The 7 Gifts of Christmas YOU

This week I have been blogging about the seven gifts of Christmas. This idea began as a challenge among other ministers to write on a common theme. It's been exciting and rewarding. I've enjoyed reading their version of what the seven gifts of Christmas are.

All week I've showed the gifts as they are given from God to us. But today I want to ask you what are you bringing to God?

The wise men searched for Jesus and brought Him gifts. However, in churches today, it seems that people want Jesus to seek them out and be given gifts. Now, bear with me, the Bible is replete with the principle of what we receive from God. The psalmist declared, "He daily loads me with benefits." It is refreshing to serve a God who freely gives and loves to do so. In fact, it is His will to give His children the kingdom!

But what are you giving to God?

Do you serve only on Sunday? What about the other days of the week? It is unfortunate that some only know church as a place to either visit during a funeral or special occasions like Christmas and Easter. And then there are those who do attend regularly, but who don't live it outside of the couple of hours they are in church.

So, what are you giving to God this Christmas?

I know what is on His Christmas wish list.

He wants people to take up their cross, deny themselves, and follow him daily! (See Luke 9:23).

That's all. You won't find God's Christmas gift at an outlet store, a bargain basement, or a retail chain. There won't be any ads on TV or the internet giving you special deals if you shop on certain days. Instead, God wants you to live for Him and with Him daily!

Serve Him on Sunday.
Meditate about Him on Monday.
Talk to Him on Tuesday.
Worship Him on Wednesday.
Be thoughtful of His Church on Thursday.
Fellowship with His Church on Friday.
Be sincere about your relationship with Him on Saturday.

And then do it all over again, and again, and again...

He daily loads me with benefits. The least I can do is reciprocate the relationship to the best of my ability. I've got to go... it's Sunday, and I want to find a place to commune with God. I'm going to go ahead and start giving Him His Christmas presents now...

7 Gifts of Christmas, HEALING

Jesus entered the synagogue and read from the scrolls. As He read the words the prophet Isaiah had penned, Jesus closed the book and added this statement, "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." Can you imagine being in the congregation that day? The fulfillment of prophecy has just taken place and those in the synagogue that day were the first to witness it.

Paul lists 9 gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians, but one of them is plural: the gifts of healing.

Remembering back through my life, I don't remember a birthday or a Christmas where I only received one gift. Maybe one gift from one person, but because many persons were involved in giving, I would end the birthday, anniversary, or Christmas with many gifts.

Healing is that way too. There are various and numerous types of healing. In my life, I've seen cancer's of differing types healed. I've seen God heal hearts causing the doctors to remark, "There are no traces of previous heart attacks; you've been given a new heart." I've seen someone whose body was septic and whose blood was anemic come back to life.

I personally have been healed of spinal meningitis. I was in a semi-comatose state for a couple of weeks. Three spinal taps later, my pastor prayed for me in the name of Jesus Christ, and I spoke coherently for the first time in weeks. Two days later I was discharged and sent home with a clean bill of health.

I've seen everything from back pain, to migraines, to all sorts of outward manifestations of Gods gifts of healing. However, this is not just a gift. Not only are there multiple outward types of healing. There are also multiple types of inward healing. God mend's broken hearts, cleanses us from shame and guilt, and heals our emotions too.

Are you carrying a load of guilt? Is there a relationship that needs reconciliation? Do you suffer from a broken heart? I know the Prince of peace and His peace passes all understanding! His joy unspeakable! His mercy is everlasting! This day Jesus has come to bring the gifts of healing. Jesus said "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears" nearly 2,000 years ago, but the power of His touch is still available today. Don't let anyone tell you that God cannot or does not heal.

Will you receive the gifts of healing today?

7 Gifts of Christmas, GRACE

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV) 
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

I'm not wealthy enough to afford the gift of grace.

I'm not smart enough to ascertain the gift of grace.

