the GIFT GIVER
John 1:14, ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.’ (MSG)
December 27th, 2023
He is the ULTIMATE Gift Giver!
Galatians 5:22-23:
Divine Love in all its varied expressions: Joy that overflows; Peace that subdues; Patience that endures; Kindness in action; a life full of Virtue; Faith that prevails; Gentleness of heart; Strength of spirit. (TPT)
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance, about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.’ (MSG)
STRENGTH of Spirit
Strength of Spirit might be better known as self-control. So, what is self-control? (Some might even consider it self-discipline.) Our friend, Mr. Webster, says it is control, or the act of restraint of oneself or one’s actions and feelings. Other words describe self-control, or strength of spirit, as willpower and levelheadedness. To some, self-control or discipline might look like abstinence, sobriety or moderation. It might mean a bearing with someone, dealing with a thorn beneath your skin, or growing a backbone. Perhaps it can mean for you constancy or balance, diligence and stability. To others, it may mean fasting or frugality, endurance, patience or persistence. To one, it might be dignity and forbearance. All in all, it means grit.
This is what God says: Proverbs 25:28, ‘A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.’ Isn’t that imaginable right now with what is happening in Israel and the Gaza Strip? Even all over the world. Every day, splashed all over our news apps, TV screens and newspaper headlines, are the views of the carnage and wreckage that once formed townships and countries and borders. The cities have been broken into, robbed and devastated, and the people violated, raped and murdered, destroyed beyond recognition. All because of a lack of self-control, and a determination to thwart goodness and excel evil, and to annihilate one another in the name of victory and ownership and success. This war didn’t just begin either. These people groups have been at it for centuries, since the beginning of time. And one day, Jesus will return and set all things straight. No more war and no more tears and no more starvation; no more evil when He defeats Satan once and for all, and all the evil comes under His subjection and His control and beneath His feet. The God of the Universe is constantly working all things out, and while our lack of self-control looks like it will take over, it is only a temporary win. We know the true Victor, and He has prepared a place for you and for me.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.’ (MSG) This is self-discipline, self-control, strength of spirit. There is a race that we are all in. It’s a race for a finish line, and one we want to finish well. I don’t know about you, but I really hope—I really plan—to hear the words from my Lord and Savior, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” After wasting so many years, after dabbling in so much stuff that came down to my lack of strength of spirit and self-control, after perjuring my word to so many, including a Holy God, I am so very grateful He would give me a second and fifth chance to become faithful and trustworthy.
So, we are running this race, with a finish line ahead, with an end in mind, and to run steadfastly and persevere to the finish effectively, we must train every day. We must prepare every day. We must be disciplined in how we care for ourselves and others and diligent to respond to His call. We must be cautious of our strength of character and fast the things in our lives that take the control away from the one true Master. We must endure righteously to the end, because the reward—eternity with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—will be the greatest gift you or I will ever receive. Revelation 21:3-5 promises: ‘I heard a voice thunder from the Throne, “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home with men and women! They’re His people. He is their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”’ (MSG) That’s the prize at the end of this race. So, Runner, run strong, run sure, finish well.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
He never expected to find himself beneath a bridge, huddled in the cold, trying to survive. He never thought he’d have to ask for help, that he’d need help. He’d always been able to provide for himself. For his family. Even while in prison, he had provided. He wasn’t raised to be no pansy, no wimp, no freeloader. But here he was, cold and hungry and desperate.
He hadn’t meant to cry either. He didn’t plan to run into the kind lady, but there she was, staring at him with compassion and understanding, help in her bag of tricks she tried handing to him. He stared at it and at her and back at the backpack loaded with things he needed, suddenly snatching it from her proffered hands. That’s when the tears came. Big, huge crocodile teardrops dribbling down his cheeks and dropping like splotches of water on the desktop. He let his head fall to his hands as he tried to hide the tears, but the emotion heaved his shoulders and shook his body. She stood and walked behind him and gently rubbed his back, murmuring soothing words and eventually the feelings like the sobs dried up.
He listened carefully. He had already admitted to the kind lady he’d rather be taken back to prison because it was easier in there. He had waited for the dismay to distort the features on her face, but she had remained steadfast. ‘Tell me about that,’ she’d encouraged. He had shared with her that he had been out on parole for several years already, half-way through his parole term, and hadn’t had any hiccups. He got along with his PO; he was a hard worker and had had a good job; and was appreciative for being taken in by family members.
But then his relations began making poor choices, and he knew he couldn’t get caught up in their decisions, because while they might be the ones in the wrong, he would be the one who got tagged for it because of his history. So, he left. He moved into the vehicle he bought and knew this wouldn’t last for long—eventually he would need roots—but for now, this would suffice. Unfortunately, he loaned his vehicle to one of his cousins and when they totaled it on their joyride, he lost not only his car but also his home. Thus, he became a resident of the Bridge Boardwalk, his new address the underpass.
He hung on her every word. He thought he had been punished but couldn’t understand why. He’d done everything right. He hadn’t swerved to the right or turned to the left. He hadn’t tasted a drink, hadn’t considered a relapse. He had been diligent and disciplined and persistent to do and be right; had yearned for honorability and integrity. Why then had he lost everything? Why then would he rather return to prison than try to make a go of it out here on the streets? What had he done so terribly wrong to be in this pickle, to be alone and without and in need and unable to ask for help. She sure made it easy, this lady with compassion and kindness and the honest words.
‘Listen,’ she said, ‘you can do the right thing and still suffer negative consequences. People don’t always do something wrong to have bad things happen to them. What matters most is how you handle what comes your way. You can fall apart and complicate matters by making poor choices after unfortunate circumstances befall you. Or you can endure all you’ve been through in these past two years, allowing the grit of perseverance to embolden you, and come out on the other side, a stronger and better person because of it.’
She grew very quiet then, and he had to strain to hear her whisper, ‘You pressed on, and now here you are, on your victory lap, nearing the finish line.’ She was holding a piece of paper out to him. ‘Here’s your new address. They’re expecting you.’
He looked at her, puzzled, holding his breath, too scared that if he gasped, she’d come to her senses and withdraw her offer. ‘Wha…what do you mean, miss?’
‘You need a place to go, right? A home, a bed, someplace safe and warm. Here!’ She pressed the piece of paper in his hand. ‘It’s yours for as long as you need. Just stay on track. The expenses for the first month are covered. Come see me in a week and let’s make sure you’re back with your job, and if you need help with anything else, ring me. Your job right now is to repair your heart, put that smile back on your face, stay strong in your character, and trust the Lord, because He is working all things out even when it doesn’t seem like it.’
‘Oh, one more thing.’ They had both stood; his hand was on the office door he was about to walk through. ‘What made you want to give up? Was there one thing that drove you nearer to that ledge?’ She was watching him; he felt humbled beneath her gaze.
‘Having to ask for help,’ he finally muttered. ‘I never asked for help before.’
She nodded slowly. ‘That’s strength right there,’ she whispered. ‘People think it’s fragile to need help. Really, it is foolish to need help and not ask for it. I’m glad you came in. God bless you, young man. You’re going to make it. Just fine.’
GOD BLESS YOU in 2024 and always. It’s been an honor to write and be read by each of you. Thank you.
Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Universe, Holy God, the Spirit of the Living God, Perfect One, is the ultimate gift giver. Just like we as parents are eager to give gifts to our children, our Father desires to give gifts that are beneficial and good and profitable for us. He delights in giving gifts, like self-control, to His children for our good, and ultimately, for His glory.
James 1:16-18, ‘So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life, using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all His creatures.’ (MSG)
