12/11/2024
The Christmas Gift
It is December 2024. Christmas is almost here, and as I was driving into work this morning, I was thinking about how the times are different than they have ever been and wondering about how my Dad and Mom would be reacting if they were still alive today to consult? Well, the thought did not last long, and the answer came pretty quick for me. My parents during my upbringing lived by the word of God and mentored and modeled the best they could, what to do in all things. I am so thankful for my parents who exhibited and left the plan for the plan when I would, will and still need a plan. The plan is God. First off there is no more precious gift than the gift of God, The gift of God is a possession that is freely given, can be freely taken by anyone from God, at anytime, anywhere, any condition all by submission of self, being predestinated according to God’s will and purpose for our lives. By doing so, we have been saved so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies, so we can direct the total energy of our powers so that we may achieve everything our election as a child of God provides and rise every time to whatever occasion may come your way. The bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 4: 5- 9, 17- 18 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. I am comforted that God is in control, God is not surprised by anything, therefore if Christ is in me, my thinking must align with His. My dad would always say on a daily basis, son, what are you doing for Jesus today? Do you know? and by the way, if you cannot think of anything, try remembering what Jesus did for you and maybe that will help? How helpful that is to recall that advice today, for we did not do anything to achieve our salvation but believe, but we must do something to exhibit it. We must “work out your own salvation” which God has worked in us already. God’s word instructs us in Philippians 2: 11- 14 how to do just that, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputing. So, during a current crisis, what and who am I listening to? How is my speech, my thinking, and how and if my emotions exhibit evidence that I am working it “out”? If I am still the same miserable, grouchy person, living in fear and lack, set on having it my own way, then it is a stretch and a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified me. God is the Master Designer, and He allows adversities and trials into our lives to see how we will handle it, 1 Peter 4:12 tells us and it makes it personal when you put your name in as “beloved” because that is how it is meant to be interpreted, Jon Mark, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. So today and every day, Rise to the occasion, do what the trial demands of you. It does not matter how much it hurts as long as it gives God the opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus in our bodies. In closing my prayer today is, May God not find complaints in us anymore, May God’s word spring forth with a life’s solution, spiritual vitality, wisdom, power, knowledge, having an attitude with a readiness to face anything that comes our way. May the only thing in life be is that we manifest Jesus, the Son of God, and when this occurs, all of our dictating and confessions of our fears, doubts and demands to God will disappear. And to submit ourselves to Jesus and His will so that He may work through us what He wants. Make it a great day for yourself and someone else as we live to love and share Jesus with others.
Deuteronomy 18:5
For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.
Psalms 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Ephesians 1:4- 12
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
