I will be posting a blog series this month entitled "12 Days of Christmas". Each day will highlight words spoken by Jesus. I hope they will be an encouragement to you and a reminder of how much you are loved this Christmas season and always.
Good Gifts!
"Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you...your heavenly Father [will] give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:7, 11
Good gifts. We all like giving and receiving them. Did you know God also enjoys giving good gifts? In Matthew 7 Jesus says, "Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." I wonder what He wants us to ask for? What have you asked for lately? Do you believe He gives good gifts?
In Psalm 147 it says, The LORD's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. The word used for hope here means to wait with patience; to trust. It's about believing in His unfailing love and expecting it. Like when you ask for a Christmas gift you know will be under the tree on Christmas morning.
The question for this Christmas season is, are we looking for His love today? Are we expecting it? Are we asking for the good things we truly need? Are we asking, seeking, and knocking? And most importantly, are we receiving?
Consider the words coming out of your mouth today, your thoughts and attitudes. Are they positive, loving, and joyful; or filled with discontent, fear, and negativity? What's behind any joyless words or thinking? Do you need to remember Jesus came for you and He wants you to come to Him for whatever you need?
James 1:17 says, Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father. What good and perfect gifts has He already given you? Reminding yourself of these things will change your mindset. So will believing He has more good things in store.
What are you thankful for today? What would you like to ask Him for? (If you have a notebook or journal handy, write out your thoughts.)
12 Days of Christmas:Day One
Good Gifts!
"Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you...your heavenly Father [will] give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:7, 11
Good gifts. We all like giving and receiving them. Did you know God also enjoys giving good gifts? In Matthew 7 Jesus says, "Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." I wonder what He wants us to ask for? What have you asked for lately? Do you believe He gives good gifts?
In Psalm 147 it says, The LORD's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. The word used for hope here means to wait with patience; to trust. It's about believing in His unfailing love and expecting it. Like when you ask for a Christmas gift you know will be under the tree on Christmas morning.
But often we aren't counting on His love like that. We're hoping for it, but it's only wishful thinking. Or maybe we're not even thinking about it. When was the last time you thought about God's love for you? Do you remind yourself every day? Do you believe it?
In everything God does, He wants to leave us in awesome wonder of His love. When He sent Jesus into the world as a baby born in Bethlehem, He was sending a message of love...Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour (Luke 2)...To whom? To everyone...Why a Savior? Because we needed one and God was willing to give us what we need. But it doesn't end there. He didn't stop with Jesus in the manger.
The question for this Christmas season is, are we looking for His love today? Are we expecting it? Are we asking for the good things we truly need? Are we asking, seeking, and knocking? And most importantly, are we receiving?
Consider the words coming out of your mouth today, your thoughts and attitudes. Are they positive, loving, and joyful; or filled with discontent, fear, and negativity? What's behind any joyless words or thinking? Do you need to remember Jesus came for you and He wants you to come to Him for whatever you need?
James 1:17 says, Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father. What good and perfect gifts has He already given you? Reminding yourself of these things will change your mindset. So will believing He has more good things in store.
What are you thankful for today? What would you like to ask Him for? (If you have a notebook or journal handy, write out your thoughts.)
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved
I really like Psalm 147
ReplyDeleteMe too.
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