Faith in Need

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“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,…”
— 1 Timothy 6:10

“So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings to God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’”
— Luke 21:3-4

If you have not read “The Danger of Invisibility” as a precursor to the next 5 devotions, you can read it here. Or the first of the five here: 1) Faith in Obedience

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” This is one of the most misused and weaponized verses in the Bible. It is used to attack the rich and prosperous. It is used to justify and vilify individuals as being greedy. It used to shame those who have in the eyes of those who have not.

Yet, there is nothing wrong with money. It is simply a tool that can be used for good or ill. The verse does not condemn using money as a tool or having money (even a lot of it). The problem comes when the tool stops being a tool and becomes the object of our love. It is misplaced love that is the issue, not the balance of your bank account.

We often think of the wealthy when we read this verse, but love of money can be a trap anyone from any financial demographic might find themselves caught in. In fact, it has been my experience (especially since I have yet to experience being a millionaire), the less money I have, the more I tend to obsess about it.

Spending much of my life around people in third-world countries, I can say money has much more significance in day-to-day life there than here. I would argue those in NEED are much more likely to trip over this root of evil and misplace their love. I know I have tripped over that root at times when in need.

That is why one of the people I want to meet in eternity is the “poor widow”. She is not named in the Bible, but she is seen by God for her faith in need.

In Luke, 21:1-4 the Bible reads, “And he looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all, for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’”

Wow! I can still have hundreds of dollars in my checking account and be anxious and lose sleep over the bills I know are coming due. What faith to be broke, and give your last penny to the Lord with a joyful heart knowing He will sustain you. Yes, I understand and accept the theology, but to actually throw the last coins in the pot? I want to know faith like that.

Philippians 4:19 tells us clearly, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I get it, but my wander lust towards money expects that need to be met before the bank account hits zero. Yet, this woman didn’t have a need until she threw in the two mites. She zeroed out her account. She had faith in God. And He saw her and memorialized her in His word. That’s a lesson from which I can learn so much.

If I’m honest, I flirt with the love of money. I see it as security; instead of finding my security in Christ. I see it as status; instead of finding my status in my Lord. I see it as power; denying the power of God. Yet, it is only a tool. And a tool is most valuable in the Master’s hand. Indeed, I have much to learn from the “poor widow” rich in faith!

Know you are seen. Know you are loved. Know God provides. Know it will be done.

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.

Faith in Obedience

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“But say the word, and my servant will be healed. …For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
- Luke 7:7-8

If you have not read “The Danger of Invisibility” as a precursor to the next 5 devotions, you can read it here.

Who do you want to talk with (besides Christ) when you get to heaven? Peter walked on water. Paul was knocked off his ass (donkey) by a blinding light and the voice of Christ. Moses walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. David slew Goliath. Enoch walked with God and never died. Of all the Biblical greats, one that I want to talk with was a simple Roman Centurion never named, and who never even met Jesus.

In Mathew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, we read this extraordinary account of a man who’s faith God acknowledged. Jesus saw him, even though they never met in person. His servant was “sick and ready to die.” The centurion sent elders of the Jews to plead with Jesus to save his servant. Jesus agrees to go with them for this purpose. However, when Jesus was approaching the house, the centurion sent other friends to Him with his words and said, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)

He then explains how he is a man under command and in command. He simply gives the order and people do it. So, he knows if Jesus will give the command for healing, it will be done.

Jesus marveled at this and said, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)

I want to meet that man who had such faith in obedience.

Most of us are desperate for a sign. We want to feel the closeness of God. We desperately long for His presence here with us in this moment and every moment. We waver in any situation where we feel distant or alone. Yet, here is a man who understands authority. He understands the power of commands. And he puts his full trust in those commands.

He has the faith, first, to make an appeal to Christ (a prayer). And, second, to believe unwavering whatever Christ says will be done, whether Jesus is present or not. His word is enough.

The centurion was seen by God through his faith. He was not invisible even though he was physically removed. And his faith led to his servant’s healing.

I struggle with obedience, especially when I feel distant from my Lord. Which is why I long to meet a man who’s faith in obedience was unshakable. I have a lesson to learn from his example. Jesus said to those who requested signs, that signs would never be enough. He also said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

I long to walk in faith that fully believes, trusts and obeys the words of Christ, whether I feel His presence or not. A faith in obedience that unwavering accepts His Word. He desires to work greatly through your life; “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)

The only thing that can hinder that truth is when we feel invisible to God, and lack faith in His Word. What a lesson we can learn from the Roman Centurion; “But say the word,” …and it will be done!

