In 60 days! No, it's not my birthday. In just about 2 months the world will celebrate Christmas. Some celebrate the Son others just the gifts.Do you remember what you got last year for Christmas? Often in the hype of Christmas we begin to exchange gifts which is a great thing but toward the end of the season when we are exhausted and the shopping frenzy has come to a lull, we pick up whatever is on sale, wrap it and say, “ Merry Christmas.” Don’t be making those grins, we’ve all done it!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
I'm thinking about all those gifts that we get and often shove them in the closet or maybe some of us re-gift them (oh…another grin).
What about the gifts that God has given us? Maybe that gift that he showed us awhile back and we kind of pushed it down and haven't used it. Are they stored deep down in the recesses of our hearts? Have you wondered if God would ever use you?
Let's think about this. He gave us the gift, and he expected us to use it. But what did we do? We shoved it deep down and put it away. He gives the gifts that we may be co-laborers with him in his Kingdom.
He says we all like salt! Or we should be!
Unfortunately, sometimes we look at others and we say things like, “you are a good teacher” or
“I wish I could sing like that.” In those very statements we negate what he has already given us.
Sometimes we don't know what to do with the gift because it hasn't been cultivated. Perhaps we never even looked at it long enough to open it. We wonder if we would fail to use it properly . We allow fear to hinder us, but fear was never part of the package.
Who took this great gift and re-wrapped it? Who took this great tool that would develop us and equip us to do the work the Master has sent us out to do? It's as if the Grinch came took all the gifts, re-wrapped them under the covering of fear, disappointment, inadequacy, anxiety and it goes on and on.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6b)
As I sat this morning reading his Word, I was reminded again of the calling he has given me. I know God has given me speaking gifts and the ability to teach. But I must cultivate the gift. God hands it to me and he says open it, use it and don’t be afraid!
The gift by itself would leave me a talking fool! Many can speak and many can write. The gifts that God gives are for the furtherance of his Kingdom and the equipping of the saints. He desires that we be a well-acquainted with his Word that is sharper than a two-edged sword.
I must wait on Him for his wisdom and revelation to bring His Word to life in me, first!
So, look.
Look deep within and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the gifts that he has given you.
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6b-8)
Jesus challenged those that were listening to him on the mountain, to be the salt of the earth. Salt is effective! Without it the human body dies. Without the gospel truth the soul shrivels and dies. It will continue to exist but forever be separated from God who loves us.
God the Father gave his Son Jesus as a gift to those he created in his image. Yet, without his insight, foresight and the leading of his Spirit we can’t see the need for this extravagant gift. A rebellious people wooed by his gentle Redemptive Spirit; He says, “come!”
This is the Gift that keeps on giving. Go sit with the Father, talk to him today and then be quiet long enough to listen. He is gentle, kind with clear directives to cause our lives to prosper in him. Unwrap his Word. Dust it off and dive into it.
No need to wait 60 days! Christmas arrived many years ago with a Gift for all! Will you receive it today?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God bless you!~Liz
