Tag: gift

Your Gift

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

White gift box with large red velvet bow on wooden table

Every day, God wakes you up. Isn’t He so kind?

After you’re awake, He hands you a gift.

It’s wrapped with a big giant ribbon. I picture it white with a soft, red floppy bow. How about you?

What’s inside, you ask?

Your day. Your brand new day.

Each day is a gift, bursting of possibilities.

He watches as an excited parent while you loosen the ribbon.

I can imagine His father heart bursting with anticipation when He knows this day holds a precious surprise.

Even when it’s a ho-hum, normal sort of day, He smiles when you open up your day. Because each day is brimming with potential.

I can also see His father heart heavy, as He allows you to open a day full of sorrow.

Does your attitude depend on what’s inside? Or are you always grateful for each new day?

Will you thank Him, no matter what comes?

Will you use this gift of time wisely, not squandering it away on worldly cares?

Or will you live within your self, satisfying your fleshly desires above the cost of obedience to God?

Each day’s time is finite. You are finite as so am I.

God, on the other hand, is not. He is infinite. Timeless. Eternal.

God created you for a reason. A specific purpose. Probably several.

Are you seeking Him for what these are, or are you only living for yourself?

Maybe a mixture of both?

Today is here. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Ask God how to spend your time. He’ll tell you. How? Possibly through an idea popping into your head, a person to call, or a task to complete.

Maybe today your job is to smile at the stranger sitting next to you in the waiting room, asking how they are. Or maybe you’ll pray with the waiter.

God will not only tell you, but He’ll stay by you, helping you finish today with a flourish.

You’ll lay your weary head on the pillow, smiling because God used your willing heart to bless others.

Your day may or may not have gone as you planned – but the gift God gave you? You willing gave it back to Him.

Photos by Mia Golic, Rob Laughter, & Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Our Christmas Gift

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Do you find it odd our entire world celebrates Jesus’ birth?

Our secular world who seeks to elevate themselves more often than not?

Sure, you could argue Jesus’ birth has morphed into Santa, presents, and reindeer.

But even Santa is based on Nicholas of Myra, a fourth century bishop who left gifts for poor children.

Maybe the world isn’t totally lost. Yet.

How can you help your friends and family see the baby Jesus instead this Christmas?

Through you. Your witness. Your focus.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Overused phrase, yes, but it’s so true.

When you think for just a moment how deeply God loves you…..

When you ponder why God sent Jesus to earth…..

When you stop and realize how desperately you need our Savior…

You’ll discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus came to earth just for you.

God missed His relationship with you that much.

He missed you and desperately wants that relationship back.

He wants you to trust Him. To love Him. To realize how much you need Him.

Because His plans for you are so good. The very best.

And to communicate that love, God set Jesus’ birth in motion.

That’s how much He loves you. All of you.

Begin to replace the commercialism of Christmas with the celebration of Jesus.

God’s peace on earth will come to your corner.

Your “why” you celebrate will alter everything. Real peace and real joy for once.

Let’s replace all the trinkets nobody needs. The gifts people return. Events we feel compelled to attend.

Replace it all with an increased devotion to Jesus, thanking Him for His gift. Himself.

Rely on Him for your peace as you dwell on the love He has just for you.

Let your celebrations stem from this and all of the gifts, events, and chaos will become worship to God.

While the world has lost the focus of Christmas, let’s keep ours, shifting back our focus to God and His precious gift of Jesus for you and for me.

Photos by Tristan Maness, Max Beck, Matt Botsford, &  Alda González-Cuevas on Unsplash