"THICKER THAN BLOOD" BOOK REVIEW AND GIVE-AWAY!!

SYNOPSIS:

Christy Williams finally has her life back on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late? A stunning debut from the latest Christian Writers Guild winner. (From Tyndale Publishing website)

AUTHOR’S BRIEF BIO:

C. J. Darlington is the winner of the 2008 Jerry. B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for Thicker Than Blood, which she began writing as a 15 year-old home school student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores before cofounding her own online bookstore. She also cofounded the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.

REVIEWER’S CRITIQUE:

Thicker Than Blood is a captivating look into the lives of two sisters, Christy and May Williams, their estrangement, personal struggles, triumphs and their reunion. But it is also a book of healing and love, mercy and grace, and redemption and restoration.

Ms. Darlington incorporates her own experience as an antiquarian bookseller into Christy’s life as her career. But when accusations are made against Christy by her ex-boyfriend and fellow employee of Dawson’s Book Barn, her career seems to be over and she heads for May, her sister’s, ranch. Upon arrival, Christy soon learns that not all is as it seems at the ranch.

Thicker Than Blood will cause the reader to reflect upon their own relationship(s) with family members and with God. This book is a thought-provoking and enjoyable read and this reviewer highly recommends it to all lovers of suspense novels.
In her unique, individualistic way, Ms. Darlington has proven that love is truly Thicker Than Blood.

***
Ms. Darlington has kindly provided an autographed copy of Thicker Than Blood that I will be giving away in a drawing on Monday, January 4, 2010. Please leave a comment and your email address that I may contact you if you are the winner. This contest is open only to U. S. residents and is void where prohibited.

BOOK REVIEW: JACK DANIEL'S SPIRIT OF TENNESSEE COOKBOOK

BOOK REVIEW
Jack Daniel’s Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook
Co-authored by
Lynne Tolley and Pat Mitchamore

I love cookbooks and I collect them. There are at least 50 cookbooks in my collection, probably more. So I was thrilled when I saw Jack Daniel’s Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook on the list of Thomas Nelson Books to Review.

If you’re a Jack Daniels’ fan, this cookbook is for you. With over 800 recipes, 200+ (give or take a few) lists Jack Daniel’s as one of the ingredients. From the back cover: “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey isn’t just a perfect partner for Coca-Cola. Roast pork, sweet potatoes, and wild mushrooms make pretty good companions, too. This collection merges the trademark flavor of Jack Daniel’s with a spread of Southern culinary delights. You’ll discover the secret to perfect pit barbecue, and that adding a splash of whiskey to your French toast is a surefire way to get the morning started right.”

Woven throughout the cookbook are short articles on Lynchburg, Tennessee, the birthplace of Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Articles in the cookbook such as “Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House” and “Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Comet Band” will give the reader a glimpse into the lives of some of the Lynchburg citizens. “Moore County: Yesterday and Today” and “The Tennessee Hills” describes the region in vivid detail. There are fascinating pictures placed throughout the book dating as far back as 1892 to the current day that will make this cookbook a collector’s item in the future.

Because I don’t drink whiskey or cook with it, I would not have purchased this book, given the opportunity. However, I would have been missing out. There are hundreds of recipes that don’t call for Jack Daniel’s and I will be cooking those dishes in the near future!

(c) December 2009

While You Were Sleeping

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and you are continuing to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. I had thought that yesterday's post would be my last regarding Advent/Christmas, but I have one more. Below are the words to a song sung by Casting Crowns on their CD titled "Peace on Earth." I hope you will take time to read and ponder on these words. God bless each of you!

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky.

And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne.

And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what have you missed while you
Were sleeping,
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King.

While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Mary shivers in the cold
Trying to keep the Savior warm
Born among the animals, wrapped in dirty rags
Because there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children

And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard across the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping?
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King

Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America
Looks like another silent night.

2008 My Refuge Music Club Zoo Music/SWECS Music (BMI) All rights admin by EMI CMG Publishing.

The Gift of Himself

Good Morning and Merry Christmas!

The best gift of all…

Luke 2 (New King James Version)

Christ Born of Mary
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[c]

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Abba Father,
Thank You is a very inadequate expression to show how I feel about the gifts you have given me every day during this Season of Advent. But I am thankful. From the bottom of my heart, I give you thanks. May I always use these gifts to only bring You honor and glory.

I pray your richest blessings on those who have followed these blogs so faithfully this month. May they also use these gifts to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus name, AMEN and AMEN.

The Gift of Waiting

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Is. 40:31


The above verse is one of my favorites. I use it frequently in my blogs, in counseling and in encouraging myself. Normally, I will mention how some Biblical translations substitute the word “hope” for the word “wait” and that hope is an acronym for Heart Of Peace and Expectation.


More often than not, when we are waiting on the Lord to answer our prayers, to give us wisdom and guidance about a situation we face or just waiting in His presence, there are lessons that God wants us to learn. Perhaps He desires for us to grow in wisdom and knowledge. Maybe He wants us to learn to be more patient. Or He wants our relationship with Him to grow deeper. It could be that the timing is not right for His answer to be manifested. Regardless of the reason why the answer has not come, there is a reason we are waiting.

