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• Our first freedom is a gift from God … ~ Knox news (a sub-part of USA Today)

Beloved, have you ever been going merrily along, enjoying life’s blessings and excitements, and suddenly found yourself terrified, realizing you had lost sight of your heavenly Father … separated from Him by the crush and clamor of the world?

During the season of Christmas, we often get caught up in the “worldly” tradition of gift giving. Often we become consumed by the hustle and bustle of getting “just the right gift” for “just the right person.” But, we need to consider, as Christians, WHY we give gifts, and WHO to give our gift to.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

I Peter 4:10–11

Some people have sensational singing voices, others paint beautiful pictures, some have exceptional writing skills, and others can make beautiful crafts by hand. There are none of us who are without special talents and gifts, bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father.

In order to bless God, recognize and develop your God-given talents. Whether they are the ability to listen well, balance a budget, witness to a stranger, write poetry, bring out the best in a child, or build bridges, your talents are His blessing to you. You can give a gift to God daily by using them.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10, NKJV

As God’s children, when we think of the “Presence” of God, are we actually yearning for the “presents” of God? Are we thinking of “things” – houses, cars, money, electronics, beautifully wrapped gifts – instead of God’s actual Presence?

Take a moment to consider all God gives to you, and what you give Him in return. Sometimes there’s more truth to common expressions like “It’s the thought that counts” than we are ready to admit.

Appreciate the full impact of the story of Cain and Abel, and how some of our “gifts” must look to God. As you remember, Cain’s gift was rejected, but Abel’s was accepted: And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry … (Genesis 4:3-5, NKJV).

Cain had just scooped up the first thing that was handy, while Abel sacrificed in faith and in love. He refused to take the “easy way out” and pawn the handiest thing off on God as a “gift.” What he must have sensed is still true today … God doesn’t want just our gifts, He wants our hearts.

The greatest gift we can give to Him is not something we can buy at a store, or online. It is a gift to God when you use your talents and “gifts” that He gave you, to honor and glorify Him. Do everything to please Him and to bring Him honor as His child.

Beloved, take a moment this season to consider all that God gives to you, and what you give to Him in return. Tap into the rich gifts that He has given to you, apply them in your life, and watch for rewarding results. Remember that God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, and the greatest gift ever given, the gift of salvation.

Say this faith declaration out loud: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your child. Thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me to recognize, appreciate and develop, and use my abilities to their fullest to bring glory and honor to Your name. I make my gift to You, this season and always, my heart. Amen.

Scripture Reading:

… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8, NIV

Read my special Christmas ministry letter to dispatch your three angels through this prophetic Christmas revelation. Please click here to read more.

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