GIVING GIFTS TO THOSE WE LOVE

Why do I buy gifts for people? This is a question I have often asked myself. My aim has been to please and make happy those for whom I am buying the gifts, but so often I am unsure if the gift will actually be what they wanted. I feel like have failed when I see the expression of disappointment on their faces.

Through the years and especially this year I have struggled with the whole idea of giving gifts if I suspect the recipient won’t like it. Should I bother spending the money?

Another thing I struggle with is should I buy a gift at all because most North Americans have so much more than we need.

This year I have talked to the Lord a lot about giving gifts to those we love. And He has given me a new perspective. He reminded me that He loved us so much that He gave His most precious gift – His Son. Not because we deserved it, or were overjoyed with the Gift. He gave because He loved us.

Most of us don’t appreciate the Gift very often, many people don’t believe in the Gift at all. Some reject the Gift. But God doesn’t stop loving us even when we are ungrateful (even though He values our gratitude). When we are ready to receive the Gift. He fills us with the most amazing joy, peace and love–He has been waiting to give it to us.

I asked God, “How does what You have done for us relate to my gift giving?” Simple answer. Give gifts because you love not because they deserve it or need it or appreciate it. The greatest gift we can give anyone is our love.

And if they don’t like the gift?  Then God will grant us the grace to love them still.

Father, thank you for giving us your precious gift, Jesus Christ.  We didn’t deserve it, nor are we thankful enough for this Gift. But you love us still. Now would you please give us hearts to give precious gifts to our loved ones because we love them, not because we want to be appreciated. Amen.

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

1. Because God is spirit…I will seek intimate fellowship with Him.
2. Because God is all-powerful…He can help me with anything.
3. Because God is ever-present…He is always with me.
4. Because God knows everything…I will go to Him with all my questions and concerns.
5. Because God is sovereign…I will joyfully submit to His will.
6. Because God is holy…I will devote myself to Him in purity, worship and service.
7. Because God is absolute truth…I will believe what He says and live accordingly.
8. Because God is righteous…I will live by His standards.
9. Because God is just…He will treat me fairly.
10. Because God is love…He is unconditionally committed to my well being.
11. Because God is merciful…He forgives me of my sins when I sincerely confess them.
12. Because God is faithful…I will trust Him to always keep His promises.
13. Because God never changes…my future is secure and eternal.

– Dr. William R. Bright

 

 

Just a little note

It’s not the day you have to manage, but the moment.

It’s not the dragon you have to slay, but the fear.

And it’s not the path you have to know, but the destination.

What a relief, huh?

We should all do this everyday of our lives!

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not unto men.

What a big difference enthusiasm!

When you work with someone who loves what he does he let all about interesting and exciting place.

These people bring a spirit of joy to their work that has nothing to do with how big or small their salary is.

Make today a day of enthusiasm.

Experience joy in everything you do and praise God for everything!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, renewed my enthusiasm for my work and help me Lord to find joy in what I do. amen

Enjoy your Friday

Kolossense 3:3

Wat julle ook al doen, doen dit van harte soos vir die Here en nie vir mense nie.Wat ‘n groot verskil maak entoesiasme nie!

Wanneer jy saam met iemand werk wat hou van wat hy doen laat hy alles daaromtrent interessant en opwindend vind.

Sulke mense bring ‘n gees van vreugde na hulle werk toe wat niks te doen het met hoe groot of klein hulle salaris is nie.

Maak vandag ‘n dag vir entoesiasme.

Vind vreugde in alles wat jy doen en eer God vir alles!

Gebed: Ons Vader in die hemel, vernuwe my entoesiasme vir my werk en help my Here om vreugde te vind in wat ek doen. Amen

Geniet jou Vrydag

TOUCHED MY SOUL……

My alarm went off – it was Sunday again; I was tired – it was my day to sleep in.  But the guilt I’d felt the rest of the day would have been too much, so I’d go; I’d pray.  I showered and shaved, adjusted suit and tie.  I got there and swung into a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in humble prayer before I closed my eyes, I saw that the shoe of the man next to me was touching my own and I sighed. With plenty room on either side, I thought, “Why do our soles have to tough?”  It bothered me so; he was glued to my shoe, but it didn’t seem to him much.