Advent is a season of busyness. We go to this party and that gathering, we sing Christmas carols, shop till we drop, bake and cook, decorate our homes and wrap gifts until the wee hours of the morning. I think we have lost the fact that Advent is a season of waiting. We are so busy running from one store to another, one party to another, we have forgotten that Advent heralds the coming of Christ. Just as an expectant mother anticipates, prepares and waits for nine months the arrival of her newborn, Advent is a period of anticipating, preparing and waiting for the birth of our Savior.

It is my prayer that in some small way, the blogs I have written during Advent have helped you to slow down for a few minutes each day and remember the Reason for the Season. As we look forward to tomorrow, may the birth of our Savior renew in you a Heart Of Peace and Expectation.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

MARANATHA!

© December 2009

The Gift of Vision

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets; that he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

Another translation of this verse says it this way: “Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others.”

This verse makes it very plain that God has a vision – not just for the Body of Christ – but also for you and me. If this verse is not proof enough to persuade you, here’s another one that is even plainer in meaning: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11) If there has ever been any doubt in your mind as to whether or not God has a plan for your life, you can banish that doubt now.

God gave Mary a vision – she was to be the mother of the Savior of the world. When Mary questioned the angel who brought the news, she was not doubting – just curious. “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). The angel explained to Mary that it would be by the Holy Spirit and went on to say, “For with God, nothing is impossible.” (vs. 37). Mary accepted this vision: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be done unto me according to your word.” (vs. 38) She never doubted, never questioned whether or not the angel had visited the right person. She believed and moved forward in the vision.

God gave Jesus a vision. He was to be the Savior of the world. He was to live on earth as God-made-man for 33 years, die on a cross for the sins of the world and rise again in three days. Jesus didn’t balk, protest or do anything that would have indicated a lack of obedience. He went willingly into cities and countries preaching the gospel of Christ. He went willingly to Gethsemane. He went willingly to Golgotha and to the grave. But God’s vision for Jesus did not end at the grave. Three days later, the vision continued as Jesus rose from the grave, triumphing over death, and the vision was completed as Jesus ascended into heaven.

God has a vision for YOU. If He has shown you that vision, be obedient and walk in it. If He has not shown you His vision for you, ask Him to share it with you. In His time, He will show you and it will be better than anything you could ever ask for or think.

Abba Father, thank you for the vision – the plan – that you had for Mary and for Jesus. Thank you for the vision you have for each one of us. I pray that you will give us courage and help us to walk boldly in that vision with confidence in you and your plan for our lives. Amen!

MARANATHA!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Acts 7:26 The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?

One of the definitions of “reconcile” according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is:
1 : to restore to friendship or harmony

Reconciliation comes as a result of forgiveness. If you missed the blog on forgiveness, please go back to December 16 and read that blog. You need to understand what it means to truly forgive someone before you can understand reconciliation.

God takes reconciliation seriously. So much so that he addresses it in Matthew 5:22-24: "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (emphasis mine).

If there is someone who has something against you, why not go to them as the Bible says and be reconciled? It doesn’t matter who started the argument. It doesn’t matter what the argument was about. It doesn’t matter where the fault lies. It will not matter six months from now. But what will matter is that you are obedient to what God’s Word says. Go back to the top of this blog and read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 again. God loved us so much that He reconciled us to Him through His Son and does not count our trespasses against us because of that reconciliation. How can we do any less than obey Him by seeking reconciliation with the person who has something against us?


MARANATHA!


© December, 2009

The Gift of Protection

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge—

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

I began writing this blog earlier this morning before leaving for work. I had no idea how true Psalm 91 would become in my life before I ever reached work. I came very close to being in an accident. Had that happened, at least five vehicles would have been involved and I would have been seriously injured. Instead, God and His angels of protection were all around me and the accident never happened.

Dear Father,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for protecting me this morning so that no accident occurred! Thank you! Amen.

MARANATHA!!
© 2009

The Gift of Freedom

**I've been at my parents all weekend taking care of my dad, who has knee problems and can't walk very well. Yesterday, I came home long enough to pick up a few things I needed and to post yesterday's blog. I didn't have time to write this yesterday, but I found it "interesting" that yesterday's blog was on the gift of family and friends. Truly, my parents have been and are a gift to me! Here's today's blog:


My present today was the gift of freedom. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he sets us free from the bondage of sin. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) Once saved, our lives are no longer tangled up in sin and shame.

The Bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (II Cor. 3:17) This is so true. Have you ever been in a worship service or even been worshipping by yourself, and you knew the Spirit of the Lord was present? You felt completely free during that time to worship uninhibitedly, freely.

We are given the freedom to approach God. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph. 3:12) We don’t have to build up our courage, or wait until we think the timing is right. We don’t have to wait for an invitation. We have the freedom to approach God any time – day or night.

The freedoms that I mentioned fall into a category that I call spiritual freedoms.

