Prayer Journal
Friday, September 15, 2000
I don't know about you, but I enjoy opening presents. When someone takes the time to consider what I need, purchase it, wrap it and deliver it, that means a lot. Some gifts are expensive and some are handmade which require an investment of the giver's time. Some gifts are simply a verbal or written word of encouragement that is received unexpectedly.
I know what you're thinking. I'm thinking it too! There are times when I am purchasing a gift that I don't have a loving attitude but feelings of obligation. It's human nature. If you don't think so, what went through your mind the last time a person gave you a Christmas gift and you didn't have one for them? Go ahead - you can be honest. If you're like me, you wanted to "repay" their kindness with a gift - but it was not love that motivated you, it was obligation or guilt.
You may have never considered this, but every child of God is a gift especially prepared for Jesus by the Father. Sure, our outer wrapping is different, but listen to what the "gift" giver put inside:
"Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come." 2 Cor 5:5
Can you imagine the day we get to heaven? Jesus has been preparing a special place for us. How incredible is that? On the day of our arrival He receives us into our new eternal home.
Now, because the Holy Spirit is in me, not only is it my homecoming, but in a way it is also homecoming for the Holy Spirit, who lives in me. He has been faithfully working in me each and every day since I received Him. And, while I can't begin to describe what I have yet to see, I can only imagine the excitement of that reunion. Just Dreamin'.. WebServant
"Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face, and the luster of His kindly beaming eye; How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace that prepared for me a mansion in the sky. I shall know Him, I shall know Him. And redeemed by His side I shall stand. I shall know Him, I shall know Him by the print of the nails in His hand."
(1) My Savior First of All; Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Music by John R. Sweney
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
