Gifts from God ~ Hope and Jesus' Love

What should be our hope on this Christmas Day as we celebrate God’s demonstration of love for us through Christ Jesus? The Gospel hymn makes it clear: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

God never forgets you regardless of your need for hope and recovery. His love is constant, so your hope comes from God as Jeremiah 29: 12-13 promises. “You will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” HOPE through the LOVE of CHRIST JESUS is God’s gift to you , so God bless you on this Christmas day!  

Redemption: Becoming a Giver

Jacob's covenant with the Lord God began the process of his redemption, changing him into a person with a godly conscience. It started him on a journey in life where he would learn what it means to be a giver rather than a taker. His redemption was a crucial first step in preparing him for significant future relationships.  

          Being a grabber is a big obstacle to overcome. The grabber is driven by a selfish need to possess, without regard for the rights and feelings of others. A grabber extracts from his victims with charm and what appears to be concern for others. You might initially feel OK that this deceiver has taken your prized possession. 

          If this appears to be an extreme characterization, remember - a deceiver’s life is basically empty and in need of redemption. For Jacob, redemption meant building a conscience centered around God's love and acceptance. God’s gift of Rachel, who became the love of his life, helped Jacob to transform into a giver. God’s love is the source for needed change.  

Rich Rewards from the Golden Rule - Part 3

Why should anyone take the Golden Rule seriously? The Golden Rule negates selfishness, but moreover it saves a person from himself. "Do unto others" means extending yourself to others.  It means giving yourself to others, not only giving, but giving with the right attitude.

In his book, Thanks Be unto God, Robert Rodenmayer offers three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving. “Grudge giving says, ‘I hate to;’ duty giving says, ‘I ought to;’ thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’ Grudge giving comes with restraint, duty giving says I’m obligated, thanksgiving is done with a heart of gratitude and opens the gate to God’s love."

Link "do unto others" as giving with thanksgiving because it pleases God. It expresses gratitude for the blessings God has extended to you. It creates feelings of goodness in your heart and soul. You’re richer because it's collects treasures kept safe in heaven by God for you. It's an alternative to rage, stress, and the cares of life.