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MARK 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
REFERENCES: PSALM 121:1-8, 145:1-2; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10
In Mark, the large amounts of money thrown in at the temple by the rich men seemed like a strong gesture, while the amount the widow gave seemed to be a weak one. When we dive deeper, Jesus revealed that the widow’s portion was actually the opposite. She sacrificed all she had, giving the greatest offering of them all. This proves we can’t give greater significance to worldly strength over what God views as strength. While the world values control, status, and power, God’s heart turns towards the weak. In all that we do, there is an audience watching, but God is the only one who matters. He is the one who notices what everyone else misses. God sees our sacrifice, no matter how small. We’re stronger than we know. When we do good and live life with integrity, it blesses God and shows our love for him. He doesn’t need our money, he wants us to love him with all of our strength.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” —Mark 12:30
Not only was the widow seen as less-than because she was a woman, but she was also poor. Little did she know, Jesus was watching as she gave her all. Though we may not see the audience of heaven, it is ever-present. God is never far away and notices our actions, even if it seems insignificant in our eyes.
There is a massive contrast between what we see as strength versus what God sees as strength. It has always been the heart of God to gravitate toward the weakest among us. Case in point, Jesus bragged about the poor widow—he was so proud of her sacrifice. Know that God speaks well of you even when you don’t notice and even when you feel at your weakest.
It’s easy to get swayed into believing that earthly possessions are permanent. But you cannot take with you what you’ve built here, it is all temporary. We can become so attached to what is “ours” that we allow it to define how strong we are. The moment we lose a job, fail at a relationship, or feel unstable in any way, we can think that we don’t have it all together. We can even wonder if what we have to offer God is enough. But loving God with all of your strength is not about giving him something big, but about giving out of an honest place. It goes beyond the act and into the intention behind it. So don’t minimize the way you love God or give to him because if you are loving honestly, you are loving and giving strong.
Picture the past 24 hours. If your life were on display, would your actions have blessed God? Remember, you’re never alone, God is always watching over you. Moments of weakness are opportunities to discover strengths, live your life as a blessing to God.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
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+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.
From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.
Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night
When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.
When: Saturday, July 12th
Where: All VOUS Locations
Time: 10:00 AM
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
