The Gift

"The Gift of Yourself"

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". Luke 6:38

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Why don't we just give? In fact, let's just give without an expectation of getting something in return. People don't give because they believe that they have nothing to offer. Our society thinks of giving in terms of money. In reality we have so much to offer. We can give our love, our time, our services, our talents and ourselves.There are those who will abuse it but do not let anything stop you. Be a giver. Christ is our example and He was the ultimate giver. He gave His life. What a gift!

Are you a parent who help your children with their homework daily, but your next door neighbors don't know how to read or write? Then invite their kids over and tutor their children along with yours. Are you a person with distinguished business sense? Then help your friends who seem to fail at every business venture. Are you a married couple who have had success in keeping the peace in your marriage? Then help your friends who are struggling with their relationships. You always have what it takes to give of yourself. For in every situation, there is something valuable and positive that you can offer.

Do you have a family? Then invite a few single friends over to dinner after church instead of talking behind their back. Your invitation may keep them from making a mistake. The best gift you can give is to give of yourself. Your time, your attention, your love and caring are far more valuable than anything that could be wrapped up in a brightly colored box with a bow on top.. When you give of yourself you discover how very effective you can be. When you give of yourself someone else receives great benefit, and so do you.

I am sure you would find something to give, if you try hard enough. I am sure your help will be appreciated. The gift of "self' is the best gift one can ever give or receive... God Himself has given us the gift of life through His son Jesus Christ.

God is the ultimate Giver. He expects nothing less than for us to follow His example. I challenge you to give away something every day of your life. You may think you won’t have anything left if you do that, but if you give as the Lord leads you to do, soon you will receive so much that you will have to figure out where to put it all. God gives you bread to eat and seed to sow (See 2 Corinthians 9:10). Some things that God sends your way are given as seed for you to sow into the lives of others. Ask God to show you what He wants you to give away. Step out today, and look for a way to give. God will bless and prosper you as promised.

Praise the Lord!

Where is God when it Hurts?

Where is God when it Hurts?

Do not be afraid or terrified; be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:2).

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Sometimes it hurts really bad and to be honest sometimes I do not know how to go on. Where is God? Why won't He stop the pain? He promised He would give us rest? Where is His peace that surpasses all intelligence? Doesn't He care about me and my suffering? Why won't He lift my burden? Jesus experienced pain as well. Even though He was about to raise His friend Lazarus from the grave, the Bible reported that He cried. (John 11:35). He feels your loss too because He loves you so much. Jesus sadness was apparent the night before His arrest, He begged His father to change the future, only if God was willing. He knew what the future holds and yet He had the courage to fulfill His mission. (Praise God!). He had the courage to face the tough times. He will also give you courage when you are going through difficulties. Trust Him and keep on trusting Him. Soon it will get easier.

Where is God when it hurts? Right next to you sometimes; and other times holding your hands, cheering you on, comforting you and whispering to your hears "do not fear, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus is the Prince of Peace and when you invite Him in, He come along with His peace.

To be courageous is a command, and to not being courageous is to be disobedient to God. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for I will be wit you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," Paul said "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37–39).

Friend, there's no greater joy and peace then to surrender your being to the Lord and trust that is more than capable of taking care of you. He is the Almighty. Surely His arm is not too short to save nor His ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1). Just put your trust in Him and go to Him with all of troubles. In pain, grief and love, God is always near. In our dark and lonely moments we may not have a complete understanding and we may not answers to the questions of suffering, but we can surrender ourselves into the hands of the one who made us, the one who does have the answers, and who will faithfully walk with us and lead us through the dark valley.

Come to Him and be blessed.

Praise the Lord!