The gift that keeps on giving…
Gift giving at Christmas time can be stressful if you let it. My folks try to keep things in perspective. We do what we can for each other and then we just try to love on each other. Both girls (young women) are home along with our grand-daughter. I was cooking and just happened to turn around and see them all laughing and smiling at something the baby had done. Instantly my eyes watered and I had to stop and absorb the moment. All my gifts were under one roof and happy to be there. I was almost overwhelmed with joy. Then I got hungry…
I find joy in the gifts that I have already received, my family, my peace, my joy, and the promise that there will never be a battle that I will have to fight. The game is fixed in my favor. He has already fought and won the battles on my behalf. He gave his only begotten son so that I can have everlasting life. He also gave me an assurance that I will never be alone on this side of the Jordan River. So all those gifts may be rattled and shaken by principalities but they can never be broken. Try to take a moment and recognize the gifts you have around you right now.
Jesus is a pretty good gift on this side of the Jordan. When these carbon based bodies will no longer hold water, Jesus is the gift that will usher us into everlasting life to be with our father. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving..
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Everlasting Father
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6.
There are eleven years between my eldest sister and seven years between my brother and I, with me being the youngest of five. When we all get together, we laugh and cry talking about our father who died more than thirty years ago. Each of us had a unique relationship with our father with drastically different stories to tell. For my sister it was the protection and guarded behavior he showed toward her. For my rambunctious brother it was the discipline and disconnection he recalled. For me it was the time spent talking and reflecting on how he wished that he could have done more with his life. We each have feelings of appreciation for what he was able to do in spite of all his physical disabilities as well as the conditions of the society in which he was born. We remember him "fondly" and give thanks for the time we had together.
When I accepted Christ, I met a heavenly Father that would protect me and guard my soul. I learned that He would surely discipline me but would never forsake me. What I love so much about my heavenly Father is that He speaks with me daily about the wondrously glorious life to come for those who trust in Him. My earthly father's wisdom was to prepare me for the ills of this world. Through God's grace and mercy, He prepares me for not only this world, which will not last, but also for the kingdom of everlasting life where my heavenly Father sits on the throne.
My earthly father died and as a family, we need to remember and honor his memory. My heavenly Father was, is, and is to come. He will reign forever as He told to Moses in the most concise way - "I AM that I AM." What's not to love about a Father who will be with you forever?
Isaiah 9:6.
There are eleven years between my eldest sister and seven years between my brother and I, with me being the youngest of five. When we all get together, we laugh and cry talking about our father who died more than thirty years ago. Each of us had a unique relationship with our father with drastically different stories to tell. For my sister it was the protection and guarded behavior he showed toward her. For my rambunctious brother it was the discipline and disconnection he recalled. For me it was the time spent talking and reflecting on how he wished that he could have done more with his life. We each have feelings of appreciation for what he was able to do in spite of all his physical disabilities as well as the conditions of the society in which he was born. We remember him "fondly" and give thanks for the time we had together.
When I accepted Christ, I met a heavenly Father that would protect me and guard my soul. I learned that He would surely discipline me but would never forsake me. What I love so much about my heavenly Father is that He speaks with me daily about the wondrously glorious life to come for those who trust in Him. My earthly father's wisdom was to prepare me for the ills of this world. Through God's grace and mercy, He prepares me for not only this world, which will not last, but also for the kingdom of everlasting life where my heavenly Father sits on the throne.
My earthly father died and as a family, we need to remember and honor his memory. My heavenly Father was, is, and is to come. He will reign forever as He told to Moses in the most concise way - "I AM that I AM." What's not to love about a Father who will be with you forever?
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