spiritualsnippets.com

Seeing life's events in the light of God's Word.

Grandmother’s Example

Luke 6:38-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.”

Her gnarled fingers slipped into her coat pocket and retrieved a dollar bill. She put it into the pot beside the bell ringer. As her eyes met mine, she whispered these words, “There—but for the grace of God—go I.”

My grandmother taught me many Christian principles by example. And, as far as I know, she never lacked for anything she really needed.

She wasn’t rich, monetarily. That wasn’t her motivation for giving (as some nowadays interpret the verse in Luke). No, she gave because Christ asked her to—and in doing so, He reminded her that He was supplying her needs. In turn, He used her—and others like her—to meet the needs of the poor. 

Because of her giving, she was blessed in other ways. A happy, healthy family. A faithful, God-fearing husband. Fellowship with a community of believers.

Especially in this Christmas season, I am reminded both of her words—and His. For it is by His grace that God blesses us with the same measure we use to help meet the needs of others.

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What Do You Give the Man Who Has Everything?

Luke 2:13- “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”

It waits under the Christmas tree wrapped in delicate paper and adorned by a large bow trimmed in gold. The gift is mesmerizing.

What could be inside? You shake it, hoping its sound will give a clue as to the contents. You consider its size and shape, narrowing the possibilities.

You think of the things you included on your “Christmas List” and try to judge whether or not each item could possibly fit into a box of that size or shape. Still, you won’t be sure until you actually remove the paper and ribbon.

Yes, the giving and receiving of gifts is exciting.

I saw a television ad a few days ago, which asked, “What do you give the man who has everything?” I immediately thought of Jesus. Isn’t He the epitome of one who has everything? What kind of gift would He want? Another galaxy? A trillion more stars?

Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus left Heaven where He, literally had everything, to be born in a stable to earthly parents who had very little resources. What He wanted then—and what He still wants in the 21st Century—is a relationship with US.

He wants our love, our trust, and our praise! He wants to hear our voices lifted in adoration, or softly making petitions in prayer. He want us to hear His voice, too, as we wait on His answers, as we read His Word.

In this “Season of Giving”, remember along with me the ultimate gift—Jesus—the Savior wrapped not in a gold-trimmed bow, but in swaddling clothes. The Lord of All who gave it all—for you and me!

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