This gift is freely given to whosoever will. It is the unmerited favor of God given because you ask for it. Not because you deserve it , and not because you can earn it. Consider the words of Philip Yancey, "There is nothing you can do to make God love you more. There is nothing you can do to make God love you less."

The gift of grace is limitless. And quite frankly, might even be too divine for our finite minds to comprehend. Grace is freely given to the poor and the rich. To the young and the old. To the educated and the unlearned. To comprehend that is difficult.

If I could earn it, I would be able to boast. If I could buy it, maybe I could also sell it. If I was educated enough to truly comprehend it, maybe I might feel I didn't need it. So grace is the gift of God given through faith. It has nothing to do with you or me and everything to do with God. And that adds to the complexity and beauty of this gift!

God, the creator of the heavens and earth, robed Himself in flesh to die a cruel death so that I might receive grace! WOW! But wait, there's more! Fasten the seatbelt of your mind, because we're about to hit some mental turbulence...

Had it not been for God robing Himself in flesh, and offering this gift of grace to Gentiles, I would not be able to attain it all. Prior to the New Covenant, one had to either be a Jew, or become a Jew by circumcision of the flesh. However, that all changed at Calvary. Paul writes later in Ephesians and explains that this gift of grace made it possible for Gentiles to become fellow-heirs together in Christ.

Now, because of grace, I am born again, heaven bound, and I can claim inheritance in Jesus Christ. I didn't deserve it. I still don't. But this gift was freely given, and I'm grateful to have received it. I now have access to God and confidence through faith to fulfill His purpose. I may not be wealthy, or have societal influence, but I can join Paul and say, "by the grace of God, I am what I am..."

7 Gifts of Christmas, MINISTRY

A church was remodeling. The shell of the building was complete. The interior was being done one project at time, and the ceiling was a beautiful cathedral ceiling. One afternoon, one of the men of the church who was volunteering was on the scaffolding above the platform area. He lost his footing and fell. While falling, he saw the pulpit and twisted himself so that the pulpit would break his fall. Upon hitting the pulpit, he bent his arms and legs and rolled off onto the floor unscathed. After the other men came running to his aid, he stood up and declared, "The pulpit saved me from my fall."

Today's gift of Christmas is the gift of ministry. I can absolutely affirm that had it not been for the ministry in my life, I would not be here today. Time and again God used men to be His hands on the potters wheel to mold and shape me.

I am grateful today for the investment poured in to me by men of God who were faithful to the calling of God. They shepherded me, guided me, loved me, and corrected me. As I reflect on my life today, I see their imprint in my personality as well as my administrative style.

Did you know that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are God's gift to the church? Read in Ephesians (4:8-12) and discover this truth. God uses these gifts to equip His saints so that they can fulfill their purpose in the kingdom.

Have you been blessed by the "five-fold" ministry? Is there an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher that has influenced your life? Have you received investment from one of God's gifts? If so, take time to thank them today for their sacrifice. Send them a card or an email. Post something on their Facebook page or Twitter feed. Let them know you're thankful for the gift of ministry!

While you may not know the following men and women of God, allow me to use this blog to express my thanks for the gift of ministry to the following:

Sis. Anne Wilkins
Pastor & Mrs. Jim Gideon
Pastor & Mrs. Richard Moudy
Pastor & Mrs. Richard Privett
Pastor & Mrs. Paul Kinney
Pastor & Mrs. Rick Stoops

7 Gifts of Christmas, HOPE

The instability of the economy, sickness, unemployment, political upheaval, and the list could keep on going and growing. To be quite honest, there seems to be little hope in this world. But should there be? After all, this world is not my home. My hope is not in the government, a politicians promise, or even the economy. My hope is beyond this world...it is out of this world!

Titus called it "that blessed hope; the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." You see, my hope is not supposed to be in this world or what it can offer. When I face life's hardships, I have a hope that the world didn't give and the world can't take away!

