Have You Received any Gifts?

Read or listen then scroll down to the end for questions to help you apply this to your everyday life!

I had some packages I needed to mail this morning, so, on my way in to the office I stopped by the post office. While standing in line, I greeted the gentleman who got in line behind me. When I asked how he was doing, after a brief pause he said, “Okay. Just getting all my gifts mailed out,” as he motioned towards the four priority mail boxes he had in his hands. I responded, “Well, praise God for being able to mail gifts!” After another moment of contemplation, he then gently asked, “Have you received any gifts?” to which I smiled and quickly responded, “I get gifts all the time!”

I just continued to smile with excitement as I walked away thinking about some of the amazing gifts I have received. Take a look at these few examples and see if they put a smile on your face as well.

Ears to hear and eyes to see – both are gifts from the Lord. (Proverbs 20:12)

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  (John 14:27a)

The free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b)

Children are a gift from the Lord. (Psalm 127:3a)

People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. (Romans 12:6a)

Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:7)

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)

To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God.  (Ecclesiastes 5:19b)

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father. (James 1:17a)

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. (Matthew 7:11)

Even though we may not be able to fully celebrate this Christmas season like we usually do, and even though we may not have as many presents under the tree as we’d like, let us never forget the joy we get to experience in the presence of our heavenly Father and the abundance of gifts He gives to us all the time.

Questions to Ask

·      What gifts have your Father given you that you seem to have forgotten about this season?

·      Have you been more focused on getting presents under the tree or on getting in the presence of God?

·      What is one of the most recent gifts that God has given you that you can pause and thank Him for right now?

Scripture to Study

·      James 1:17

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