RECEIVING GIFTS
15th Feb 2023
I wonder if you can name the gifts you received last birthday or last Christmas? Some, yes, but you will probably have to think carefully or look at a list to remember in detail the things received! How about the gifts God has lavished on you? Can you remember them?
Romans 8:32 is a special verse spoken to me at a time of lack and fear, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously gives us all things?”
The enormity of what God had already given me in Jesus, the extravagant love, the remedy for sin, the gift of eternal life - and more, crowded into my consciousness, driving out thoughts of fear and lack. Father God had already given the priceless gift of His Son, and He was well able to meet, by comparison, my paltry needs.
As this personal revelation hit me, all fear disappeared, and an overwhelming thankfulness flooded my being, removing fear and releasing faith and trust. I understood Father God had given me His best and most costly gift and was well able to supply my other needs.
So, this morning I wrote a list of the gifts God has given me over my lifetime, and it is a good exercise. It is so easy to forget, like forgotten gifts enjoyed at the time of receiving but soon laid aside, abandoned and not valued.
Perhaps you should write your own list - but have a peep at mine - in no particular order:
1. The gift of God is eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
2. Life itself and breath.
3. Gift of the person of the Holy Spirit.
4. Gift of tongues and interpretation.
5. Gift of peace. (John 14:27)
6. Gift of joy. (Acts 16:34)
7. Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The ability to communicate with the Godhead.
9. The indescribable gift of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 9:5)
…..and those are just a few.
So today be thankful, remember what you already have been given and overflow with thankfulness and praise. Your spirit will rejoice and you will feel more alive and lighter as you fix your eyes on our wonderful God.
No wonder Paul writes, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ….For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
by Joyce Sibthorpe
