04/15/2026
Render Unto God—Today is tax day in the US, and this always makes me think of one of my favorite illustrations Jesus shared:
When He was asked if it is good for followers of God to pay taxes, Jesus asked them to bring Him the coin used for paying taxes (a Denarius like the one pictured).
Jesus asked them, “whose image is on this coin?”
They replied, “Caesar.”
Then Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
This begs the question, “what belongs to God?” Using the same reasoning, the answer is what has been given the “Image of God,” or “Imago Dei,” which is you and me!
In this simple illustration, Jesus is showing us that we are His, and that we should give ourselves completely to Him!
Here are some powerful passages about what it means to devote ourselves to God:
If any of you wants to be My follower, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me. ~Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, and Mark 8:34
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20
My brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. ~Romans 12:1
We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can accomplish the good things He planned for us long ago. ~Ephesians 2:10
Whether in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ~Colossians 3:17
I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other just as I have loved you. The world will know that you are my disciples because of your love for one another. ~John 13:34-35
By faith, people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women even received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. ~Hebrews 11:33-38
My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. (sitting and listening to what He teaches) ~Luke 10:41-42
While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” ~Luke 21:1-4
Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourself. ~James 1:22
Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ~Colossians 3:12-14
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
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4
Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. “Yes, I AM the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. ~John 15:4-5
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path. ~Psalm 119:105
Me and my family will serve the Lord. ~Joshua 24:15
All the believers devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to sharing in meals, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. ~Acts 2:42-47
