Pythonpappy
12-18-2011, 11:30 AM
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
-James 1:17
After a long pregnancy that generated more questions than congratulations; that nearly led to a marriage ending before it started; that included a painful and arduous journey; that culminated in her son being born in conditions fit for animals but not for humans, how did Mary respond? Luke tells us that she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (2:19). In Bethlehem, among the animals, she found joy. She could have complained that God was doing nothing good for her, but instead she declared the "great things" God had done (Luke 1:49).
This is central to the Christmas story - and the joys and challenges of our modern holiday - remind us that gratitude changes everything. Whether there are gifts stacked to the ceiling with your name on them or you aren't sure anyone is going to give you anything, stop and give thanks to God, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.
You'll receive a special blessing in your spirit and discover you have everything you need.
Lord, thank You for Your gifts and provisions in my life, but thank You first and foremost for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place so that I might be able to enjoy communion with You. Help me to have a spirit of gratitude this Christmas season and all year through. Amen.
The 3 minute clip below will touch your heart and open your mind:
http://www.jesusisthegiftmovie.com/?cm_mmc=CheetahMail-_-WK-_-12.18.11-_-JITGdevotional&utm_source=CheetahMail&utm_medium=12.18.11&utm_campaign=JITGIdevotionalca
-James 1:17
After a long pregnancy that generated more questions than congratulations; that nearly led to a marriage ending before it started; that included a painful and arduous journey; that culminated in her son being born in conditions fit for animals but not for humans, how did Mary respond? Luke tells us that she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (2:19). In Bethlehem, among the animals, she found joy. She could have complained that God was doing nothing good for her, but instead she declared the "great things" God had done (Luke 1:49).
This is central to the Christmas story - and the joys and challenges of our modern holiday - remind us that gratitude changes everything. Whether there are gifts stacked to the ceiling with your name on them or you aren't sure anyone is going to give you anything, stop and give thanks to God, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.
You'll receive a special blessing in your spirit and discover you have everything you need.
Lord, thank You for Your gifts and provisions in my life, but thank You first and foremost for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place so that I might be able to enjoy communion with You. Help me to have a spirit of gratitude this Christmas season and all year through. Amen.
The 3 minute clip below will touch your heart and open your mind:
http://www.jesusisthegiftmovie.com/?cm_mmc=CheetahMail-_-WK-_-12.18.11-_-JITGdevotional&utm_source=CheetahMail&utm_medium=12.18.11&utm_campaign=JITGIdevotionalca