Giving the Ultimate Gift - Ephesians 2:1-10

 

 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8

 

Gifts.

We all love them.

Giving them. Getting them.

 

And at this time of year, we can become consumed with what is on our shopping lists or what is on our wish lists.

 

How different would the Christmas season if our focus shifted - even just a little - away from what to buy to what to give?

 

Most of us don't need the latest gadget, do-hinky, or whats-it.

But ALL of us need the ultimate gift:

Jesus.

 

We all need the love and forgiveness Jesus provides.

 

The grace of Jesus is something that cannot be bought.

It cannot be earned.

 

It can only be given or received.

 

Grace is the ultimate gift of an Ultimate God.

 

Over 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus to earth so that we - you and I - would have the tremendous opportunity of receiving His grace in the 21st century. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

 

So as you are making out your gift lists, take a moment and ask yourself:

Who needs the greatest gift of hearing about Jesus from me?

and/or

Who can I ask about God's gift of grace for me?

 

The gifts that matter and can change a life generally don't come wrapped in shiny paper with a bow.

 

They are given in love.

 

Won't you give the ultimate gift this Christmas?

 

Through that gift ALL things are possible.

 

Scripture

Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Quote

What is bought is cheaper than a gift. 

~Portuguese Proverb

 

 

 

Same as above, who do you know who needs to learn about Jesus?

 

 

 

 

God's Handiwork

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10

You are God's handiwork.

God created you for a specific purpose and goal in life. He chose you when He formed you to be you.

When we do "good things" we should act as an outgrowth of the grace by which we were saved. Good works are not a means to an end. They do not translate to salvation. Rather, good works are a reflection of the calling God has on each of our lives. He called us to Him through the reconcilliation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and in each of us He laid a plan before us to work on His behalf.

At times in our lives, we can feel as if we have zero direction. The feeling of lack of direction often translates into a sense of unworthiness, which can cause us to question if we are "good enough". These feelings leave us empty and bobbing up and down in place like a bouie in the ocean that marks a depth in the sea but has no forward motion and is "stuck" in the same place.

You do not have to be stuck in life, because God has prepared a plan just for you. You were not created as an afterthought and you are not a bouie in the ocean bobbing up and down with no forward direction or goal. You were created for a specific purpose God wants you to fulfill. You may not see your purpose at the moment, but you can be comforted that He will reveal His preparations and plans for you as you are ready for them.

You are God's handiwork. You are special and unique. You have purpose in this life. The path He created for you is as unique as you are.

Won't you unhook yourself from the spot you find yourself in and ask God to reveal to you the next step of your journey?

Scripture

Ephesians 2:1-10

Quote of the Day

Every calling is great, when greatly pursued.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Question of the Day

What do you think God has called you to do - today?