Power Of Being Present

Key Scripture:  "It is the gift of God"...  Ephesians 2:10

Power Point:

     Most people love to receive gifts. In fact, I love gifts.  At least I love most gifts.  I'm sure I have been guilty over the years of not giving the best gifts, and I've been the recipient of some not-so-great gifts.  My daughter-in-law, Kim and I were talking recently about how we often give the things WE like but not necessarily the things that others would like. For example, my mom always gave me hideous (in my view) sweaters. SHE liked them.  I did not. She finally hit on a stroke of genius one Christmas with a beautiful gray cashmere sweater that I loved.  She allowed me to become "present" in the present.  By that I mean that she gave more thought to what I would like than she gave to what SHE liked.  Thank's mom.

    When God sent Jesus to us, He gave us a very special present. He gave us the gift of His great love wrapped in swaddling clothes.  As a follow up gift, He continues to give those who receive His gifts a new heart, rich grace and great kindness. It's definitely a gift that keeps on giving! 

    Through Jesus, God has given us His presence; all the time, and any time. He, of course, is ALL present in His gifts to us.  Sometimes I wonder if we honor Him by being present in His presence.

     I know, at times, I've ignored Him. I know, at times, that I've been less than gracious in receiving what He has offered.  When He comes to us, He brings all that His presence is.  He doesn't hold anything back. He's "all in". He really, really likes us and He really, really wants to be in relationship with us.

    We've just come through a wonderful time of giving presents to each other. Maybe it would be a good time to offer back to Him, the gift of being present in His Presence: being invested, interested, and involved.  Maybe today would be a good time to enjoy His goodness, absorb His kindness and be filled with the present Presence of His peace and just let Him love us. It's what He wants to do anyway.

Just a thought.  

Power Thought:

God's presents are always "once size fits all"; so is His Presence. He will give you all that you allow Him to give. And His gifts are given with His blessing for you in mind.