Squatted on his knees on the floor, the little lad tore off the wrapping,
then picked up the truck, and went to a cupboard where old toys were kept.
He loaded into his truck wee plastic cows and horses.
He was so gratified with his gift, that for the rest of the day, he parted with
it only at mealtime. It was in his hands when he went upstairs to bed.
His grandparents, who are my brother and sister-in-law,
watched with pleasure. They had chosen "the perfect gift."
Like the loving grandparents, our heavenly Father offers us the perfect gift.
In Matthew's gospel we read that Jesus said, "If you then, who are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13 ESV)!
God offers us his own Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s very best gift for us.
Yet we, unlike the three-year-old, sometimes fear to receive what we can have.
Why? Should we be afraid?
Can it be that we sometimes fear because we by-pass the fact that, even though
we are not perfect, God loves us perfectly and wants the best for us?
Yet, when we remember God’s perfect love, we can, with utmost assurance,
accept--or even ask for--his perfect gift, his Spirit, the same Spirit who is
also the Spirit of his Son, Jesus.
Then, having God's Spirit, we can expansively enjoy God’s whole kingdom with all
its amenities!
"Fear not, little flock," said Jesus, "for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your perfect gift, your Spirit, the Spirit of
your loving Son, Jesus, the Spirit who keeps adding for us one gift upon another
in divine relationship in your kingdom. Please enable us to share the pleasure,
in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.