Category Archives: Giving or Getting

Christmas Fortnight Day 10 A Word from THE WORD! #422

21 Sunday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Approved Unto God, Baby in the manger, Be not conformed to this world, Gifts of the Spirit., Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Glitz, Glory To God, God's Ability for our Inability!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth

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Christmas Fortnight Day 10   A Word from THE WORD! #422

Here we are –only a few days until Christmas Day.  A question.  Which do you enjoy most, giving or receiving gifts?  Of course we all love to receive gifts, it’s nice to know that someone cares about us enough to give a gift.  But when I give, why do I give?  To receive, to be noticed, obligation??

I think the key is to remember the GREATEST GIFT!!

John 3:16 reminds us,

“For God so loved the world,

that HE GAVE

HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

that whosoever believeth in HIM

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”

God loved us and gave HIS SON to die for us.  What do we give?  Some of us choose and give the perfect gift for each person according to their needs or likes.  Others of us buy a dozen of some great bargain and give one to each person on our list.  Now each style of giving has it’s positives and negatives.  But what is important?  Money, self, time?

1 Peter 4:9-10 says,

“Use hospitality

one to another

without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same

one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God...”

This refers to spiritual gifts, but I think we can learn a lot about giving here.

We are to be hospitable-‘friendly & welcoming to strangers and friends’.

We are to give as we have received,

“For unto whomsoever much is given,

of him shall be much required….” (Lk 12:48b).

In a word—YOURself.   God gave Jesus–I can give ME!!

Don’t get caught up in “price” or “vogue”.  Is there someone who’d love to hear your voice, spend time with YOU, have your help for a difficult task?   Maybe just a visit from YOU?

Think about it!! Is there someone on your list who just needs YOUR time?  Is there someone you need to call today?  Is there someone who needs a token of your LOVE?

Stop!!  Think!!  Listen to your heart!! 

Then just DO IT!

 As Jesus Himself said to us before He went to the cross, so may we live for HIM!

“Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:13

And Paul said it better than I.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Christmas Fortnight Day 6 A Word from THE WORD! #418

17 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, GET READY, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Gospel, Grace, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails

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Christmas Fortnight Day 6 A Word from THE WORD! #418

We’ve looked at lights and ornaments, today let’s look at money.  Well, not exactly ‘money’ but ‘accounting’.  Most of us think of money when we think of accounting but God may have something different to say. Christmas has become very commercial; there is no doubt but that’s not my focus.  We all have a debt to pay, regardless of what we spend at Christmas.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:21

The sinless Lamb of God came to pay my sin debt so I could be ‘accounted’ righteous before God.  As someone said, “He paid a debt he didn’t owe, I owed a debt I couldn’t pay...”   Praise God for that precious sinless babe—He came to pay MY sin debt.

“For the WAGES of sin

is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord”, Romans 6:23

James also reminds us that Jesus’ death offers you and me the opportunity to receive the righteousness of God through faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him

for righteousness:

and he was called the Friend of God.”  James 2:23

Abraham like you and I, had a sin debt, and God exercised an accounting transaction for him by faith in the coming Messiah—the One who would pay for sin of all who will believe—by grace through faith (See Ephesians 2:8-10). Imputed means ‘to credit to an account’, God imputed righteousness to Abraham by faith in this coming Messiah and we are saved the same way.  We are made righteous by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, our Messiah as payment for sinners like me!  We sinners can receive the ‘gift’ of salvation to PAY for our sin, all through this baby born to die for sin—yours and mine.

Well, that ought to give us something to celebrate at Christmas time and all year long.  Like I tell people, ‘I love Christmas, because I love Jesus’, and if I belong to Jesus then I can—no I should—celebrate Jesus/Christmas all year long.  I have received a credit to my account, and I need to share it!!!

How?  By letting that ‘light’ we talked about shine through me.  By being an ‘ornament’ of grace that spreads His love and kindness to all those in my path–

At the gas station—

At the bank—

At the grocery store—

In the checkout line—

At church (even there!)–

Everywhere and

all the time

being “God so loved the world that HE gave”

to all.

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16.

Amen and Amen!!!

What Gift Will You Give??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

05 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Love, Love Is Action

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What Gift Will You Give???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea

in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east

to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he

that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star in the east,

and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things,

he was troubled,

and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests

and scribes of the people together,

he demanded of them

where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him,

In Bethlehem of Judaea:

for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda,

art not the least

among the princes of Juda:

for out of thee shall come a Governor,

that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called

the wise men,

enquired of them diligently

what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,

Go and search diligently for the young child;

and when ye have found him,

bring me word again,

that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king,

they departed; and, lo, the star,

which they saw in the east,

went before them,

till it came and stood over

where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts;

gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream

that they should not return to Herod,

they departed into their own country

another way.”   Matthew 2:1-12

Something you may have never considered is what I call us to consider in this scenario—these men (and we don’t know how many there were, but most deduce that since there were three gifts there were possibly three men…) had seen a star, an unusual astronomical sign and they were overwhelmed to see it, and they also were familiar enough with Jewish scripture that they knew a King, a Messiah had been promised by God, so they made this incredible journey to find this King to worship Him—I believe they were seeking the Redeemer.  So they proceeded to the capital of Judah, Jerusalem, to find this King—where else would you seek a King but in a palace.  Not so in this case.  Of course the reigning King, Herod, was a wicked man but feigned interest in the child, to know where he was (and of course tried to kill him later) to join them in worship!  NOT!  But that’s not what I want to consider.

