished telling this story, Susan punched my arm and whispered, “Oh, I forgot to tell you. You got a card in the mail this week that contained a gift from Miss Mozella. She sent you five dollars!” Mozella is a sweet lady in Chattanooga who always encouraged my brother, Brian, who worked several years as a missionary in the inner-city. She always has a smile on her face and she always gives me a big hug. To Mozella, five dollars is not a small amount of money and I am so grateful for her kindness. But I know Miss Mozella is simply a vessel of her Master. God knew I needed to be reminded this week that He is in control and that He will give us everything we need.
Many of you know we did not get a good blood report Monday. Tomorrow a port will be put in my arm that will enable easy access to an artery. Monday I am scheduled get my first round of chemo. A friend sent me an encouraging Scripture from Nehemiah 8:10. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” How I want this to be true! Do you know what the first part of this verse says? “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” While I have an appetite, this sounds like a good idea! If you have nothing prepared, let me know!
“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-3