The gift and the giver
Every day, we are blessed with gifts from God, which manifest in various forms tailored to the needs of our hearts. These blessings can range from simple moments of joy and connection to significant opportunities that challenge us to grow and serve others. However, somewhere along the way, many of us have slipped into a mindset of self-entitlement, akin to walking on a treacherous patch of black ice. This self-entitlement often leads us to prioritize our desires above all else, resulting in a pervasive sense of selfishness that can cloud our gratitude.
As a result, when we wake each morning, we fixate on our aspirations and goals. Instead of starting our day with a heart full of thankfulness for the gifts we have received (whether we perceive them as big or small), we tend to turn inward. We ask ourselves what we want to achieve, what will bring us happiness, or how to increase our income and improve our status. This self-centered focus distracts us from the essential question: What does the Giver want us to do with the blessings we have been given?
In doing so, we frequently overlook the invaluable opportunities to appreciate how our unique gifts can be utilized to uplift others and achieve our true purpose. By consciously realigning our focus towards gratitude and selfless service, we open the door to a profound transformation in our identity. This shift allows us to connect more deeply with the intentions of the One who abundantly provides for us, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us in meaningful ways.
SCRIPTURE
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.James 1:17-18 NKJV
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. God does not change like their shifting shadows. God decided to give us life through the word of truth. He wanted us to be the most important of all the things he made.James 1:17-18 ICB
A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.Proverbs 17:8 NKJV
Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted.Proverbs 17:8 MSG
PRAYER
Father God, I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of this day. I am overwhelmed by the boundless love You continually show me, manifesting in various forms that brighten my life. Each new dawn brings with it Your mercy and grace, fresh and untainted, tailored perfectly for the unique journey You have set before me. In my human frailty, I’ve often strayed from the path You laid out, opting instead to forge my own way, believing that my understanding could surpass Yours, and in doing so, I’ve chased after fleeting pleasures. Now, Lord, I stand here in humility, confessing my transgressions. I seek Your forgiveness for the wrongs I have committed in Your sight. Grant me the fortitude to turn away from my sinful ways and to embrace the Savior who has lovingly chosen me. Help me to remember that I am cherished, that Your mercy envelops me, and that You have a purposeful plan for my life. I find everything I seek in You and long to return to Your guiding light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
One for the road:Love won't give up by Elevation Worship
As a result, when we wake each morning, we fixate on our aspirations and goals. Instead of starting our day with a heart full of thankfulness for the gifts we have received (whether we perceive them as big or small), we tend to turn inward. We ask ourselves what we want to achieve, what will bring us happiness, or how to increase our income and improve our status. This self-centered focus distracts us from the essential question: What does the Giver want us to do with the blessings we have been given?
In doing so, we frequently overlook the invaluable opportunities to appreciate how our unique gifts can be utilized to uplift others and achieve our true purpose. By consciously realigning our focus towards gratitude and selfless service, we open the door to a profound transformation in our identity. This shift allows us to connect more deeply with the intentions of the One who abundantly provides for us, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us in meaningful ways.
SCRIPTURE
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.James 1:17-18 NKJV
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. God does not change like their shifting shadows. God decided to give us life through the word of truth. He wanted us to be the most important of all the things he made.James 1:17-18 ICB
A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.Proverbs 17:8 NKJV
Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted.Proverbs 17:8 MSG
PRAYER
Father God, I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of this day. I am overwhelmed by the boundless love You continually show me, manifesting in various forms that brighten my life. Each new dawn brings with it Your mercy and grace, fresh and untainted, tailored perfectly for the unique journey You have set before me. In my human frailty, I’ve often strayed from the path You laid out, opting instead to forge my own way, believing that my understanding could surpass Yours, and in doing so, I’ve chased after fleeting pleasures. Now, Lord, I stand here in humility, confessing my transgressions. I seek Your forgiveness for the wrongs I have committed in Your sight. Grant me the fortitude to turn away from my sinful ways and to embrace the Savior who has lovingly chosen me. Help me to remember that I am cherished, that Your mercy envelops me, and that You have a purposeful plan for my life. I find everything I seek in You and long to return to Your guiding light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
One for the road:Love won't give up by Elevation Worship