But God is with us too - He is Emmanuel: God with us! Jesus will come again; of this I am sure. My hope is secure in His coming. But my hope is also built that He is with us presently too. WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

Read the newspapers, watch the news, and read the internet and you could become very depressed in a short matter of time. Israel is concerned about Iran's nuclear aspirations and has threatened a military strike. Iran has threatened retaliation. Afghanistan and Iraq are no better, even with the Taliban and other terrorist regime's removed. The European economy is in on thin ice. The American dollar is in jeopardy. China has called for a global currency. I could keep going, but I'm getting discouraged just typing these headlines.

And while I'm not denying the reality of our world, the fact is I have hope because it's not rooted in or built on this world. Instead, it is built on Emmanuel: God with us! It is built on the promise of Jesus Christ's return! Where is your hope?

7 Gifts of Christmas, HOLY GHOST

Under the Old Covenant, the Spirit of God would dwell on men, but in the New Covenant the Spirit of God would dwell in men! The gift of the Holy Ghost was promised and prophesied. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law and enacted the New Covenant, and a few days after His ascension the Holy Ghost was first poured out on about 120 gathered in an upper room. They had been told to go there and tarry for the promise. They tarried and believed and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. It filled all the house where they were sitting. Cloven tongues, like as fire, set upon each of them, and they began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. From that Day of Pentecost until today, the gift of the Holy Ghost continues to be given.

It's for the rich and the poor. It's for the young and the old. It's for the educated and the unlearned. It's for whosoever will. In fact, Peter preached that the promise is for you, and your children, and all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call!

Those 1st Century Jews experienced the power of the gift of the Holy Ghost and a while later, they saw it spread to the Samaritans. Then another few years and they saw it spread to the Gentiles. Before long it was said of the early church, "these are they who have turned their world upside down."

I've received many gifts in my life... Toys that I no longer own or play with... Gadgets that have broken or lost their usefulness due to more advanced technology... Cologne that eventually was used up and gone... Perishable food that either had to be eaten or would rot... And so forth...

But this gift of the Holy Ghost is one that keeps on giving. It never runs out. I haven't outgrown it. It cannot be replaced by advanced technology. It hasn't run out like a bottle of cologne. In fact, it just keeps getting better and better every day!

This gift of the Holy Ghost guides me, strengthens me, helps me, corrects me, and gives me power to overcome! The chains of sin and shame no longer hold me captive. I traded in my guilt for this gift. My turmoil became a testimony when I received this gift. The mess I had made of my life has now become a miracle after receiving this gift. I have to admit that the Holy Ghost is the best, all-time-favorite-gift I have ever received!

If you do not have this gift, then do what I did. Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

7 Gifts of Christmas, LIFE

Christmas.

A season of giving. A season of hope. Time that is treasured with loved ones. Regardless of one's religious affiliation, there seems to be a spirit of helping others in need during this time. And while retailers and consumers have helped to commercialize Christmas, many enjoy doing things for those less fortunate and fulfilling a more true meaning of Christmas.

One of the greatest verses in the Bible is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave... These words challenge us. They inspire us. They cause us to realize that without Him we are nothing. And James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.

Life is a great gift. If you've seen the classic, "It's a Wonderful Life", you'll recall that George Bailey realizes the true meaning of life. Even though his situation seemed hopeless, his life did have meaning. I love the scene where he says, "I want my life back. I want to live again."

Jesus Christ is life. He came to bring life more abundantly. If we remain steadfast and immovable and always abound in His Word, we will inherit eternal life. What could be better than that?

How do you view your life? Maybe you've been dealt a bad hand and feel that all is hopeless. Maybe the economy has left you penniless. Maybe you've made a mistake or two and are dealing with the consequences. Maybe you don't feel that life is fair right now. Whatever you lot, consider the words of Billy Sunday, "What we see as we go through life always depends upon where we stand to look."

