Receive the Gift
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:11
Not long ago my son attempted to give a very nice gift to someone, but she refused to take it. She claimed she was too blessed already and didn't need the gift and wanted him to use it to bless someone else. After a few futile attempts to explain that he really wanted her to have it, he took the gift and gave it to someone else like she said.
I learned a long time ago that the gracious way to handle a gift is to simply receive it. Even if you feel that you're already overly blessed you can always receive the gift and pass it along to someone else. But when you refuse the gift you're robbing the giver of the chance to sow a seed and to be a blessing and you might be missing God's provision for your own life as well.
On that very first Christmas, God sent the best gift of all, Jesus. All He ever asked us to do with Jesus is receive Him into our hearts and lives as our Savior, the one who rescues us from sin and restores us to fellowship with the Father. Yet, like the woman my son tried to bless, too often people refuse the gift of God.
Some say, "I don't need Him." Others say, "I don't deserve Him." While still others say, "I don't want Him." God simply says, "Receive Him."
Pray: Father, we receive your precious gift, Jesus. We welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Thank you for giving us such an extravagant gift, more than we could ever hope.
Ponder: Have you received God's gift to you? Have you ever asked Jesus to come into your heart? If not, take a moment and simply receive Him. Just say, "Lord, Jesus, I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior." He's truly the best gift of all!
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:16
6 comments:
I have found that I have a hard time receiving gifts, but the gift of my Savior is one that I gladly receive with outstretched arms.
You are so right. The best way is to graciously receive. The hardest is when you know it is a sacrifice on the givers part. But it can offend them so when you refuse it. God gives us grace, wisdom and love.
My Christmas China is Baum Brothers 'Victorian Holiday' with roses. They came out with a later pattern with poinsettias. I have the coffee pot from the poinsettias and the salt and pepper shaker from the poinsettias. To me, the craftsmanship is not quite the same. But still very beautiful and still go together nicely. And it is after all, closed stock...
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Well said.. Thank you...and thank you for the sweet comments...
Thank you for visiting my blog. I didn't know I would receive such a great gift when I visited yours! This is so important to remember, especially when teaching our children about the gift of Christ. Have a great Holiday.
Thank you for visiting my blog--I wrote a new post tonight about a wonderful gift my daughter received today from an anonymous person at our church today. In my heart I am so thankful but also was feeling "but we are so blessed already!"
When I talked to my husband about it, he told me what I already knew in my mind....dont ask why, just say thank you. So I did!
Then I come to your blog and see the post you have here...and I am in tears. The Lord spoke to me through your post tonight and put my mind and heart at ease. He wants me to just receive His blessings and to be joyful over them! For whatever reason He chose to do this, He did and I am so grateful.
Thanks for allowing yourself to be used by Him!
Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for this post. Jesus really is the most perfect gift...and I'm so grateful He came. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comment.
May you Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Kelly Gerken
Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women, Inc.
Post a Comment