All in Gifts

Cheerfully Giving God’s Bounty

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Gifts, Sins, Peacemakers , Finding God, Separate, Giving

When we give, whether it be tithes, gifts, or to sustain another, the act of giving in love increases the worth of what we have given. On the other hand, when we receive a gift from someone, we shouldn’t revel in what it has done in our lives, but for the fruit it produces in the life of the giver. In this way, we might help someone in need, or benefit the church with our offering, but the real value comes in how it increases our own faith, and the spiritual warmth we realize from this simple act, because we are giving God’s bounty… not ours.

Wealthy or Poor; How should we Give of our Gifts?

Richard Forbes
Daily Devotion, Gifts, Christian, Blessings, Giving

Has God provided you with ample wealth and provision? Do you lack for nothing, and thank Him for it each day? Do you go about your work, and ask Him to bless you even more? Well this is good, and some will prosper in this world, but if you look in the shadow that you cast there are many who are in need, and want for the very basic necessities of life... what have you done for them? What is the will of God for you, and how do you manage the wealth He has entrusted you with?

The Long Rope of Salvation, and the Gifts of the Spirit within Us

Richard Forbes
Salvation, Christian, Daily Devotion, Holy Spirit, Gifts

When someone is baptized, and the Holy Spirit comes over them, three things occur within them. They are given gifts, a calling(s), and they will begin to behave in a new and wonderful way. Gifts, service, and activities, these identify them, and set them apart, on a course that God has willed for them even before their feet became wet in the waters of baptism, or they took their first breath as a child of God.

PAID IN FULL... We can’t Cover the Cost of our Admission!

Richard Forbes
Christian, Works, Gifts, Daily Devotion

We can’t earn our salvation by doing good works, and yet we are saved, and as a result of that salvation we are meant to do good works. This sounds rather confusing doesn’t it? Well on the surface it may appear so, but it is really quite simple. Our admission to eternity is a gift, but once we receive it there will be good things for us to do... not because we must, but as a result of our conversion, and the desire that love instills in us.

Giving Good Gifts - A Parable

Richard Forbes
Gifts, Giving, Trust, God, Parable, Christian, Father, Daily Devotion

How do you behave at home? I am not talking simply about your physical home on earth, but your spiritual home in heaven. We concentrate a great deal on what a good Father God is, but what kind of daughter or son are you? Do you love Him with all your heart? Do you serve Him and do His will? Do you honor Him, or do you expect Him to honor your prayers and requests without reciprocation? Do you feel that He is obligated to provide all your desires while you do nothing? Are you a spoiled child?

Subtle the Spirit, Various the Manifestation of Gifts

Richard Forbes
Christian, Spiritual Gifts, Gifts, Daily Devotion, Holy Spirit

There are those today that are filled with the Holy Spirit and don’t realize it because they don’t know the Holy Spirit from any other part of their faith. If he had come to them with a jolt like he did to the apostles, and licked above them with fingers of flame, and filled them with tongues, then there would be no doubt, but for many he comes gently with joy and comfort. To those who receive him in this way, it is so subtle that they have a hard time realizing he is with them for they can’t separate him from the basic movements of their faith until one day they are awakened joyfully to the reality of his presence within them.

Is your belief in Miracles a Miracle?

Richard Forbes
Faith, Miracles, Christian, Gifts, Belief, Daily Devotion

Can we perform miracles today? I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that question asked, but by merely posing the question we are pointing to the reason why so many ask it in the first place... faith, or the lack thereof. Have you reconciled yourself to the fact that miracles were a thing of the past, or do you grasp hold of this gift and see them performed today?

Holy Spirit - The Purveyor of God’s Gifts in Us to Himself

Richard Forbes
Daily Devotion, Holy Spirit, Gifts, Christian

You have professed your faith in God, and accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, but now you are asking yourself... “what is the Holy Spirit, will I receive it, and how will I know when I do?” Let’s explore the breath of Jesus and the Spirit He breathes onto us. Let’s ask our Lord to give us His comforter, and teacher to be with us as we journey, and to provided us through His Spirit those things we need along the way.

Little Gifts, and Heavenly Treasures

Richard Forbes
Gifts, Thanksgiving, Daily Devotion, Christian, Blessings

As you look about you today, what are your distractions from faith, and what are those things that bless you as you seek out the Lord? When you begin your prayers this morning what will you thank God for, and what will you ask Him to help you overcome? Sometimes we find that it is the little things in life that bless us most... and it is the little things that trip up our faith.