Gabriel, my 9 year old nephew, has the most generous heart
of love. Since the age of 3, he
has always prepared a gift box to present to me when I come for a visit. He starts collecting treasures
beginning about 3 weeks prior to my arrival. The box is decorated and brimming with all kinds of
“favorite things”. A handmade
bracelet of strung beads, an ice cream stick snowflake with sparkly sprinkles,
a crayon colored Bible verse, a heart on a chain, a picture of him and his
brother Isaac, and a drawing of me.
I have saved every one of the precious boxes. He was looking forward to my arrival with loving
anticipation.
This precious child’s act of love makes me wonder, What am I collecting in the gift box of my
life to give Jesus when He arrives?
People? Who have I told about Jesus? Who have I invited to church or to
Bible Study? The hungry? Who have I fed lately? Widows and orphans? What lonely
widowed friend have I spent time with lately? What organization that provides
care for orphans have I donated any money to lately? Ministers of the Gospel?
What encouragement have I given those working in ministry for the gospel? What missionary do I support with
funds, prayers, and letters. The
sick? When did I last deliver a meal to an ill neighbor? When did I last make
that loving phone call or visit to just check on or cheer up anyone. Future
generations in my family? When did I last talk about Jesus to our little ones
and teenagers? Gratitude and worship? When did I last spend time with my Lord
and Savior in pure worship and thanksgiving?
James 3:17 reads, But the wisdom that comes from heaven is
first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy,
and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Jesus speaks in
Matthew 26:37-40, “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.”
What are you putting in the “gift box” of your life today?
Lord, when You come
for me I want to have the gift box of my life chock-full of gifts that I know
You will love. Use me to be Your
hands, words, or heart in the life of someone today.
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