There are also freedoms that I call secular freedoms. These are freedoms that allow us to express our beliefs publically. We have the freedom to worship where we please, when we please and how we please. We do not have to hide our Bibles, much less our faith. We are free to witness to others anytime. We have the right to assemble together in church buildings and storefront buildings and borrowed locations all over America.

My concern is that these freedoms are in grave danger. Other religions in America are being given preferential treatment while Christianity is being choked out of existence. We as Christians need to stand up for our rights and not have the defeatist attitude that seems to have overtaken so many. I, for one, love my freedom to worship publically and do not want to lose it.


Father God, I ask for the courage to stand up for my rights as a Christian. I pray that You will show me when to act, what to do and what to say. I ask that You stir the hearts of all Christians that we might stand united as one for our religious freedoms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


MARANATHA!


© December, 2009

The Gift of Family and Friends

“…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 24b

God has gifted me today with a wonderful family and great friends. If you have read my past blogs, you probably read about my family. I am married to my soul mate and best friend, Dave. I have two wonderful adult children, Kim and Kyle and a fantabulous (my new word I created: a combination of “fantastic” and “fabulous”) grandson, Mackenzie. I am blessed that my parents are still living and I have one sister who I love dearly. There are also “family” members who, although not related by blood, they are still precious family to me.

God has blessed me with many faithful friends throughout the years. (There is not enough space to write about all of them and to avoid offending anyone, I have left out the names of the two that I mention.) I have one friend with whom I grew up. Our parents were best friends and she and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. We don’t get to spend as much time together as I would like, but when we get together, it’s as if we had seen each other the day before.

Another friend is a strong and mighty prayer warrior. I know that I can call her any time – day or night – and she will drop what she is doing and pray with me over the phone. She has a delightful laugh that cheers me instantly when I hear it!

I have a number of “online” friends through the American Christian Fiction Writers group. I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting these writers yet but I’ve never known a group of people who are so sincere in their desire to help. These men and women will take time out of their incredibly busy schedule to answer questions, give advice, and/or encouragement when needed. Many of them are successful, published authors who made a commitment to help those of us who are just getting started. And they keep their commitment every day.

I belong to a group of writers, Christian Writers United, in the county where I live. This group started in November, 2008, so we are just a little over a year old. Some of the original members left and some new members joined and we have become a cohesive family. The members in this group are exhorters and no one puts him/herself above anyone else in the group. We are there to encourage and support one another.

I saved my very best friend for last. There really is a “Friend who sticks closer than a brother” and his name is Jesus. We are all human and as hard as we may try to not fail our friends, there will be times when we do. It’s the nature of the beast. This Friend, however, will never fail us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is available 24/7/365. He loves us unconditionally, extravagantly, recklessly. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Best Friend, find a Bible and read Romans 10:8-13. Pray and ask Jesus to be your Savior and Best Friend. It will be a friendship for eternity.

Abba Father, thank you for being the Friend that is closer than a brother. I pray that if anyone reads this blog and does not know you as their Savior, that they will read Romans 10:8-13 and will pray to receive You into their heart. I pray that You will bring Christian friends into their lives to help them as they begin their friendship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MARANATHA!!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Contentment

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12)

The Apostle Paul wrote these verses as he sat in a dirty, foul-smelling Roman prison. Yet, he was truly content. Had that been me, I’m sure I would have been screaming – furious at the lack of cleanliness, furious at the circumstances, furious at the unfairness of it all.

Still, I have experienced times of true contentment. I have realized that these times of true contentment are when I have listened and been obedient to what God has told me to do. Or the times when I have relinquished to God a problem I’ve been wrestling with and I’ve left that problem with Him to solve. I’ve completely let go of worrying about it, of trying to “fix it” and left it in Jesus’ most capable hands to resolve it as He sees fit. That is very hard for me to do – I’m such a fixer – I want to fix everything. And I’m impatient too. I want to fix it and I want to fix it NOW! So in addition to giving that problem to God, I have to be content with His timetable – not mine. It’s not easy, but I’m learning. One thing I do know – God’s solutions are always more satisfactory than mine would ever be and the contentment is much sweeter than when I try to fix the problem. In fact, there is no contentment when I try to fix the situation.

My commitment is to learn to live in true contentment all the time. It should be easy. All I have to do is unfurl this fist that is tightly woven around this problem…..

Father, I ask in the name of Jesus, that You would help me let go of the problems that would prevent me from being content. I pray that You would enable me to leave those problems in Your hands, knowing that yYour solutions are always for the best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MARANATHA!!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Worship

Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 100:2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

There are hundreds of verses encouraging believers to worship. It is one thing that I do not have to be encouraged to do. I love to worship. I love worship music. I have worship music playing now as I write this blog.

The Westminster Catechism states: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” One way we glorify God is through our worship music and one way we enjoy Him is through our worship. As we enter into a time of worship, whether privately or corporately, we are entering into the presence of the Holy One of Israel. How can we not help but worship the God who created us and who loves us so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins that we might have eternal life?

When we worship, we are reminded of the awesomeness of God. We are reminded of His goodness, His love for us and of His blessings. We are able to thank Him for these blessings. We are able to tell Him how much we love Him.