As you read the narrative, Herod called for the religious leaders, who should know where Israel’s Messiah would be born, and as they knew the scripture (even if they didn’t know the author) who gave Herod the information he requested.  Then in his deceptive designs, he sent these visitors to find the child and then “let me know”!  This is where I want us to focus; these men had just advised the king and the religious leaders that there was a newborn King of the Jews (whom you would think to be anxious to seek and honor their promised Messiah/King!); yet not one person from Jerusalem went with these men.  No stir over this newborn King at all!  Not one soul went to seek and worship Him except these strangers!  Are we any different today!

I celebrate Christmas because I love Jesus!  The question I have for us today is do I seek Him?  Am I bringing Him gifts?  I spend time, money and effort on gifts for others, but what have I done for Jesus, what gift have I considered, thought about and purchased for my King—the redeemer of my soul?  What will I do for Jesus this “Christmas” season?  There are so many opportunities to share in HIS name—giving to missions, sharing food for the hungry, giving to organizations that feed and clothe the down-trodden, or perhaps serving at a soup kitchen!

In essence, what gift have I brought to Jesus?  Or will I be like those in Jerusalem, and hear about Him, know He’s arrived, see the needs, and do nothing, go nowhere to worship Him, or just write it off to “I don’t have time for this!”!  Just asking?  God blesses us continuously, what will we do for Him when we have the opportunity.  I encourage you to find out what you can do for this One we claim to love and adore!  Worship isn’t just a word, or an abstract ideal, it’s the giving of ourselves to someone or something in total devotion.  What are you devoted to?  One easy was to find out is to examine your checkbook—not being nosy, just saying what you love, you’ll spend money on; be it self or others.  You get to choose.  But choose wisely, there is a test!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

and before honour is humility.”  Proverbs 18:10-12

Amen and Amen!!!

Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

31 Friday May 2024

Posted by in A Witness--Good or Bad???, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Kindness, Kindness has no expiration date., Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?

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Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Following up on our post about friendship last time, I want to just take a few minutes to issue a challenge to each of us.  I’ll share some scripture and ask each of you to do some kindness for a friend today.  It doesn’t have to cost money, it could be a phone call, a card, visit next door, go see a friend in confined circumstances (be that an assisted living facility, a nursing home, a jail, or any other facility that allows visitors), or cut a flower from your garden (or even veggies will do, who doesn’t like fresh veggies from the garden).

I’ll share a story, not bragging, I just want you to know that we often don’t know the effects of our kindnesses.  We had a neighbor who had a gentleman in a wheel chair living with them. I’d always wave and speak when he was outside on the porch, and one day he was outside, and I was working on my prized roses, and I felt the Spirit prompting me to take him a rose, so I clipped a pretty one, wrapped it in moist towel and went next door.  I have to tell you that man almost cried as he told me, “That’s the first flower I’ve received since my wife died!”   Well, friends I have to tell you that impacted me as much or more than it did him.  Oh, may we listen and heed the promptings of The Spirit no matter how seemingly insignificant to us.   So, make that call, send that card, take that flower—God can bless someone through you in ways that we can’t comprehend.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,

that the soul of Jonathan

was knit with the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him as his own soul…

… 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant,

because he loved him as his own soul.”  1 Sam. 18:1&3

Amen and Amen!!!

Gratitude Spills Over??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #154

13 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Blessed by God, By His Grace, Confidence, Don't Wait, Faithful Follower, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, Good Neighbor, Good Stewards, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Living Right, Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem

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Gratitude Spills Over??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #154

For the rest of this month (unless I change my mind!!) I want us to focus on God’s goodness and our attitudes; for sometimes we just take God’s goodness for granted and forget to thank HIM or share HIS goodness with others, Paul says it better than I could.

“Let him that stole

steal no more:

 but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication    

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:28-29

 Paul calls believers to live and behave like believers—those who “were” thieves were called to (in Blanche’s paraphrase) “get a job and work diligently to provide for one’s self and have to give to those in need”!  Our actions and our words have an effect on those around us—especially those ‘little people’ who follow us around and learn from our behavior and actions way more than they learn from just our words!  Are we teaching our children and grandchildren about gratitude—about sharing what we have—about looking to Jesus instead of the world—about giving more than receiving?  The truth is that we are teaching them every day, whether we are paying attention or not!  Paul’s admonition to live holy, faithfully, and generously is a call to each of us!  It compels us to hear and obey the call of Jesus to “do unto others” as we desire to be treated.  Small words but a giant obligation to reject the “ME” mentality of the world and share the “others first” love of Jesus!

“Jesus said unto him,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it,

Thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself.”  Matthew 22:37-39

When the “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…” (See Romans 5:1-11) it ought to spill over on all around us!  An outflowing of the gratitude that we feel for the “gift of God” (Romans 6:23) which is eternal life in JESUS!  Are you shining for Jesus or hoarding everything to yourself?

Paul shares more in his letter to the Colossian believers; may we willingly and gladly heed God’s Word to our hearts?

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

May we truly be fountains of blessing to those around us, taking every opportunity to share not only Jesus, but the material resources that HE has blessed us with to those around us in need, as God leads?  We are to be wise and generous stewards of God’s blessings, not greedy, selfish Scrooges!  How will God assess our gratitude quotient?  Let’s be one of the ‘overly generous’ ones, not the selfish ones!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able

to make all grace abound toward you;

that ye,

always having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written,

He hath dispersed abroad;

he hath given to the poor:

his righteousness remaineth for ever.”                              2 Corinthians 9:6-9

May we be known for our gracious, grateful, and generous spirit.

Amen and Amen!!!