Ancient Words For Today - 81
2000 years ago, Jesus, the God of all creation, was born into our world as a man (and yet He still was fully God at the same time). His parents laid Him in a manger (a cattle feeding trough) in Bethlehem because there was no room for them in the inn. If you are a Christian, sometime during your lifetime you made room for Jesus in your heart - when you heard the gospel message and by faith received Jesus as your Savior and Lord. In return, He gave you some precious and priceless gifts:
- He forgave you and washed away all your sins, by an act of His Divine love and grace.
God has given us so much, but the best gift ever is Jesus, His only begotten Son, who died for our sins, lives in and through us, and will be with us for ever! In view of all that God has given us, it is most appropriate that we, in return, give our best gifts to God. There are two gifts we can give God that encompass all other possible gifts we could give: We can love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love others as He loves us. What presents are you planning on giving to God this Christmas and in the new year?
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. Isaiah 9:6-7
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:2-4
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (agape love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:12-17
Give your best to God! Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you as you abide in Him!!
- He accounted the righteousness of Christ to your account, so that you could be at peace with God and have fellowship with Him.
- He eternally sealed you as His own, giving you the precious gift of eternal life.
- He gave you the Holy Spirit to guide you, teach you spiritual things, and empower you to be ambassadors for Christ.
- He gave you a new spiritual nature that is alive to God - a nature that loves God, wants to serve Him, and cries out ABBA, Father.
- He gave you the power to resist and overcome sin in your life.
- He gave you the capacity to love others in the same way He loves you (selfless and unfailing love).
- He set you in the Church (the body of believers) and gave you Christian friends to encourage and minister to you.
- He gave you specific talents and spiritual gifts that are appropriate for the ministry and work He has called you to do.
- He gave you all things that pertain to new life in Him and godliness.