Worship music is beautiful and our Father’s heart is blessed to hear our voices lifted in worship. Even if we “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” as the old saying goes, we can still worship. The Bible says “Make a joyful noise” – it doesn’t say “sing a perfect song in a perfect tune!”

I have realized worship will lift my spirits when I’m down. It will energize me when I’m tired. Worship makes me feel better when I’m ill. However, this is not why I worship. I worship because I am so in love with my Abba Father. And the best way I know how to tell Him is through worship.

If you have never truly entered into worship, I encourage you to do so. Put a worship CD on at home and let yourself go in the music. Listen to the words of the songs. Tell Father God how much you love Him and listen as He answers you back. You will be so edified, so blessed, that worship will soon be second nature to you.

Father God, thank you for worship, for beautiful music and words. Thank you for times of private worship and times of corporate worship. May our lives be an act of worship unto You. May we constantly live in an attitude of worship. May our worship be a sweet smelling savor to You, O God. I love you Abba Father. You are my King, my Lord, My Bridegroom. Amen.

MARANATHA!!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Forgiveness

***I am posting much later than usual because I've been at my parents' all day. We had to take my dad to ER last night with excruciating pain in his left knee. He is back home resting tonight and my sister is there to stay overnight with Dad and Mom tonight. My family and I would appreciate your prayers for his complete healing! Thanks!


Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Today’s gift is forgiveness. One of the most precious gifts God has given us for without forgiveness, there is no relationship with God.

I love the two verses at the top of this blog. The first verse assures us that when we go to God in prayer and repent of the sins we’ve committed, He is waiting and ready to forgive. I can almost see Him in my mind’s eye. He is standing, watching me as I kneel and silently encouraging me to come to Him and repent. When I do ask for His forgiveness, I see His face break out into a huge smile as He grants me forgiveness. Of course, you realize there is nothing really scriptural about what I see in my mind’s eye, but I still like to visualize it. It helps me realize how eager God truly is to forgive me.

I think the main reason God is eager to forgive me because until there is forgiveness, our relationship is not as it should be. We cannot commune together like we normally would. I am not able to praise and worship as I’d like to and I am not able to receive His ministry until that sin which stands between us is forgiven and wiped away.

There is a condition to forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

That is really a strong statement – God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others who have sinned against us.

I can hear some of you saying, “but you don’t know how deeply wounded I am.” Yes, actually I do, because I’ve been deeply wounded. So deeply wounded that even though I knew I must forgive, it took me a very long time to forgive and mean it. The Bible says that God knows our heart – so he knew that I realized I had to forgive this person, but I wasn’t ready yet. So, He waited until I came to Him, repented of my part in that situation and He forgave me. There is, honestly, no better feeling than to be forgiven and restored to God.

If you have sin in your life today, I encourage you to go to God and ask for forgiveness. He is waiting for you.

Dear Father, I repent today of sins of omission and sins of commission and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you God. Thank you for the freedom found in forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

MARANATHA!!

© December, 2009

The Gift of His Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2)

When I opened today’s gift, it was the gift of God’s Word. What a treasure chest – many gifts all in one place! He gave us:
• The story of Creation
• Recounting of the Israelites journey
• The Leaders/Judges
• The story of King David
• The beautiful Psalms
• The wise Proverbs of Solomon
• The story of Esther
• The trials of Job
• The love story between Christ and His church – Song of Solomon
• The Prophets
• The story of Jesus, found in the four Gospels
• The visitation of the Holy Spirit
• Paul’s letters to the churches
• The letters of Peter, John and Jude
• The book of Revelation that reveals Jesus to the world in the final days

These are only a few of the treasures found in God’s Word!

Dear Father, thank you seems very inadequate for the gift of Your Word. I am thankful for the lessons found therein and the new revelation You give to me every time I study Your Word. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

MARANATHA!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Time

In the busiest season of the year, who could not use a gift of more time in the day? I certainly could! Instead of 24 hours, could I have 30? Here’s the thing: if I had 30, I’d need (or at least think I’d need) 35 hours in a day. I can always cram more “stuff” into my schedule. Do you think God had me (and you other A-type personalities) in mind when He assigned only 24 hours to each day? Maybe He doesn’t want us to cram as much as possible into each day. Interesting thought…

If God doesn’t want us to fill our day completely with stuff to do, what does He want us to do with the gift of time He has given each of us?

Earlier this year, I wrote a blog on what does God want me to do each day. The premise of the blog was to ask God every morning what He wanted me to do that day. I would listen, and whatever He told me to do, I would do it to the best of my ability with His help. Many days, I ask Him throughout the day, “Is this what You want me to do at this time?” For example, if I realize I actually have an extra hour, I will ask Him, “What do You want me to do during this hour?” I don’t always manage to do this, but I try.

