Do you wonder what you
have worth offering the Savior?
Bronlynn encourages.
“. . .Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
In the Christmas movie, “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947), the bishop asked what gift we will we give to Jesus, because we remember everyone else but can forget about giving to the One whose birthday we are celebrating.
Because of health problems, I sometimes feel I have no gift. I can’t help out with preparing meals, providing transportation, or decorating, setting up, and cleaning up for church events. There are places I would like to volunteer but can’t because of sitting and standing issues.
In the LifeGuide Bible study, The Cross, by John Stott, I came across a great list of Scriptural gifts which are not based on physical health.
Our bodies (Romans 12:1)
Praise, worship, and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15)
Prayer (Revelation 5:8)
A broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17)
Faith (Philippians 2:17)
Gifts and good deeds (Hebrews 13:16)
Our lives even unto death (2 Timothy 4:6)
We can offer our bodies to Jesus through godly actions, speech, and thoughts. We can bring praise and worship through sickness and health, even when alone or housebound.
We can pray for family members and others who are suffering, along with countless other situations and groups who need prayer. When discouraged, discontent, or angry about our problems, we can acknowledge our weaknesses and ask for forgiveness.
We can use our challenges to increase our faith and share these lessons with others. If we are financially able, we can support Christian organizations and our local church, and we can impact our doctors, family members, and friends through our testimony of God’s faithfulness.
And if our sickness or pain leads to death, we can let our faith shine until the end comes.
Our gifts may not as be visible as others’, but they are ones which God has specifically asked for, and we can continue to give them throughout the coming year.
Happy Birthday Jesus–I think You will like Your gifts.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, what can I give You, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man I would do my part; yet what I can I give You–my heart, and body, and mind, today, and every day (adapted from the hymn “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” by Christina Rossetti). Amen.
About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in North Carolina and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband, three daughters, and their husbands. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, eye pain, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
From the gifts listed above, is there one in particular that you can give to Jesus in some new way this Christmas?
This is Jodian Pantry singing “What Can I give Him.” It is a beautiful video that I think will touch you and it reminds me that we are not alone in wondering what we have to offer God. How people all over the world must wonder this! How awesome Is His loving mercy and grace! -Lisa
It’s hard when we have the desire but don’t always have the energy or ability to give our time to others, but this is a wonderful thought to think, “What can I give HIM?” When we can give our all to Him, limitations are easier to bear. Thank you, Bronlynn! I love the song, too!
Trudy,
I’m glad God spoke to you through today’s devotional. Knowing we still have gifts to give and are of great worth and value to God makes all the difference in the way we see ourselves.
Blessings,
Bronlynn
I wanted tolet you know that I appreciate the emails I get from you…..They are part of my daily devotionals 🙂 I could not see the video for today (12/9/2014). I looked up Jodian Pantry and didn’t find a video by the title you gave but found one by Jodian Pantry called “I’ll Give My Heart” Is it the same one you were posting? It is a very beautiful song 🙂
In His Love,
Leila
Leila,
I’m glad you are enjoying the devotionals. Rest Ministries is such a great ministry and support to so many. I don’t know anything about the video or song – Lisa handled all that – so you may want to direct your questions to her.
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Bronlynn, thanks for sharing this perspective on those gifts we are still able to give, not matter our physical limitations.
“Happy Birthday Jesus–I think You will like Your gifts” – so true!
Blessings,
Fiona 🙂
Thanks Fiona! Thinking of you and praying for you!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
I am encouraged by the list of the good we can do while dealing with chronic illness. I am learning about my new assignment as a Prayer Warrior and finding out the LORD has provided all of the power/weapons I need to go to battle in prayer…anytime, anywhere for anyone!!!
Cathy,
Yes, prayer is something we can do in pretty much any condition. Even though my mind tends to wander, I still keep at it and focus as I can. I know many times it’s peoples’ prayers that keep me going.
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Thank you for these thoughts, especially the reference to the poem and hymn. A good thought indeed and Bless you for writing it. Thank you!
Bronlynn, I appreciated reading your devotional this year as I just found out on Friday that I have to have five tests, including blood work, related to heart trouble and stroke.
God also gave me the blessing of chatting with a Christian gal at the doctor’s office who is going through various challenges. We said we’d pray for each other. We didn’t know each other before this encounter.
We may feel that we’re unable to give and serve in a public way and that therefore what we do is not as important. But I heard a neat illustration that shows how that’s just not true.
The vital organs in our body are hidden but oh so necessary. The more visible parts could not function without them. Pretty encouraging eh? (Can you tell I’m a Canadian? Tee hee)
Bronlynn, thanks for this great devotional. 🙂
What an excellent reminder to give Jesus a gift this Christmas. I’ll need to ponder more about what it is I’d like to give Jesus. I guess my first answer is my all, but I’ll spend time reflecting more on this to see if there’s something specific He’d like from me. Thanks for guiding me to do this. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn