Abundance

We had our belated Christmas party last night at Bible study. There was food, study, debate and a gift exchange. What was interesting about the gift exchange is that we brought items from home that we had an abundance of. At the end of the study, we sorted out the gifts and decided to open them at home. It was exciting to bundle mysterious packages into my car that night.

When I arrived home, I brought the gifts inside. My husband was a bit suspicious at first...he thought maybe I got waylaid at the mall instead of going to my Bible study!

I started opening gifts and what a treasure each one was. I could hear that still, small voice whisper to me what each gift meant.

My gift was a Christmas CD to each sister. I hope they heard God say to them, "...sing to the Lord a new song..."

A glasses case--to protect my glasses and removable sunglass attachments. "...protect your sight my child, make sure it's clear so you see what I see!"

A kneeling angel statue. "...remember the Holy Spirit is praying for you at all times my dear, even when you forget."

A mixing bowl with tea and chocolate candy nestled inside, with a bar of homemade soap. "...dear daughter, take time to confess your sins--wash daily--so your life will be sweet."

A magnetized shopping list pad with magnets with the scripture from Isaiah 65:18, "Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create." (the scripture was loud and clear)

A beautiful hand painted rock. "...do not throw stones, hang on to them and make an altar to Me instead."

Two books, one a daily devotional for fruitful living, the other "A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God". "...my child, it's time to move forward and discover all that I am."

All of these are precious to me, because my sisters gave out of their abundance. They are growing and discovering God in so many different ways and as they do, they reflect His attributes.

What an amazing time with my sisters. What amazing sisters.

Beloved, do not forget that as you give from your abundance, you become the gift in Christ to another. You would be amazed at how God speaks through your generosity.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
James 1:17-18