Presents

Presents

Genesis 43: ²⁴ So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. ²⁵ Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.

 

²⁶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. ²⁷ Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?”

 

²⁸ And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.

 

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Israel had prepared his sons by sending gifts for Joseph. They had no idea they would end up at a feast in Joseph’s house. The steward of Joseph’s house “gave” them water to wash their feet. He also “gave” the donkeys feed. When Joseph arrived, his brothers “brought him the present.”

 

My Observations:

• Even the animals got something during this reunion.
• Joseph’s brothers received clean feet and knew food was coming.
• Joseph received a present from Israel and his brothers as they bowed down to him.

 

Just as GOD told Joseph in the dream, Joseph’s brothers bowed down to him. This was not the desire of Joseph, rather a statement of fact. Joseph did not need their gift, but the present was sent by Israel to create good relations between his family and the Egyptians.

 

This time Joseph asked questions about his father. The brothers answered saying “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” More than likely these words were considered the best present Joseph could get.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about all the giving that happened in Joseph’s house?
• Has fear taken away your generosity?
• If you don’t have money to give, what else can you give someone to show generosity?

Gifts Used to Escape

Gifts Used to Escape

2 Peter 1: ³ God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. ⁴ In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 

 

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Hearing conversations about expensive houses, cars and luxurious vacations, I decided to spend my time and energy acquiring “the dream.” After climbing the ladder, I reached “the top” only to realize I had been trapped in high pressure, broken relationships and impressing pain on others.

 

• I had talents that I was not using to grow GOD’s kingdom, rather I was put in a position to harm it.
• I had gifts that GOD gave me that I was using for someone else’s gain.
• I ignored GOD and put HIM in a box that I would open for an hour or two each Sunday.

 

Peter goes right into deep theology by saying “GOD has given us everything we need.” His statement suggests, that we already have the ability to live for GOD. It also suggests that we have a choice to live for GOD or to live life in pursuit of the world’s “destructive lust.”

 

My Observations:

• The worst kind of lust is the one that everyone says “this is what you are supposed to pursue.”
• Seeing GOD as the enemy to my pleasure can cause me to use my gifts and talents for my own pursuits.
• GOD has given me everything I need to be successful in HIS eyes, I only have to use what HE gave me for HIS purpose.

 

Images of the world’s success makes me lust over what it has to offer. I mean, seeing movies where the star steps off of his or her own private jet after drinking the most expensive champagne and arriving in a chauffeur driven car to take him or her to a luxury home, makes me say “why don’t I have that?” BUT GOD wants HIS SON to be known and followed.

 

These two thoughts conflict. I stop following GOD to follow human stories of “success.” I mimic celebrities in hopes of being discovered. BUT GOD takes me off the lustful path and places me on a road that is traveled less. HE shows me how important it is to take the Gospel to the world, in hopes that HIS message will not be rejected. I gladly use my gifts for JESUS, who gave them to me in the first place.

 

Challenge

• What “destructive lust” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen into the trap of “everyone else is doing it?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts and talents to grow HIS kingdom, instead of growing your own today?

For Your Benefit

For Your Benefit

1 Peter 1: ¹⁰ It was concerning this salvation that the prophets made careful search and investigation, and they prophesied about this gift which God would give you. ¹¹ They tried to find out when the time would be and how it would come. This was the time to which Christ's Spirit in them was pointing, in predicting the sufferings that Christ would have to endure and the glory that would follow. ¹² God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. These are things which even the angels would like to understand.

 

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Collecting information about me and my family, the administrative assistant smiled and went away. Not thinking anything of it, I got back to work. Later I found out that she used the information to provide a special gift for my family.

 

• I was excited!
• I felt great that this was done for us.
• I never thought I could be thought of in a special way.

 

Peter spoke about something very special that was given to mankind through the prophets. The announcement that JESUS would come to save humanity was given to prophets. Some may have felt special and others may not. But it wasn’t for their benefit that the message was given, rather it was for us.

 

My Observations:

• GOD revealed the solution to all of humanity’s problems when HE gave the prophets the prediction of JESUS.
• JESUS fulfilled every prophetic message through the suffering HE endured.
• Even the angels are confounded over the action of JESUS.

