The Gift
Christmas is long gone. Easter is quickly approaching. Adults have a different view on these holidays than do children. Gifts from Santa, gifts from the Easter Bunny. Think about the gifts you received this year. Think of the gifts you received as a child. Adults have a different view about gifts than do children.
What is that gift, that when you opened it, you thought: I’ll never use this. What is that gift that you put away for safe keeping? For that special occasion? To take out once in awhile to admire and think about the gift giver? Never opened, mint in package condition? What is that gift you had, that as a kid, you now wish you would have kept mint in package? Isn’t it strange to think that a gift that you saved, never used, would be worth more to someone else.
For God so loved that He gave… (John 3:16) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
God’s gift came at Christmas.
Indeed, it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202&version=EHV>
But to each one of us grace was given, according to the measure of the gift from Christ.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204&version=EHV>
Faith is a gift from God. Do you use that gift? Have you put your faith away for safe keeping? For that special occasion? To take out once in awhile to admire and think about the gift giver? Never opened, mint in package condition? Would it be more valuable to someone else?
No, the gift of faith is meant to be used! God gives practical gifts, gifts that are meant to be used! God is the kind of guy who would give a small kitchen appliance, a favorite game, yes, even clothes, just because he thinks you would use them to make life better. Not only for you, but better for those around you. If you haven’t already, take your faith out of the package, think about the gift giver, use it, play with it, wear it with pride! Share that gift, that is what was intended when it was given.
Three verses to show the gifts God gives, clothes, games, and….
I will rejoice greatly in the Lord.
My soul will celebrate because of my God,
for he has clothed me in garments of salvation.
With a robe of righteousness he covered me.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2061&version=EHV>
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable victor’s wreath, but we do it for an imperishable one.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209&version=EHV
You’re not going to like my small appliance verse:
Your navel is a round mixing bowl.
It never lacks blended wine.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Songs%207&version=EHV>
I’m open to suggestions for a better one!
Next time more about gifts.
Trust the Promises,
Steve Skiver