God Speaking

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

(James 1: 17)

Just recently I was rummaging through one of my draws looking for an old photo when I found a small cardboard box at the bottom of the draw.  It had been painted with bright colored flowers on top, with glitter scattered around, and the sides were also painted with vivid colours.  As I picked it up memories came flooding back of the small giver who had so lovingly given it to me. My giver was one of my granddaughters who had given it to me when she was young and I can still see in my eyes mind, her serious little face explaining to me the box was to keep my jewellery in. I don’t possess a lot of valuable jewellery, but that little box was priceless and is still years later, and the value rests in the memory of the giver.

When we know Jesus Christ, we know the perfect giver. After I found my little gift, I started to check Scripture for references to the gifts he pours out on us. It was astounding. He begins with the promise of eternal life. Now that is a pretty big gift!!

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10: 28)

While we are waiting to join him he gives us the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, who will guide us, protect us while we are on earth.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever.”  (John 14: 16)

The next gift I found brings great comfort as we live in a world of turmoil, but with this gift we can relax in the knowledge that peace can envelope us no matter what is happening around us,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14: 27)

When we begin to worry about the next pay check or how we will ever make ends meet, we can take comfort in Jesus speaking in the Sermon on the Mount, who assures us that he will meet our every need if we seek him first.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6: 33)

Jesus is not only the perfect giver, he is also the prefect gift to mankind and when we recognise his twofold personality, we are showered with his goodness and we can in turn shower that goodness to those around us.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9: 8)