Stand on the Rock (Christ Jesus) and you'll see "life" through a whole new lens. If you've ever flown, or climbed a high ridge or mountain, you've seen the ground beneath you from a different perspective. Think about how God sees your situation. He knows the end from the beginning! He sees things differently. Join Him from His point of view the next time you consider your circumstance.

Maybe you will die a pauper. Maybe this earthly life will leave you with nothing. However, if you know Jesus Christ and have been born again, you have a promise of eternal life. Like Lazarus the beggar, you will be taken to a place of peace and promise. This hope of eternal life outweighs any difficulty I face on earth. I've truly been given the gift of life.

Where is Your Heart?

What drives you? What compels you? What are you passionate about? Where is your heart? Jesus answers the question...


Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) 
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

What do you treasure on earth? If you could only grab a couple of things while racing out of your burning home, what would they be? Oh sure, we know some things are irreplaceable while others can be easily replaced. But, remember, you can only grab a couple of things, so what do you grab?

Maybe you've answered this type of questioning before. Maybe you've thought about it before. But I want to compel you to think about them again. Robert Brault said, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

What do you treasure? That's where your heart is. Does your Bible collect dust? Is it merely a bookend on your bookshelf? Or do you read it with desire to comprehend? Is it easier to read a novel or watch a movie than it is to read His Word? Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

Does $100 look big in the offering plate yet small at the grocery store? Can you easily justify spending $100 on the latest gadget, but find it hard to give the same $100 to support missionaries? Why is it so easy to tip the waitress yet neglect to tithe at church? Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

At the end of life, there will not be any U-Haul's in your funeral procession. You may amass great wealth and live comfortably throughout your life, but none of that wealth will go with you into eternity. Some use their wealth to gain access and benefits in life. They upgrade to 1st class when traveling, and receive executive treatment over those who don't have their status or income. But none of that status will be relevant in eternity. No one will take their "rewards" card with them to meet God.

When you stand before God, what will you have invested in eternity? Jesus spoke of a man whom He called a fool because while he had many riches on earth, he was bankrupt in eternity! Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

As you answer these questions today, remember, "Only what you do for Christ will last." And remember what Christian martyr Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Where is your heart?

Why do you do What you do?

Why do you do what you do?

Do you live religiously so that you will be rewarded or recognized publicly?

I know we all need a pat on the back and an "atta-boy or atta-girl" every once in a while. Affirmation fuels our passion to perform. But do you need to be affirmed in order to do a good job?

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes us choose between being rewarded on earth or in eternity...

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV) 
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 
18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

This time, Jesus deals with the subject of fasting to illustrate the choice between earthly or eternal rewards. Fasting is often misunderstood, so let's explore what fasting is and isn't...

Fasting does not twist God's arm and make Him do what you're trying to get Him to do. Some think that if they fast long enough, they will earn the right to be heard by God. However, the Bible tells us to "boldly approach the throne of Grace." We are "sons of God" who are led by His Spirit, therefore, we already have His attention. Furthermore, we are instructed to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving by prayer and supplication.

Fasting is not to be done so that everyone knows you're fasting. Jesus specifically addresses those trying to appear religious by disfiguring their faces in order to be seen by others. This type of religion only brings an earthly reward and has no merit in eternity.

Fasting is purely an opportunity for you to deny your flesh in order to cleanse your spirit so that you can more clearly Hear the voice of God and follow His Spirit. Fasting is important. It serves a purpose. And that purpose is to deny the flesh.

Fasting serves as a consistent reminder that I need to crucify my flesh. While food is the most common type of fasting, there is also merit to fasting from other things like video games, entertainment, online social networking, etc. Anytime one denies their flesh and opens their spirit to more of the Holy Spirit, this is a positive thing.

However, don't do it to be noticed. Don't announce your fast to others hoping to be patted on the back. Don't fast in hopes that you'll be paraded across the platform and praised for what you're doing. Instead, fast "in secret" so that God may reward you!