 

Love of humans that is so strong that it made JESUS die for us is confusing. I mean, there is not a single human that would give up everything, be blamed for all problems and become the one and only sacrifice to save the world. BUT JESUS did.

 

HE did take on your sin and mine. HE knew HE was the only one who could walk sinless as a human, but remain powerful as GOD. Confusing? Yes it is, but it is this powerful love that you and I benefit from. I am grateful that I am loved deeply by GOD.

 

Challenge

• What revelation did the writer speak of?
• Have you ever wondered why JESUS would do what HE did for you?
• Will you take some time to praise GOD for what HE has done and is doing in your life today?

Gifted

Gifted

James 1: ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my dear friends! ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. ¹⁸ By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.

 

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“You are gifted” someone said to me. I had not heard that before in reference to me and I was puzzled at the statement. Too scared to ask questions I simply said “Thanks.” Later I realized the compliment was in reference to me cutting my parents grass.

 

• I was less enthused by the compliment.
• I did not want to be “known” by my grass cutting skills.
• I thought “gifts” were something like super strength or speed or being a brainiac.

 

James gives a stern warning to all believers in JESUS as the Savior. He warns everyone that any good gift comes from GOD. This warning was probably put in place so humans would not take credit for skills acquitted.

 

My Observations:

• I need to praise GOD for every gift, talent and skill I possesses.
• I should be thankful for being exposed to new learning and attribute it to GOD.
• I should not overlook the smallest gift GOD has given me, because it is important to HIM.

 

Being thankful for even the smallest gift is important. I mean, if all I have to offer someone that day is a smile, I should offer it in healthy portions. Afterwards, I can be thankful that my “gift” of smiling may have brought joy to someone that day.

 

GOD uses all gifts and presents HE gives to us for HIS purpose. The things we think are small are huge to HIM. HE wants me to recognize and thank HIM for the gifts HE has given me. Remember the grass cutting? Years later I was able to bring unity to a block I moved to, simply because people had questions about my grass. I am grateful for the gifts GOD has given me!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer give such a powerful warning?
• Have you ever acquired a skill or talent and thought it was you who did it?
• Are you overlooking a gift that is important to GOD, but less important to you?
• Will you take a moment to list your gifts, skills and talents, no matter how small, and thank GOD for each so you can use them for HIS purpose today?

Putting Gifts to Use

Putting Gifts to Use

Ephesians 4: ¹¹ It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. ¹² He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. ¹³ And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.

 

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Seeing the mural, I was amazed! Someone had illustrated major events of the Bible in a way I could understand. Another person I ran into was very talented in growing gardens. She mentioned how it reminded her of bearing fruit and had many analogies.

 

• I thought gifts were only limited to being used in church.
• I limited gifts to churchy tests and certain language used only in churches.
• I wondered if I had any gifts because the church did not seem to value what I had to offer.

 

JESUS “gave gifts to people” according to the scripture. Paul explains that each gift given would be put to use for the work of the Christian service. The list he gives can sometimes be confused by activities defined in many churches. GOD’s appointment is sovereign and is above human definitions.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to build up the body of CHRIST
• GOD wants me to come together in oneness in faith and knowledge of the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to mature and someday reach the height of JESUS.

 

Overlooked talents cause many people to become disenchanted with churches. I mean, a person who is gifted in welding may want to use his or her talents, but is asked to work in children’s church instead. People who have many gifts may be apostles or prophets or evangelists or pastors or teachers and they do not even know it.

 

A writer may, in fact, be using her talents to glorify GOD in many ways. Some people who smile may be evangelizing as he walks down the street. A woman lying in a bed may invoke prayer. Limiting GOD has caused people to think their talent is useless. Quite the opposite. The gift HE gave each person is customized to reach others in HIS defined way. I am glad HE provided me with gifts that do not need to be compared to, or evaluated by other people’s gifts.

 

Challenge

• What is a mature response to what the writer wrote?
• Do you have gifts and talents that seem to be overlooked by people?
• Will you put your gifts and talents to use for the service of building up the body of CHRIST, knowing your gift is extremely important to GOD today?

Already Inside

Already Inside

Ephesians 4: ⁷ Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. ⁸ As the scripture says,

“When he went up to the very heights,
    he took many captives with him;
    he gave gifts to people.”

