Good Gifts
Key scripture – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).
I have always found it amazing that the eternal God, Who made Heaven and earth, would invite us to ask Him for gifts, but that is precisely what Jesus taught.
Knowing that God delights in giving good things to his children, Jesus encouraged his followers to ask. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will… give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).
God is the great Gift Giver. Throughout history, he has revealed himself as One who expresses his love by giving to his children, and God’s gifts have nothing to do with how we “perform.”
God’s gifts are reflections of His pure love, which is freely given to us. Following God’s example, when we are generous to others, our gifts should not be based on the other person’s actions because when we give to others, we reflect the love of a Heavenly Father who delights in giving to those He loves.
What good gift is within your power to give to someone who needs it today?
Jesus told us, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38).
Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for all the good gifts that You have blessed me with. I want to be generous to others like You have been generous to me. Bring people into my life today that I can help and encourage. Father, I want to sow bountifully today and everyday with a cheerful heart. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). I know and believe that as I give my time, talent, and treasure to others in order to bless them that I will never run short of resources, but instead, I will have an abundance for every good deed. Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. That was the Greatest, most Beautiful, Loving Gift of ALL!! In the Name of Jesus, the Greatest and Perfect Gift, I pray, Amen.
Laura Ingle
D5 Creation