Read:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow.
~James 1:17 (NIV)
Consider:
Receiving gifts~for some of us it is our main love language! It doesn’t matter how big or small the gift. It doesn’t matter if the gift is expensive or not. We just love receiving gifts! A gift is a symbol that someone cares about us and is thinking of us! To us, gifts are simply lovely and Christmas is our favorite time of the year.
But there are just some gifts that cause us to pause. You know the kind~the hand-made sweater with sleeves of different lengths~or the last-minute item purchased at the only store open on Christmas Eve. There are some gifts that make us wonder, “do you even really know me?” “Why would you think I would want or enjoy this gift?”
But every once-in-a-while we receive that perfect gift. Someone who knew us very well thought long and hard and gave us a gift just perfect~maybe even something that we didn’t even know we needed or wanted! Those gifts from others are rare but so very precious when we receive them.
God gives those kinds of gifts! He knows us perfectly and intimately and gives us perfect gifts every day. James reminds us that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” But often we fail to recognize the gifts that God sends our way each day. Maybe it’s a front parking space when it’s raining outside and you forgot your umbrella. Maybe it’s all green traffic lights when you are running late for work. Maybe it’s a beautiful warm, sunny day. Maybe it’s a thoughtful comment from a friend or co-worker. The gifts God gives are both simple and extravagant~as simple as a cool breeze on a summer day and as extravagant as the sacrifice of His only Son for our sin. But every gift is perfect!
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
Take time today to recognize the many simple gifts that God brings to you. You might be surprised to realize how often He shows you His love and how many gifts you have missed before!
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many gifts You give us. We are overwhelmed by Your love for us! You so loved the world that You sent the ultimate gift of Your Son for all of us. And yet You still care enough for each of us personally to send individual gifts, custom-tailored to show Your love for us. Your love is extravagant, yet still personal. For that we are eternally grateful! We love you and praise You in Your Son’s precious name…Amen.
Comment:
Share below one gift that God gave personally to you today, either simple or extravagant!