There is also this little word “priorities.” I fully believe that God is a God of order and priorities. So what are our priorities for each day? Obviously, mine will not look like yours, nor yours like mine. Yet, there should be a few priorities that are the same. We should all have our Bible reading/quiet time and prayer time as one of the top priorities on our schedule. If we don’t, we need to re-do our schedule. I realize that some people cannot have their Bible reading and prayer time early in the morning because of their work schedule or other obligations. But those two activities need to be on their schedule. After our Bible reading and prayer times, our schedules will become more individualized as we begin our day. We need to remember throughout the day to “check in with God” and confirm that we are doing what He wants us to do for that time period. After all, He gave us the gift of time. Should we not use it the way He desires us to use it?

Father God, thank You for the gift of time. Thank You that, in Your wisdom, You only gave us 24 hours a day. Help each one of us to use our days to do what You would have us to do. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

MARANATHA!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Grace

When I unwrapped today’s gift, it was almost like coming home…or sitting by a peaceful stream. Even the vowel “a” has a long, soothing sound to it. But grace is much more than sounds and feelings.

God’s grace refers to the kindness of God toward the undeserving. His mercy focuses on our helplessness or our suffering, but His grace focuses on our unworthiness.

God’s grace is completely opposite to works. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8-9) We cannot “earn” our way into heaven by doing good works. We cannot “earn” blessings by doing good works. Salvation is given to us freely because of the grace of God.

As with the other wonderful characteristics of God, His grace is boundless and never ends. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and super abounded. (Romans 5:20, Amplified). The amount of God’s grace far exceeds the depth of our sin.

God’s grace works in us to help us grow to spiritual completeness and maturity. The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. (I Peter 5:10)

I pray that as you receive God’s grace daily, you will be blessed and will pass His grace forward.

Abba Father, thank You for Your grace. Thank you Father that You give us Your grace so that we may have grace towards others. AMEN.

MARANATHA!!


© December, 2009

The Gift of Provision

John 10:10:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

The gift I opened this morning is the gift of provision. As the Scripture states in John 10:10, Jesus has come that we may have an abundant life. Many people interpret this verse to mean that Jesus came to give us eternal life in heaven if we receive him as Savior. That is true – and it will be a glorious eternity! But I also believe it means that we can have an abundant life here on earth. God wants to bless his people here as a testimony to His greatness.

Philippians 4:19:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (NIV)

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. (The Message)

God is in the business of meeting our needs!

Psalm 138:8 (King James Version)
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.

Our needs, wants and concerns make up a part of our lives. But God plainly states that He will supply our needs and He will perfect – “take care of” – those things that concern us. Again, He does this because He loves us and wants to bless us and so that the testimony of praise will be given to Him and not to a person.

There is nothing that we can desire or need that God cannot supply.


Abba Father, Thank You that You supply all of our needs. Thank You that You are the Giver of Life and that You give us life more abundantly. May we never take that life for granted! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.


Maranatha!


© December, 2009

The Gift of Health

3 John 2: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Isaiah 53:5 “…and by His stripes we are healed.”

These are just two of the many verses on healing and health. We know that it is God’s will and purpose for us to live in health. So why do so many of us, me included, have health issues? When we pray for people to be healed, why aren’t they?

These are, frankly, questions that I have struggled with for a long time. I will be taking my husband to the hospital in less than two hours to have his fifth surgery in less than two years. We have prayed for him to be healed. Others have prayed for him to be healed. He has been anointed with oil and prayed over to be healed. So why hasn’t he been healed?

It is not because we don’t believe God can heal him. We do. I have seen God’s healing power work in my own life and the lives of others. We know God can heal.

I think illness is a part of life. I’m not saying that we should accept it as such. We should always pray and believe for healing. What I am saying is that because of the sin of Adam and Eve, evil entered the world and sickness is part of that evil. I do not believe sickness is punishment for a sin that the ill person committed! I am only saying that I believe illness is part of the evil in the world and because we live in the world, there will be times when we are sick.

Regardless of how we get sick, or why we get sick, our responsibility as Christians is to believe for healing. We should ask God to teach us through this illness things He wants us to know and make this a time for spiritual growth.

Father, I pray that you will touch each person that reads this blog today. If they are ill, I pray in the name of Jesus that You will heal them as they read this blog. Strengthen their faith in Your healing power. Help them to lean on You to meet all of their needs, Thank you Father for loving us so much You desire for us to live full and healthy lives here on earth. AMEN.

MARANATHA!

© December, 2009

The Gift of His Mercy

Our God is a God of mercy and it is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Psalmist David mentions mercy at least 27 times and the majority of those times, he is asking God to show him mercy. One of the more familiar occasions when David prays for mercy is after Nathan has confronted him regarding the adultery he committed with Bathsheba. David cried out to God, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Did God extend mercy to David? Of course He did. He extends the same mercy to you and to me when we ask for it.

Not only does God extend His mercy towards us, but He also wants us to extend mercy to others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt. 5:7) This verse is based on the sowing and reaping principle found in Galatians 6:7b “A man reaps what he sows.” Therefore, it stands to reason that if we sow mercy, we will reap mercy.

What is mercy? Dictionary.com says it is “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence.”

I’d like to take the definition even further and say that mercy is the opposite of judgment. God should have judged us for our sins and found us guilty. Rather, He showed mercy to us and pardoned us from that judgment by having Jesus die on the cross for us and for our salvation. He gives mercy to us all the time. Just think about a typical day in your life. What happened? How many times do you now see where God extended mercy to you?