Know you are seen. Know you are loved. Know God’s Word. Know it will be done.

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.

The Danger of Invisibility

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“On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, leader of the children of Naphtali, presented an offering.”
- Numbers 7:78

In The Republic, Plato tells the story of Gyges. He was a Lydian shepherd who finds a ring that makes him invisible. Using the ring, he sneaks into the palace, sleeps with the queen, kills the king and seizes the throne. The legend is used to argue that no man is so virtuous that if invisible and uncatchable could resist seizing power and pleasure.

JRR Tolkien argues the same in The Lord of the Rings through the illustration of Bilbo foolishly slipping the Ring of Power on his finger to disappear as a party trick. Along with invisibility, the ring also rots his moral fiber and opens the door to darkness.

The reality is all of us, at some point in our life, have felt invisible. It is a dangerous place to be. The longer we feel invisible, the more darkness and depression invade our life.

During these times, we are often drawn to verses in the Bible that remind us that we are not invisible to God. Like Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight,…”. Few, if any, are drawn to Numbers chapter 7.

Numbers 7 can seem daunting at first glance. For one, it has 89 verses. All of them are dedicated to detailing the offering from the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel for the dedication offering for the alter. Each tribal leader is mentioned by name, father’s name, tribe name, and then a detailed account of what they brought for 6 verses. The thing is besides the name of the leader, their father’s name and tribe name, all of them are the exact same thing. Twelve times.

Many of us today struggle with these verses. We wonder, “Why couldn’t you just list the name of the leaders from the tribes, then detail the gift and say all 12 tribes presented the same and move on?” The reason is because we are not invisible to God.

Every single gift mattered, every leader, every tribe and all were seen and recorded. It was an account of visibility. It showed that no tribe was above any other. No one could impress God with a greater gift or disappoint with a lesser. It showed they all mattered equally to God and it stood as a testimony that He saw every single one of them. They were seen. None were invisible.

As I read through the long passages of genealogy and numbers in the Old Testament books, I am reminded that every person matters to God. Jesus says, “‘Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?’ And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7).

We’ve all heard that and attribute it to God’s omniscience. But it is in the expansive lists of people, and gifts and acts detailed in the Bible we find it is not just a theological statement. Individual people matter to God. You matter. He sees you! Your worth exceeds anything you could dream or imagine.

If we could even catch a glimpse of how precious we are to God, we would sing with David, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

While some passages in the Bible seem monotonous and are a struggle to get through, remember, those people matter to God. They were recorded as a testimony to us that God sees us and we also matter. We are precious in His sight. And He has written of us; listing us in a book just like those listed in the Bible.

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.” (Psalm 139:16-18)

Feeling invisible is a dangerous state for any child of God. It opens the door to darkness and depression because it is living in denial of the truth: you are seen. God sees you! You matter to Him! You are precious in His sight! And your name is written in the Book of Life! (Revelation 3:5)

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.

Those Seen By God…
Who do you want to talk with (besides Christ) when you get to heaven? Peter walked on water. Paul was knocked off his ass (donkey) by a blinding light and the voice of Christ. Moses walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. David slew Goliath. Enoch walked with God and never died. Of all the Biblical greats, the following are 5 people I would like to know!

1) Faith in Obedience - Roman Centurion

I Am Barabbas!

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“The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’”
- Matthew 27:21

Many are familiar with the 1960 film Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas. A slave and gladiator who leads a rebellion against the mighty Roman army. In the face of mass execution, Rome demands to know who is the leader. Spartacus stands and says, “I am Spartacus!” In a defiant act of solidarity, his fellow warriors and slaves stand one by one and shout, “No, I am Spartacus!” Then, they are all crucified together.

It is an inspiring movie about freedom. The call of “I am Spartacus” has entered popular culture to this day. We all cherish the ideals of freedom, defiance against injustice, loyalty and honor. However, I find, when I look at my life, I’m far too often found with a different call on my lips, “I am Barabbas!”

When Jesus was arrested, He was brought before Pontius Pilate the governor. In historic tradition, Pilate decided to release one prisoner to the crowd. He offered as the choice Jesus and Barabbas (a notorious prisoner who committed murder in rebellion). The religious leaders persuaded the crowd to call for Barabbas to be released. Pilate’s wife warned him while sitting in the judgment seat to have nothing to do with Jesus, but he followed the crowd. He released Barabbas and heeded the call of the crowd to crucify Jesus. Then, symbolically washed his hands of the whole thing.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing more precious in my life than the fact that my Lord and Savior went to the cross to crucify my sin, once for all. Through that act He opened the door for my salvation and new life in Him. I cherish the old rugged cross.

