The Gift Of The Magi

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 18:15

15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from   among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Today's reading:   Hosea 5-8 Revelation 2

The Gift Of The Magi

The title refers to the short story written about a married couple who have fallen on hard times and want to give a special gift at Christmas to their spouse. She sells her hair to buy a chain for his nice watch and he sells his watch to buy fancy combs for her long hair. The gift exchange is the reveal. This is a very touching story about sacrifice to express love-we all get that. It is a beautiful and touching story.

But, what happens now? She can grow more hair but he cannot grow a watch.

Now, I want us to think of the greatest gift we have ever received under the tree at Christmas. We cannot take any of our things with us when we go into His eternal kingdom.

Our greatest gift will never come from someone on this earth. Our greatest gift comes from the heart of God in the person of Jesus Christ and all that He gave us on the cross and rising from the dead for our salvation.

If we daily die to self, God gives us access to His power in the Holy Spirit.

The best gift I can give this Christmas is to give all those I love to God-to let go. I cannot love them like He does. And, this is the biggest part, I can only love my loved ones the way I should by loving God with all I am.

If I do that, God gives me wisdom and understanding of His complete love and with that my love for my loved ones is greater because of God's ultimate love.

I can only give my best to those I love after I have given my all to God in Christ.

1 John 4:19

"We love because he first loved us."

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name is ultimate wisdom in giving. You are the light of Your kingdom. Forgive me for trying to give shallow things. Keep me from coveting.

Father of all good and perfect gifts,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen