July 9: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   July 9, 2025

Faith and Works: True faith is demonstrated through our actions and service to others.

Wednesday Verse

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:17 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

What are ways I can live out my faith through serving others? How can I actively demonstrate my beliefs through meaningful actions that positively impact those around me?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

There are two key things I love about this short event in Jesus’ life: (1) we see the quiet and private act of worship by a widow who could have easily gone unnoticed, and (2) we see the heart of Jesus, who doesn’t miss a thing!

The widow gives us an example of the kind of heart God is honored by – one that is genuine, humble, and grateful. Her small donation would not make an impact on the temple’s finances. But this woman’s gift, while insignificant in human terms, was priceless in the eyes of our Savior. She made a conscious choice to honor God with a huge portion of what she had without hesitation. It is an amazing picture of both full devotion and total trust. We can all imagine others in her situation saying things like: “My little amount doesn’t matter.”  “I’m sure God will understand if I just pass on giving.” “One day, when I have a lot like the others, I will start to give.” What this woman understood is that giving is about obedience, gratitude, and trust. God instructs us to give regularly because He knows what is best for us. In Deuteronomy, we read, “The purpose of tithing [giving the first 10% of your income] is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” Deuteronomy 14:23 (Living Bible). God doesn’t need our money, but we need the regular reminder that He is the source of all we have, and that by honoring Him through faithful and regular giving, we are in a position to see His blessings in our lives.

I can imagine that after she left the temple that day, this poor but righteous woman found a bag of food on her doorstep from an anonymous person. Or maybe, a family in the temple heard of her and offered to hire her as a nanny for their kids in exchange for room and board. Regardless, without a doubt, we can trust that the God she trusted took good care of her.

“And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” Philippians 4:19 (Living Bible)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org