In the same way that God did not judge us, we are not to judge others. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” The message doesn’t get much clearer than that. If we judge someone, we will be judged. But as we saw earlier, Matthew 5:7 tells us if we are merciful, then God will show us mercy. I don’t know about you, but I’d much prefer mercy.

Father God, thank you for your mercy. Thank you for extending your mercy to me when You should have been judged me. Forgive me for those times I have judged others rather than extending mercy. Help me to always have mercy. AMEN

MARANATHA!!


© December, 2009

THE GIFT OF HIS LOVE

Jeremiah 31:3: “…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son; that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

What an amazing gift! To think that Almighty God loved me and you so much that He sent His son to be born of a virgin, in the lowliest, most humble place possible – a stable, with a manger as His bed – is mind-boggling. Then God caused Him who knew no sin to become sin for us and to pay the ultimate price for us so that when we die, if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will leave our temporary home here on earth to live eternally in heaven with God and all the saints. It almost leaves me speechless.

Over the years, I have heard many people say “I’m sure he died for your sins, but not mine.” Or “I’m not good enough.” Or “I just don’t believe he died for me.” Or some other unbelieving remark. The Bible says that “God is no respecter of persons.” In other words, if He did it for one person, He did it for all. If you had been the only living person on earth, He would have died for you.

What are some characteristics of God’s love?

• It shows no favorites. God loves us equally. He loves the sinner just as much as He loves the saint. He is no respecter of persons.

• It is unconditional. It is not based on who we are, what we do or achieve. It is not based on whether or not we deserve it. God’s love is based on the fact that He created us to be His daughters and sons. We never have to work to earn the right to be loved. No matter what we do or don’t do, say or don’t say, God loves us.

• It is boundless. There are no limitations, no constraints, no conditions that we must meet for God to love us. He loves us unreservedly. No ifs, ands, or buts. Period.

• It is extravagant. He pours out His love into our lives recklessly, extravagantly. Think of all the blessings He has given you. He did that because He loves you so. There have been times when He has saved you, or a loved one, from a catastrophe, even when you were not aware of it. God’s blessings, His protection in your life are because of His extravagant love.

If you, the reader, don’t get anything out of any blog that I write this Advent Season, please understand this: GOD LOVES YOU –unconditionally, boundlessly, extravagantly.

Abba Father, how can I thank you enough for your love for me? It does leave me speechless, but still I humbly say thank you. May I always be aware of your love surrounding me. I love you Abba Father. Amen.

MARANATHA!!

© December, 2009

The Gift of Compassion

I have always said I have compassion for others. But I must confess I have sometimes added “up to a point.” When I said that statement and those listening to me would look at me rather strangely, I would attempt to clarify my remark. “You know, we should only help a person so much and then they should “get out there and get a job.” In my arrogance, I would make this comment without knowing the full background of the person being helped.

I’m not making excuses, although it probably sounds like it, but I had become jaded. I was working as a Church Business Administrator (and still am) and part of my responsibilities was to speak with those who called or came by the church seeking financial assistance. I had seen everything – from a person living out of their dilapidated car to a person who arrived in a brand new Camero to pick up a check to assist in paying their rent.

Eventually, God got fed up with my arrogance and said to me, “Who do you think you are? You are guilty of judging these people. You do not know their circumstances, yet you presume to have compassion only ‘up to a point.’ I have unlimited compassion and if you desire to be more like Me, you must repent and allow My compassion to flow through you to others.”

Ouch. Needless to say, I was on my face, repenting and asking God to pour His compassion through me. He did forgive me and began to allow me to see others through His eyes. And what an eye-opener that was. We never know what is going on behind closed doors.

I also researched the compassion of Jesus and found that as in all situations, Jesus is no respecter of persons when it comes to compassion. Just a few references:

Mark 6:34: Compassion towards those in the multitude who were distressed and scattered abroad as sheep without a shepherd

Mark 8:2: Compassion on the multitude in general

Matthew 20:34: Compassion on the blind

Mark 9: 22, 25: Compassion on the demonized, the victims of the power of unclean spirits

Mark 1:40-41: Compassion on the leper

Luke 7:12-13: Compassion on the bereaved

There are many more scriptures but I’m sure you are beginning to see my point. He had compassion on all who needed it. He was not selective and his compassion did not go “up to a point” – it went all the way.

In this day and age, when there are so many people suffering financially, physically or emotionally, may God’s compassion flow through each of us.

Father God, help me to always see others through your eyes and to allow your compassion to flow through me out to them. Give me the words you would have me speak to these people to encourage them and edify them. In the name of Jesus, AMEN.

© Edwina E. Cowgill
December, 2009

THE GIFT OF TRUTH

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

In order to understand how truth sets us free, we must first look at how not knowing the truth keeps us bound.

What people perceive to be the truth is truth to them. Whether or not it’s really truth has nothing to do with what they believe. Their perception - about themselves, others, any situation – is truth to them. For example, when a woman looks in the mirror and tells herself, “You’re fat, you’re disgusting, no one can love you if you look like this,” that is truth to her, even if she weighs 100 pounds and is 5’ 6”. Because she believes what she says, it is truth to her.

