Friday, December 26, 2008

A Gift of Obedience

Children Laugh as They Lay in Wrapping Paper from Christmas Presents by Joel Sartore
Children Laugh as They Lay in Wrapping Paper from Christmas Presents
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." (John 14:23)
  • There was a family who decided one year to start a tradition of their own at Christmastime.
After all the shiny paper had been ripped off of the new toys, jewelry, and clothes, they would sit down as a family and begin the most important part of the day--sharing with each other what gift they would give to Jesus.
The process of deciding what to offer the Lord began several days before Christmas so that each family member could reflect on the past year and determine what they thought needed to be laid at God's feet.
  • When it came time to reveal their individual gifts to the Lord, they realized all the gifts had one thing in common; whether they offered their time, talents, money, or love, everything was a gift of obedience.

  • This tradition quickly became the most precious part of the season to them.
Christmas Day may be over, but it's not too late to give a gift to Jesus. Take a moment to reflect on your life and ask God of there is something He would have you give over to Him.
  • No matter what you are led to lay down, you will be giving God the gift of your obedience.
Heavenly Father, my gift to You doesn't come wrapped in a bow; it is out of obedience and not out of show.
Turning point by Dr. Jeremiah
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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

You remind me of a time at our church. The children were asked to think about what they would give Jesus for Christmas and to bring that gift to the altar on Christmas Day. On that Christmas Day each children brought their gift, some brought something they'd made, some even brought a toy. One little boy walked to the front carrying the offertory plate, he stood in the middle of it and said, "I give myself to Jesus".

Not a dry eye in the house.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Mimi!

Dawn said...

Great thoughts from Dr Jeremiah. I can't believe it's the day after already. We've had quite a week, and I hope to post soon, before we leave for the week-end for our anniversary.

Saija said...

such a good devotional ...
and a good reminder that our Lord deserves the best we have to give ...

blessings on you!

Cathy said...

Thanks Mimi, you always have such thought provoking posts. :o)

grammy said...

Hi, I am blog hopping and found you. Loved scrolling down and seeing so many great pics. i am a grammy too. I love lighthouses. I have a pic on my blog of a New York lighthouse we just visited. Come on over (o:

Mary said...

Mimi,

This is a great inspirational post. God deserves our best and sincere efforts. He is everything to us and we tend to forget him in all of the hustle and bustle of the season. Thank you for reminding us to give of ourselves. That is the greatest gift of all.

Blessings,
Mary

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I pledge to try and spread alot of ppinness...Hugs..m..