Gifts
Now Playing: What have we been given ?
Topic: Gifts
There is no shortage of gift-giving around this time of year. Even at work, very few are left out. But for the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is more to consider: (1) Salvation is "the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8) (2) Every "good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17) (3) Eternal life is "the gift of God...thru Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23) (4) the grace of God is a gift (Romans 5:15-18) (5) all believers have some gift (Romans 12:3-8) (6) all spiritual gifts have the same source (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) (7) Gifts should be used for the honor and glory of Christ (1 Peter 4:10)

In addition, we should not desire an earthly gift for ourselves (Philippians 4:17), but we are not to neglect our gift (1 Timothy 4:14-16) and we are to stir up our gift (2 Timothy 1:6). As we know how to "give good gifts to our children" (Matthew 7:11a), our heavenly Father knoweth what things we have need of (Matthew 6:32). He has "led captivity captive", and given gifts unto men (Ephesians 4:8).

We are to offer our gifts "of all the best thereof" (Numbers 18:29). We know in natural things, "every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts" (Proverbs 19:6). How much better to enjoy the gifts given from "your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:11b) "Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith...I am nothing" There was no greater gift than that "God so loved...that He gave...that we might have everlasting life" (John 3:16) What a gift we can enjoy!

Fully Equipped
Now Playing: Ready with an answer ?
Topic: Gifts
The Apostle Peter reminds us to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you..."(1 Peter 3:15) At the same time the Apostle Paul urged the Corinthians, "I fear, lest by any means...your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ". (2 Corinthians 11:3) He also wrote to the Ephesians, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things which is the Head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15,16) Our desire should be to "have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus". (Ephesians 4:21)

When Peter and John spoke, "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13) When Saul offered David his armor, David replied (after trying them on) "I cannot go with these for I have not proved them". (1 Samuel 17:39) But faced with a fierce enemy he could say "I come to thee in the Name of the LORD of Hosts." (verse 45) He recognized the difficulty, set aside his earthly resource, but acknowledged the divine source of his strength. May it be so with us each day!