Then the prayer began:  “Heavenly Father,”  someone said,  But I thought,  “Does this man with the shoes have no pride:”  They were dusty, worn, scratched end to end.  What’s worse, there were holes on the side!  “Thank you for blessings, “the prayer went on.  The shoe man said a quiet “amen”.   I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again.  Aren’t we supposed to look our best when walking through that door?  “Well this certainly isn’t it.”  I thought, glancing towards that door?

Then the prayer ended and songs of praise began.  The shoe man was loud, sounding proud as he sang.  He lifted the rafters; his hands raised high;  The Lord surely heard his voice from the sky.  Then the offering was passed; what I threw in was steep.  The shoe man reached into his pockets, so deep.  I tried to see what he pulled out to put in.  I then heard a soft “click,” as when silver hits tin.

The sermon bored me to tears – and no lie – it was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes.  At the end of the service, as is custom here, we must greet the visitors and show them good cheer.  But I was moved inside to want to meet this man, so after the closing, I shook his hand.  He was old, his skin dark, his hair a mess.  I thanked him for coming, for being our guest…

He said, My name’s Charlie, glad to meet you, my friend,” and there were tears in his eyes – but he had a wide grin  “Let me explain, ” he said wiping his eyes.  “I’ve been coming for months, and you’re the first to say, “Hi”.

I know I don’t look like the rest, but I always try to look my best.  I polish my shoes before my long walk, but by the time I get here they’re as dirty as chalk”.

My heart fell to my knees, but I held back my tears.  He continued, “And I must apologize for sittings so near, but I know when I get here, I must look a sight.  And I thought…….If I touched you, our souls might unite”.

I was silent for a moment knowing anything I said would be pale in comparison, so I spoke from my heart not my head.  “Oh, you’ve touched me,”  I said…….”and taught me, in part, that the best of a man is what’s in his heart”.   The rest, I thought, this man will never know……how thankful I am that he touched my soul!

 

Quotes put together in a presentation

Slide show by Antoinette

HOW DO YOU KNOW GOD LOVES YOU?

Just the other day I heard a little boy ask:  “How do you know God loves us?”

As his mom’s hand he clasped His mommy said:  “Have you seen the pretty setting sun, and the bright orange glow as a new day has begun?  Look at moonbeams dancing across the pond, and the shooting stars out in the dark beyond.  See the flowers that clothe the world, all of God’s beauty that is unfurled.  Look at your puppy who playfully yips and barks. Listen to the song of the meadow larks, watch gentle snowflakes as through the air they fly and see the color filled rainbow across the sky.

Just the other day I heard a little boy ask How do you know God loves us, as his mom’s hand he clasped His mommy said, have you seen the pretty setting sun And the bright orange glow as a new day has begun Look at moonbeams dancing across the pond And the shooting stars out in the dark. Feel mommy’s loving arms hold you tight.  Hear me whisper, I love you with all my might.  See your daddy and little sister at play and see the closeness of our family as we kneel to pray.  

God gave us His creations from up above through His awesome glory and His amazing love everything on this earth He created out of love for you and me.  Our families and friends, a gentle touch, kind words and all the beauty that we see!  It all says I love you so very very much.  Every hug and encouragement you hear is part of God’s touch.  You never ever have to doubt God’s love for you.  For everywhere you look, His love comes shining through!”

This is MY God.

YOU RAISE ME UP

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be…
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can’t understand him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him, 
The leaders can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and
The people couldn’t hold Him!

Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him, and
Donahue can’t explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and 
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Ever cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this…
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!