Monday, December 26, 2016
Don’t Leave Any Gift Unwrapped
Among all the gifts that have changed hands over the last twenty-four hours, let’s take a moment to savor in the amazement of all the good and perfect gifts from our Father above.
James 1:17 (NIV) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”
My hope is that you would slowly unwrap each of these scriptures like a gift. Let all your senses be engaged in the process and let your heart soar on the wings of wonder.
Each word is God-breathed. He carefully created and wrapped each one. Savor the meaning and aroma of the divine as you allow your eyes to fall afresh on the words, the meanings, the sacrifice it took to gift these to us.
These gifts are not fleeting, will not wear out, will not disappoint. They give life and hope and meaning. Be blessed as you open them. Let them encourage you in doing good, heal your heart, revive your soul. He loves you so much. Open and see…
Love—John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
Forgiveness—Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”
Second chances—Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”
Hope—Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people”
Grace—Romans 6:14 (NIV)
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace”
Joy—Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore”
Faithfulness—2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)
“If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny Himself”
Eternity—John 5:24 (NASB)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life”
Peace—Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”
Provision—Romans 8:32 (NIV)
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things”
The Word—Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”
All of these gifts (and many more) were meant to be opened. We have the privilege of opening them whenever we want and whenever we need. Daily. Weekly. Hourly. Or not at all.
These gifts are meant to be a blessing. A joy. A help in times of trouble. A compass. A light to our path. A plumb-line for making wise decisions. A comfort. And a hope.
Please open them today and often! Take the time to explore the vast dimensions of His love by opening the gifts He has given. We are blessed to be His!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you. I am humbled by your love and all the gifts you have given to me. Open my eyes to see these gifts in your Word and help me to remember to open them often. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and looking forward to a great and happy new year in 2017!
Remember, you are not alone. Be blessed and don’t leave any of these precious gifts unopened!
Happy New year!
Dori