Another example is the person who tells themselves that God doesn’t love him/her. “I know He loves others, but not me. I’ve done too many bad things for Him to love me.” Until this person comes to believe that God truly does love them, they will believe that He doesn’t love them and that will be their truth.

Where do we find the truth? The same place we find all of the answers to our questions and challenges. We find truth in the Bible. As we search the Scriptures, God reveals the truth in the answers we seek. When we pray and listen to God, He will speak to us, providing us with the answers we need. And as we sit in His presence, He will pour out His love into our hearts and lives, showing us how much He cares for us and how highly He thinks of us. God will also reveal Himself and His truth in the sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We “celebrate the Eucharist” or as some denominations call it “take communion.” Whatever your denomination calls it, it is a time of remembrance and reflection, and listening to God as He may speak to you during this time.

My prayer for each of you today is that “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!”




Father God, I ask in the name of Jesus that You reveal the truth to each one who is searching today. Whether they are searching for truth about themselves, others or a situation they find themselves in, I pray that You will reveal the truth to them. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

MARANATHA!

(c) December 2009

The Gift of Service

I Corinthians 12:4-5 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

Dictionary.com defines service as “an act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service.” Another definition listed is “the serving of God by obedience, piety, etc.: voluntary service.” If we combine these two definitions to develop a “spiritual” definition, it might look something like this: Serving God by obeying His command to serve others.

Matthew 35:25-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

As it says in I Corinthians 12, there are different kinds of service. Many people have been given the serving gift of hospitality. Not only can these people whip up a gourmet meal to take to someone who’s just gotten home from the hospital, they will also open their home for indefinite periods of time to host missionaries, evangelists and those who are displaced. When it comes to hospitality, unexpected guests for dinner, or guests who stay for months, do not rattle them. There is nothing related to hospitality this group of people can’t do. It is a special gift and calling with which God has blessed them.

There is also the serving gift of helps. By “helps” I mean helping in ways that those being helped cannot do. For example, repairs to items in the home, or the house itself, or car repairs. Some people help by running errands, driving those who can’t drive to the doctor or grocery store. The serving gift of helps is an extremely important one, especially to those in need.

Many people have the serving gift of visitation. Most people probably don’t look at visitation as a gift. Have you ever known anyone who is comfortable in any situation? They can go into a stranger’s home and immediately put everyone at ease. They can visit those that mourn and know exactly what to say to bring comfort to the mourner. They can call on those in the hospital and bring cheer by their very presence. That is the serving gift of visitation.

I don’t know if counseling would be considered a gift of service. But I do love to counsel people. More often than not, I get as much or more out of counseling sessions than they do! I am blessed by seeing God work in their lives as He helps them discover areas in their lives they need to surrender to Him, as He heals them of emotional wounds they have carried far too long. Counseling is not easy. There are times when I wonder whatever possessed me to get a degree in counseling and begin counseling people. God always reminds me it is up to Him – not me – to reveal to them what He wants them to know and to heal them. God never fails. He always shows up and ministers to the person, in spite of me. It is an awesome thing to see and I am forever grateful to God for these opportunities to watch Him work in other peoples’ lives.

(c) December 2009

The Gift of Administration

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Years ago, I wondered why God created the gift of administration. I considered it one of the “lesser” gifts – not that there is such a thing. I asked God one day why He created the gift of administration and He quickly showed me that He is a God of Order. When He created the world and all that is within, He did it in an orderly fashion. On the first day, He created light and dark. On the second day, He created the sky, separating the water from the sky. On the third day, He created the land. He didn’t create light one day and go back three or four days later and create dark. There was organization and order to what He did. Okay – I got it – and once I got it, He showed me that what I had assumed I had learned over the years of being in the administration field, wasn’t the case at all. He had given me the gift of administration. To the extreme. I write that, not to brag at all, but to say that I can drive people nuts (and have done so) because I am so organized. I make lists for everything. I sometimes jokingly say I need a list of the current running lists I have!

This gift has been and is truly a blessing. It has opened doors for promotion in my career that I probably would not have gotten without this gift. It has saved my job countless times as various bosses run out the door, yelling, “where’s the…..” and I find the requested item and hand it to him/her before apoplexy starts. And the gift has helped keep me on track personally. Just don’t come to my house and look in my closets – the gift of administration stops at all my closet doors and refuses to go in!! :)

How has the gift of administration helped me spiritually? I have served in numerous volunteer positions in churches over the years and I have used this gift in many of those positions, especially in teaching and in committee work.

I have served as a Church Business Administrator for over fourteen years at two different churches. Many people do not want to think of the church as a “business” and I totally agree with their viewpoint. A church is a ministry, but there is a business aspect to it. After all, if there is not someone to make sure the power bill gets paid, the ministry will cease to function very quickly. But the gift is also used in other aspects of the church office. Countless numbers of times I have been used to talk to people who are in need of encouragement, who need prayer, who need someone to listen. I have been humbled and honored to be the one to talk and pray with them. How does administration play into that? It allows me to adjust my schedule to help these people, which is what I love to do.

