Every Good Gift

At Christmas, we sit around the tree with a sense of expectation. Our hope is that we receive the gifts that we truly want and that someone else gets the socks, underwear, and ties that we don’t really care about. We are blessed when someone gives us something that meets a specific desire, especially if that desire has not been expressed. Good gifts have the power to bring us closer to each other and bring encouragement that lasts a long time.

II Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” God, through His grace, is able to give us every good gift that we have ever needed, we need now, and that we will ever need in the future. Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward us and through grace God author’s every perfect gift for us.

Quarreling

The first presidential debate will occur tonight. I don’t know what will happen, but I am sure of one thing; that is that quarreling will happen. Each candidate will levy accusations meant to demean the other candidate. Both candidates will say that they are running for the office to serve the country and bring unity. However, their words will destroy the unity that they profess to desire. Words matter. And we bear the fruit of our words.

Proverbs 18:19-20 says, “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.” We should be careful in what we say because we bear the fruit of our words. Angry words bring forth more anger. Loving words produce loving responses.

Lost, But Rescued

I was hiking an unfamiliar nature Preserve trail when suddenly the trail was blocked off. I had two choices. I could retrace my steps, but I had already hiked several miles. Or I could try to find a different way to the end of the trail. I foolishly chose the second option. I saw a narrow path that I thought would take me around the blockage. I hiked another couple miles before I conceded that I was lost.  I was able to call my wife, and she was already at the preserve’s headquarters. They sent out a search party and eventually found me. Fortunately, the rescue did not involve search dogs or helicopters, just a jeep and two guys. Nevertheless, I was extremely embarrassed while also grateful for the rescue.

Ezekiel 34:12 says, “As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.” God offers His rescue of we who are lost in salvation by grace through faith. Then, He offers moment by moment rescue for us as we trust Him to lead us and guide us through lives troubles.

Walking the Right Path

As I walk a new trail in a forest, I often come across small paths that deviate from the main trail. Sometimes I take those paths, only to find that they lead me to a dead end and then I have to retrace my steps. Following the main trail most often keeps me going in the direction I intended to go and experiencing the good things that I foresaw.

Ephesians 5:15 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ Doing the good thing at the opportune time is making the best use of our time on earth. Wisdom is acting on the truth that we know and doing the good that we can. Wisdom is following the right path in life and this keeps us going in the right direction. So choose wisdom today, not foolishness.

Finding Success

The world tells us that we can achieve success by working hard and serving ourselves. This kind of success comes with pushing ourselves forward, even at the cost of other people. If we are smart enough, strong enough, and focused enough, we will achieve the goals that we set for ourselves. Of course, God has set a different course for meaningful success.

Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” If we want to be successful and find favor, we must be characterized by steadfast love and faithfulness. God wants, and the world needs, men and women who are known for love and faithfulness.