THE GIFT

Greetings to all of you, my sweet sisters in Jesus Christ.  “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore.  A new life has begun!   All these new things are from God who brought us back to Himself through what Christ Jesus did.  And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into His favor and be reconciled to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 TLB

What an amazing gift we have in Jesus.  This gift is beautiful wrapped with paper and ribbons, the paper and ribbons can be thought of as salvation, a guaranteed home with Jesus and our Heavenly Father.  The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross confirmed our reservation in eternity when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Today, I want to talk about the contents of the gift.  Deuteronomy 11:21TLB gives us a glimpse of what God has for those who believe in Him… it says, “so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you.”

You see this gift is to be used here and now, embraced, pursued, practiced, and welcomed.  As you embrace God and walk with Him Psalm 115:14NASB tells us “May the Lord increase you, you and your children.”  This increase comes in the form of love, joy, peace, hope, grace, strength, mercy, and so much more.  He will meet your needs and restore what the Locust has eaten.  Now many might speak these scriptures and others spouting material riches however I caution you that while God tells us He will supply all our needs this does not necessarily mean prosperity as the world measures it.  I would much rather cultivate and harvest the Fruits of the Spirit along with an intimate relationship with Jesus than financial gain.

Galatians 5:22-23 MSG, “But what happens when we live God’s way?  He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.  We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.  We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

As the contents of the gift unfolds we find Jesus has given us…

“ For as you know him better, He will give you, through His great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: He even shares His own glory and His own goodness with us!” 2 Peter 1:3TLB

“yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins.” Romans 3:24TLB

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11-13NASB “Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

“For because of our faith, He has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.” Romans 5:2TLB

“who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”  2 Timothy 1:9NASB

“He disciplines us for our own good so that we may share in His Holiness.” Hebrews 12:1NASB

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39NASB

In Closing, I urge you my sisters to step into all God has for you, there are many believers who once they take off the ribbon and paper leave their gift untouched for one reason or another.  This gift can only be fully experienced through daily pursuing Jesus with all our body, mind and spirit.  Allowing God to refine us…transforming us into the very image of Himself, our Father.  Ephesians 2:10AMPC confirms this… “For we are God’s own handiwork, His workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew, that we may do those good works which God predestined, planned beforehand for us taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.”

Blessings, Sister Laurie