I am also a Christian counselor and have had the opportunity to counsel a number of people on being organized and time management. If a person’s lack of organization prevents them, for whatever reason, from doing what God has called them to do, then that is an aspect of their life that they should work on improving so they can do the things God has for them to do.

So the gift I thought of as a “lesser” gift has and continues to play an important role in my life. I love every aspect of administration and I am grateful to God for blessing me with this gift.

Father God, Your gifts are beyond measure! How awesome it is that You know the very gifts we need and You bestow those gifts upon us! Thank you Father. May we never take any gift for granted, but use them to bring You honor and glory! AMEN!!

MARANATHA!!

(c) December 2009

THE GIFT OF HIS PURPOSE

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you…plans to give you hope and a future.”

You have a purpose in life. God did not plop you down on earth and forget about you. He knew you when you were still “in your mother’s womb” (Ps. 139:13) and He had a purpose for your life even then (Ps. 139:16). It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, God has a purpose for you.

Mordecai told Esther in Esther 4:14 that she had been “brought to the kingdom for such a time as this.” I daresay the same statement applies to each one of us. You have been placed here for “such a time as this.”

If you know the purpose God has for you, listen to Him. He will tell you when it’s time to implement that purpose.

If you don’t know the purpose God has for you, ask Him. And listen. He will tell you His purpose for you.

Dear Father, Thank you for showing me the purpose You have for me. Thank you for leading and guiding me to fulfill that purpose. I pray for those who are reading this today who may not know their purpose. I ask that You show them the plans and purposes you have for them. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen.

(c) December 2009

The Gift of His Peace

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27 NKJV)

The gift I unwrapped this morning is the gift of peace. What a wonderful gift! Who among us can’t use more peace in these days of uncertainty?

The type of peace Jesus is speaking of in the verse above is not a “surface” peace where everything looks great on the outside but on the inside we are a complete wreck. No, this peace takes root in our heart and flows to every aspect of our life – emotional, spiritual, physical. No matter what happens, God’s peace – because that is what it truly is – never leaves you. It is a peace the natural mind cannot comprehend. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7 NKJV)

How do we obtain His peace? By trusting Him with all of our life, realizing He knows what is best for us. Let go of that situation(s) that concerns you and trust God to deal with it. He knows far better than we do what is best for each individual situation.

Abba Father, Help me to trust You with all of my life. I give you those situations that concern me this morning and I ask that You give me peace. Thank you that You stand ready to help when I ask and You are faithful to complete those things that concern me. I love you Father. Amen.

(c) December 2009

The Gift of His Passion

Passion: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
PASSION means intense emotion, compelling action. PASSION applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

God is a God of passion. We can see His passion in nature as we behold a sunrise on an early spring morning, the colors in a field of wild flowers, the multitude of stars we can see on a clear night.

The most obvious example of God’s passion for us is shown when He gave His only Son to die on the cross for us. Can you imagine His pain? His anguish? The tears He shed? To watch His son die and turn His back on Him so that we might have eternal life?

If Christ is living in us, we have that same passion. Not that God is asking us to give our son so that the world might be saved, but to apply His passion that is in us to everything we do and say.

“How can I do that?” I can hear some of you asking. “How can I apply His passion when I hate my _______?” (You fill in the blank) Suppose you filled in the blank with “job.” The Bible says everything we do, should be done as unto the Lord. When you do your job as unto the Lord, it is easy to have passion for that job…or marriage…or life.

Father God, thank you for the gift of passion. May everything I do and say be filled with Your passion that resides in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(c) December 2009

The Gift of Prayer

I consider prayer a gift from God. Some people consider it a privilege and I can see where they might get that idea. It is a privilege and honor to come into the presence of the Almighty God and talk with Him. Some people consider it an obligation. There have been times in the past when I was not where I should be spiritually, that I’ve considered it an obligation as well. But truly, it is a gift. One that we do not take advantage of – or at least I don’t – often enough.

Prayer is a gift because it allows us to come into the presence of God and communicate with Him. Prayer allows me to share my innermost thoughts, desires, and needs. But it is much more than that.

The Gifts inside of the Gift

Have you ever received a Christmas gift and opened it to find another wrapped box inside? You open that box only to find another wrapped box. You continue to do this until you get to the smallest box and there is the actual gift. I find prayer to be like this.

These “gifts within the gift” are best illustrated through what we know as The Lord’s Prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He gave them this prayer as a guide:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Inside this gift of prayer, we find the gift of praise and adoration. God has done so much for me I cannot help but thank Him when I pray. In The Lord’s Prayer, “hallowed” means sacred, holy, revered.

Forgiveness is a gift found through prayer. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

A third gift of prayer is praying for our needs and the needs of others. “Give us this day our daily bread.”

In the coming days of Advent, I will be writing more about these “gifts within the gift.” But for today, I am thankful for the gift of prayer. There is nothing more enjoyable than spending quiet time with God, communing with Him through prayer.

(c) December 2009