 

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Doubting my capabilities, I wondered if there was a way out of where I was. I looked at the circumstances and my own capabilities and I could not see a way to the future the world would consider “successful.” I had no money, no connections and I felt I did not have any talent.

 

• I did not feel special.
• I did not feel valued.
• I did not feel needed or wanted.

 

Unity was the message the HOLY SPIRIT gave to Paul to give to everyone. Each person is unique and is special to GOD. JESUS did something phenomenal. HE gave gifts to many and declared each special to HIM.

 

My Observations

• CHRIST gave me gifts that no one else has.
• CHRIST gave other people gifts that I need to appreciate.
• CHRIST wants me to unite with HIM to bring all HIS sheep together because HE is the Good Shepherd.

 

Gifts were made by GOD for HIS purpose. I mean, HE gave us all the capability of reaching other people for HIM in our own unique way. Unfortunately we have an adversary who wants us to use our gifts for self. We chase the world, seeking more and more of it, sometimes abandoning our GOD-given gifts.

 

BUT GOD saw this and accounted for it. HE gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside each person who believe in JESUS as the Savior. The HOLY SPIRIT guides us back to using our special gift to bring honor and glory to GOD> I am thankful GOD made the gifts HE gave me and I gladly use all for HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think JESUS had to leave the world to get the gifts HE gave?
• What gifts do you consider insignificant that may be overlooked?
• Will you seek your gifts by asking GOD “Who do YOU want me to be today and who do YOU want me to reach for YOU in my own way?”

Gift of the Broken Curse

Gift of the Broken Curse

Galatians 3: ²¹ Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. ²² But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe.

 

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Trying to remain dry, we stood under a rare covering at the bus stop. It was raining hard and we still had a long way to get home. My face brightened up as I saw movement of one of the busses. The bus driver ran through a puddle, splashing a wave that thoroughly soaked us. We were all wet.

 

• I was thoroughly soaked and felt miserable.
• I had nothing that could make me dry at that moment.
• I was not the cause of being wet, but I was still wet.

 

Humans face a serious dilemma. We are all cursed under the power of sin. Paul explains that the Law cannot release us from the curse, which is death. He does provide some Good News. There is a way to break the curse.

 

My Observations

• Sin once caused me to lose hope, BUT JESUS died for me and gave it back..
• I was wet with sin from head to toes, BUT GOD dried my tears and made me whole.
• It seemed like circumstances would get the best of me, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT brought me comfort through difficult times.

 

Hopelessness is part of the curse of sin. I mean, when all seems lost and there is no way out, many turn to death as a solution. BUT JESUS is life. HE guides me and everyone else who believes in HIM, to a life of purpose.

 

HE saw my hopelessness that I did not cause, and died for me to save me. HE understands every temptation I can face and has the mercy to accept my confession. HE then pours out grace on me as a gift and I can breathe a sigh of relief that I am forgiven eternally. I am truly grateful for GOD’s wonderful gift.

 

Challenge

• Can you see good news in this passage?
• What does the writer say about “promises” and the “gift?”
• Are you weary trying to get yourself out of the current circumstance?
• Will you receive the gift of life that only CHRIST can provide by believing you need a Savior to guide you in this life and the next today?

Cultivating the Special Gift

Cultivating the Special Gift

1 Corinthians 7: ⁶ I tell you this not as an order, but simply as a permission. ⁷ Actually I would prefer that all of you were as I am; but each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift.

 

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“Your sash has a lot of badges. You are special” the stranger from another country said to me regarding my scout uniform. I could not remember a time when a stranger recognized me as special. This felt great. It may have put me on a path I never knew I could be on.

 

• There have been times when I have been praised and I did not know the effect.
• There have been times when I have been recognized as special and I did not know what I did.
• There have been times when I was noticed but I was not looking to be noticed.

 

Paul says something unique regarding people. He would rather everyone be like him, but sees the importance that everyone use their “special gift” for GOD.

 

• GOD made me special and unique for HIS purpose.
• GOD gave me a special gift that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to use my special gift as often as I can.

 

Recognizing another person’s special gift is important. I mean, it is easy to recognize flaws in other people, BUT GOD wants me to recognize and cultivate another person’s special gift so they can be excited about serving GOD.