However, I also find my self in the role of Barabbas. I’m notorious (a known bad actor who leans towards rebellion) among the people who truly know me. I don’t always do things right. And I often dread the consequences.

Luke 9:23 says, “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

I often find my position drifting from being grateful for Christ going to the cross for me, to also having the desire within myself to be Barabbas and free from the consequences I deserve. I struggle with taking up the cross daily. I’d much prefer to just be released from the consequences.

What I often fail to comprehend is that in taking up the cross, I’m taking up a relationship, not a burden. I’m coming alive to the person I was created to be, rather than trying to preserve the person I thought I was.

As a Christian, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Yet, the desire to be free from the consequences of my actions pulls me back to my fleshly desires. It focuses my heart on myself rather than Christ. It aligns me with Barabbas and longing for the approval of the crowd. It stunts my ability to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. It hides my true identity and undermines my ability to stand. Yet, I am not Barabbas. I am a Child of God! I am in Christ!

I was in Christ on the cross. I am a new creation in Him. I have everything I need for life and godliness. I have the living Lord, living in me and desiring to live through me! Even through the worst of consequences.

While my flesh longs to be free from the consequences of my thoughts and actions, I will not cower in their shadow. I will stand and face them and declare, “I am who I am, because the Great I AM said I am and that is enough. I AM A CHILD OF GOD!”

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.

The Disfigurement of True Love

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“We love Him because He first loved us.”
- 1 John 4:19

“When they tried to detach the skeleton which he held in his embrace, he fell to dust.” These are the last words spoken of Quasimodo in the novel by Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831). A novel that depicts a disfigured man of integrity in love with Esmerelda (a gypsy with a kind heart), and Archdeacon Claude Frollo (a vile man of the cloth). Frollo, obsessed with Esmerelda and being unable to acquire her, has her hung. Quasimodo eventually gains retribution by throwing Frollo from the tower of Notre-Dame. Then, crawls down into the crypt where Esmerelda’s body lays. He embraces her and dies; unwilling to let her go.

It is a story truly worthy of its fame. More importantly, it is a sentiment on a fact shared by St. Francis de Sales, “We cannot help conforming ourselves to what we love.”

The name ‘Quasimodo’ literally means ‘half-formed man’. What could be more true of all of us today. Half-formed, ever-seeking, never-knowing and bumbling about to find our way. Ever susceptible to the slightest note of kindness to fill the need of being loved. What a dangerous place to find ourselves. For truly, we conform ourselves to what we love. And, if we are not careful, what we love can disfigure us to the point of meaningless dust. What is it that we love?

1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love Him because He first loved us.” Like, but very unlike, Quasimodo, Jesus loved us first. He loved us so much He embraced our mortality. He was born among us as a man. He embraced all the trouble, heartache, struggles, hunger, want, temptation and desire we face. Yet, unlike us, He was not ‘half-formed’. He was sinless in the embracing of life.

He came to earth. Lived as a man like any other man. Embraced everything we face and more. He was beaten, scourged, mocked and crucified. However, instead of embracing His love (YOU) only to be turned to dust, He was resurrected. He brought new life. Available to all. A free gift of grace.

All that is required is that we embrace Him in return. He loved us first and conformed to our likeness to save us. Now, it is up to us to love Him. And thus, be conformed to His likeness. If you struggle to love God, you simply do not know how much God loves you.

Contrary to popular belief, we really don’t have a ‘sin problem’ in the world. We have a love problem. We love everything from sex to ice cream, money to antiques, fame to acknowledgment in our own house. We love and yet, know not what love is.

True love is found in Christ. To find that love is to conform to it. “…because as He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) However, it is not “a” love; it is “the” love. We cannot be conformed to a partial love. It cannot be one of many. It is only what we truly love unto which we are conformed.

Are you still walking the world as Quasimodo (half-formed)? Ask yourself what you truly love. Be honest. God is big enough to handle it. He is also loving enough to overcome it. Then, set your heart anew. Focus on His love towards you. We love because He first loved us.

And when we discover His love for us, we are conformed to it. And… “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We loved Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)

Be loved today! Be love today!

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.