“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” John 3:16a
Jesus is the greatest gift of all!
His salvation free for you who believe
Forgiveness and peace for those who call
On His sweet name, his gift to receive.
(excerpt from It’s All About the Gift)
Have you received Christ Jesus, God’s eternal gift to you? Accepting God’s gift is the beginning of a blessed life for His purpose and good pleasure. God’s purpose and the true value of Christ as Lord and Savior is extensive and comes with exceeding benefits. Jesus, as our gift, is truly the Gift that keeps on giving.
The term “the gift that keeps on giving” was used in several commercials as a sale’s pitch for appliances. Gifts of love are always meaningful, but those that can be used or enjoyed repeatedly seem to be valued more. The love of Christ far exceeds any love that we have received, and it is with great joy that His love can be experienced again and again.
Recently, I asked some dear friends to share their salvation story. What a blessing! In our brief conversation, it was evident that over the years we have experienced more fully the value of the Gift. Our day of salvation was just the beginning. A promise of eternal life is only one part of the package. Multiple benefits come by having Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
His Presence “…in thy presence is fullness of joy…” (Psalm 16:11b) The presence of the Holy Spirit indwells each believer so communion in prayer, Bible study, and meditation brings a peace and joy that many in our world have not experienced. One friend shared that she talks to Christ and knows His presence, and she finds peace and comfort from Him in difficult times. She knows she can talk to Him anytime. He is always near. That’s the Gift that keeps on giving!
His Forgiveness “…he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,…” (1 John 1:9b) Failure and sin are a part of our human nature. Condemnation and disappointment can try to consume us, but Christ is faithful to forgive and remove the condemnation as we confess and follow His ways. A clear conscience and contentment are gained by experiencing God’s gift of perpetual forgiveness. That’s the Gift that keeps on giving!
Answered Prayers “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Matthew 7:7) Prayer is asking and seeking God’s plan. Even within the last couple of days, the Lord answered my specific prayer. Before going to a two-hour book- signing an hour away from home, I asked the Lord for a token of His goodness by selling 6-10 books. Praise the Lord! Eight books sold! That specific answered prayer gave me assurance once again (even more than fifty years after my salvation) that God is the Gift that keeps on giving.
Strength to Endure “…for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10b)
Weakness comes in many forms. Physical, emotional, and spiritual weakness can bring us low but that is when we can trust in the Savior to strengthen in ways that only He can. “I’ve never seen a person walk on a knee that is this bad. How do you walk?” asked the surgeon.
“By God’s grace!” I responded.
We can rely fully upon the Gift for He is our strength and keeps on giving us grace in our times of need.
Unexplainable Peace “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
The Prince of Peace is our precious Gift. A calm and peace come in moments where chaos abounds. Whether entering a new school year as a teacher, struggling with relationships, losing a loved one, or facing personal hardships, the Gift (Prince of Peace) fills our hearts and minds with an indescribable quiet that only He can give repeatedly in our times of need.
God is enough and gives continuously. Praise the Lord. The good things that the Gift has boundlessly given brings a resolve because He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. Christ is the gift that keeps on giving. Trust in Him!
“His love has no limit, His grace has no measure His pow'r has no boundary known unto men For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”
(Chorus of “He Giveth More Grace” by Annie Flint)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom I no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (He is never changing.) James 1:17
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me, Jesus, Your Son. When I received Him many years ago, I had no clue how wonderful and marvelous His grace and mercy would be to me. Thank You for being my faithful Father and providing me with Jesus, the Gift, who continues to give and give to me. Help me to honor You in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.
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