 

The enemy wants self-promotion, loneliness and doubt. GOD wants JESUS to be promoted, togetherness and courage in HIS power. HE wants us to work together to help one another use our “special gift” for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to give me a special gift.

 

• Are you trying to be like someone else?
• Do you not like who you are?
• Will you recognize your special gift that has been given to you by GOD and use it for HIS purpose today?

Wanting to Feel Special

Wanting to Feel Special

1 Corinthians 4: ⁶ For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, “Observe the proper rules.” None of you should be proud of one person and despise another. ⁷ Who made you superior to others? Didn't God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?

 

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Stereotypical nerd scenes in movies remind me of my tryout for the little league baseball team. Yes, I was the nerd and I missed catching the ball by a mile. My reflexes were slow and batting prowess slower. I tried out for other groups and was not the star in any of them. “Why can’t I be special?” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to fit in.
• There have been many times when I wanted to have a special skill or talent.
• There have been many times when I followed a person who was talented and ridiculed another for their lack of talent.

 

Paul asks a poignant question “Who made you superior to others?” He then asks “Didn’t GOD give you everything you have?” as if to say all gifts come from GOD. “How can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?”

 

• GOD wants me to recognize my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE raises up other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be excited about the way HE made me and the way HE made other people.

 

Looking down on one person and speaking highly of another is something GOD despises. HE made all people and was excited about each individual when HE did it. HE loves when I recognize where my gifts and talents come from. HE also loves when I praise HIM for the gifts and talents HE gave to others. No one can boast when the origin of all talent comes from GOD. I am grateful HE did make me special.

• Do you want to feel special?
• Are you busy trying to be liked by many people?
• Will you stop chasing the spotlight and thank GOD for the talent you and others have today?

Valuing Free

 

Valuing Free

Romans 3: ²¹ But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. ²² God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: ²³ everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. ²⁴ But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.

 

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“I made this for you” she said as she handed me the hand knit sweater. “Thank you!” I said The sleeveless vest had colors of maroon, yellow and white. I decided to take my school picture in it. I put on my old gold shirt with rust sleeves and smiled greatly. I wore the sweater with blue dotted shirts, green plaid shirts, it never made a difference. It never matched anything but I wore it daily.

 

• There have been many gifts given to me.
• There have been many things I have had that I have valued.
• There have been many valued things I have shared with other people.

 

Paul explains how GOD put people right with HIM. What GOD revealed through the Law and the prophets was only a witness to the real thing. JESUS was born and lived a sinless life after facing every temptation a human could face.

 

HE was murdered for the sins humans did and blamed for those sins. HE was raised from the dead and by believing in the need for HIS salvation, anyone can be freed from eternal pain.

 

• GOD gave me free will to choose HIM.
• GOD gave me a free gift that was extremely valuable to HIM, namely HIS SON had to die.
• GOD gave me freedom from an eternal death through belief in the resurrection of JESUS.

 

Valuing something “free” is sometimes hard to do. I mean, why would someone go through extreme trouble, time, effort or wealth to give me something free? “What’s the catch?” I would ask. No catch, just love.

 

GOD wants me to believe in JESUS and be excited enough to wear HIM on the outside every day even in situations that don’t match, like work or entertainment or social gatherings. I am grateful GOD went through all that trouble just for me.

 

• Are you excited about a gift someone gave you?
• Do you have sentimental value over a free gift?
• Will you value a “free” gift that cost a life, namely JESUS’, by believing you need salvation and have been given the opportunity for freedom today?

Using the Gift

Isaiah 50: ⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

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⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
    and I know I will not be put to shame.

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Led out to the garage, I saw the huge box. It was a wonderful gift that thrilled my heart. I have not had a chance to use it because I have not assembled it. The gift is hidden from the world, for now.

• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to use it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to delight in it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to thank them for it and perhaps share it with others.

Gifts are given to me with excitement that I will grow closer to the giver. GOD has also given me gifts. HE has provided me with talents that HE expects me to use. HE was excited when HE gave me the gift and wants me to open up the package and use the gift.

• GOD has given me a well-instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary.
• GOD has given me a home to share with my neighbors who need to hear that word.
• GOD has given me another day to listen to HIM and to use my gifts for HIS glory.

