December 19, 2018

DJ

Matthew 7:9 Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

When others ask us for special gifts, especially our children, we do tend to go out of our way to try and give them what they want. Why? Because we love them!

If we are willing to go that extra mile to get a gift, even if it means a bit of hardship for us for a few days or even months, we do so.

God knew how hard it was going to be to give us the gift of eternal life. He was willing to go the extra mile and give us everything and it cost the life of His Son.

December 18, 2018

DJ

Matthew 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

God is not looking for the most expensive gift you can possible afford to give Him. He is not looking for something which will leave you with nothing.

He wants something you give from the heart.

Which means we need to look at the other things and people in our lives and see if we are short changing them just to give to God. When we do that we are working against Him because we all are His!

December 17, 2018

DJ

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Magi offered, what we think of now, as strange gifts; but at the time each of them had special meaning and that is what counts!

When you go around looking for gifts to give someone at Christmas, do you find the cheapest gift in the shop that is boxed up and ready to go, or do you search until you find something they would want?

The more time and effort we put into finding the right gift for the right person at the right time, the more meaning and love has gone into it.

These Magi came from far afield with what they had considered to be the best gifts to offer – what are you laying down for Jesus?

December 16, 2018

DJ

Ezekiel 20:31 When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your children in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, you Israelites? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will not let you inquire of me.

What sort of gifts are you thinking about giving back to God? What are you willing to give up for God?

Some of the people had totally lost their way and were willing to sacrifice their children on fires for their gods. But this is certainly not what God wants.

God looks out for every life on earth and wants people to live long and prosperous lives, getting to know Him better and loving our days with Him!

Let God’s ways be your ways!