|
The Devotional Diva - Receiving Gifts with Purpose
|
The Devotional Diva - Receiving Gifts with Purpose
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NAS95)
Last week we reviewed giving gifts with purpose. Today, we’ll touch on receiving them the same way. Have you ever gotten a gift you didn’t like? Perhaps you forced a smile and a thank you from your lips while your heart either ached or frowned at the gift you wished you hadn’t received. It’s an occurrence I believe most of us experienced at one time or another.
Who knows, it may happen again - soon. Someone will not get the “expected” gift. Someone reading this might not receive a gift at all this season. Or so it may seem. Perhaps it’s time to perform a gift inventory on treasures already in our possession.
James tells us that every good and perfect gift is from God. Several Sundays past, our pastor shared a message entitled God’s Expressions of Love. It motivated my mind to think about specific gifts mentioned in Scripture. Gifts specially designated for us from God. This is what came from my gift search.
Jesus is a Gift
John 4:10 “If you knew the gift of God and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Jesus spoke these words to a soul mate of mine, the woman at the well. He referred to Himself as the gift of God. This passage eliminates any doubt that Christ indeed is a gift from the Father. (On a humorous note: if you are a believing female, you can’t complain about not getting a man for Christmas!)
Eternal Life is a Gift
Romans 6:23 “But the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Eternal life, salvation, is a gift from God. Talk about a gift that doesn’t wear out!
Grace and Faith are Gifts
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 3:7 “…according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power”
This still leads back to the gift of salvation but notice that all components of the salvation gift are gifts. Ever had a gift labeled “batteries not included? You had to buy something to make the gift work. Not this one! God included it all!
The Holy Spirit is a Gift
Acts 2:38 “Peter said to them, “Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Once again, the loving Father did not give us something only to try to sell us the power supply. His power is a gift. Also, see Acts 10:45
Spiritual Gifts are Gifts
I Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you. . .”
I Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
In Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12, you will find two of the most popular gifts passages in the Bible. God gives us spiritual gifts to use in service to Him while we live on earth. They are important for us to use, as we are told not to neglect them.
If you are not sure what yours is, let me know I have several resources that can help. However, if you are doing something for the Lord and it is fruitful and productive to the Kingdom and it brings you joy, chances are you are already exercising your gift.
Contentment is a Gift
Eccl 5:19 “Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.”
Remembering that riches and wealth come in all forms (for where your heart is there is also your treasure), contentment is a true gift. There will be many in want for a job, health, finances and other issues this week. Some have it all and still crave more as the world offers so much! However, to live off what we’ve already been blessed with by the Lord and consider it a good reward, that’s a real gift!
When talking about gifts from the Father, let us not loose sight of one or two things. First, a gift is only a gift when it is received. Have you received the gift of Jesus? He offers Himself 24/7 to everyone. All you need to do is tell Him you are ready to receive what He freely offers. It really is that simple.
Second, a gift is only valuable when unwrapped and used. Don’t set the Holy Spirit on the shelf and live a powerless life. Don’t shove grace and faith aside only to walk blindly in the world. God gave them to you for your use! Don’t insult Him by not taking advantage of the priceless treasures that cost Him dearly and He asks nothing more for them in return than your heart!
May the person of Christ bless your Christmas. May you walk today in the knowledge of a secured tomorrow. By grace and faith grow daily in your walk with Him. Continue in the power of the Holy Spirit, being content in all things – the good and perfect gifts that are from God.
From Bob and I to all of you and your families,
Merry Christmas with love,
Barbara
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
|
|