Each gift I use for HIS purpose brings delight to HIS heart. HE helps me and I will not be disgraced. HE tells me to “go” forth and I proceed without shame. GOD gets the glory when I use the gifts HE has given me.

• Are you hiding the gifts GOD has given you?
• Do you have more talents that you do not know about that are hidden because you are not using your current gifts for GOD?
• What are you afraid of?
• Can you go out and use your gifts for GOD today and not worry about shame or disgrace?

Thanks for the “gift!”

Romans 6: ²² But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Naïve and impressionable and scared, I took on my first career.  I had no idea what a corporate structure was about and I really had nothing tangible to offer. When people requested things from me, I looked like deer in headlights! I had to learn everything.

One day my boss walked in my office and said “I’m sending you to training.” “What a gift” I thought. I’m getting trained without asking for it! To this day I am grateful for my first supervisor. I mean, he recognized something in me that others seem to discount.

• GOD has declared that any sin I commit deserves death for the sentence.
• GOD has declared that even my birth is conceived out of sin.
• GOD has declared that I was sentenced to be separated from HIS love eternally and to face HIS ever increasing wrath forever.

Wait, you mean even my birth which I had nothing to do with, declares me a sinner? Yes!  BUT GOD decided to give me a gift.

• GOD’s gift of love is HIS SON who took on my punishment.
• GOD’s gift of love is HIS SON who died in my place.
• GOD’s gift of love is HIS SON who is now alive and believing in HIM saves me.

GOD did it all! HE saw I would never choose HIM yet HE chose me. HE freed me from “having to” sin, in other words HE freed me from being a slave to sin and its consequences. Wait a minute, “you still sin” you say. Yes but now I have a choice whereas before I only had sin and death.

I can choose righteousness over sin and on many occasions I do. Sometimes my selfishness gets in the way but GOD has me growing daily. HE has truly given me a “gift” which is eternal life.

• Do you feel you have no options in life but to follow sin?
• Do you feel like giving up trying to please GOD thinking HIS standards are too high?
• Can you believe HE has already taken care of your life and has a wonderful plan for you?
• Will you stop acting like a slave to sin and give your entire life to following GOD’s ways?

Just wait and see what’s next!

John 14: ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

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Sitting at my desk I toiled through piles of e-mails fretting the team meeting we were about to have. My boss poked his head in my cubicle with a grin on his face which did not diminish my work. He invited me to join everyone in the meeting. Upon entering the room everyone began applauding. Then I turned my head and my family was there.

“What is going on?” I thought to myself. My boss could hardly contain himself as they presented me with a very prestigious award. “I almost slipped up several times” he said with a grin!

• Many times I think GOD is only a disciplinarian.
• Many times I feel GOD only wants HIS goody-goody way that I can’t live up to.
• Many times I believe GOD doesn’t even like me so HE is constantly doing a makeover on me.

My strange perception of GOD has tainted me into believing that HE is a mean perfectionist who really doesn’t love me but is always disappointed with me. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

• The same GOD who built all universes is taking HIS time to build a place specific to my liking.
• The same GOD who created beauty and pleasure is toiling over building an everlasting place for me.
• The same GOD who designed love, peace, kindness and wisdom is using them to build a place where HE and I can have a pure relationship without pain and misery.

GOD is running over with love and can hardly wait to do something great for me in heaven and on this earth.  HE doesn’t like to see me miserable and HE really doesn’t like when I turn my back on HIM as HE extends HIS hand of peace and love to me. 

So why doesn’t HE just zap everything into pleasure mode for me? Well, that question is bathed in selfishness and sin. HE wants me to understand HIS pure unadulterated love for me and accept HIM being GOD on HIS terms. This includes understanding I am a sinner and I need JESUS to save me.

JESUS says “Do not let my heart be troubled.” I believe HE is telling the truth when HE says HE is taking care of everything, even the stuff I am going through!

• When is the last time you got excited about doing something for “that” person?
• Are you bubbling over getting ready to serve someone?
• Can you get excited about preparing something for people you want to show love to?
• Will you extend your service to someone with excitement, strictly for GOD’s purpose?

A Priceless Gift by Helen Steiner Rice

Friendship is a priceless gift
that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble
it is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen
nor heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort
or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift
Be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches
But the love of real true friends.