Given

God's gift is for you and Jesus wants to give it to you. It's not confusing or mysterious. It's free. 

1 Corinthians chapter 11 verses 28-30.

That is why a man should examine himself carefully before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if he eats the bread and drinks from the cup unworthily, not thinking about the body of Christ and what it means, he is eating and drinking God's judgement upon himself; for he is trifling with the death of Christ. That is why many are weak and sick, and some have even died.

In James chapter 2 we read about Abraham and how he freely did what God had asked him to do. He was trusting God and because he was obedient the Lord declared him good in God's sight and he was even called "the friend of God." It says in verse 24, "So you see, a man is saved by what he does; as well as by what he believes."

   In John chapter 4 we read the story of the woman at the well. It says Jesus asked her for a drink but because He was a Jew she remarked about how He was asking a "despised Samaritan" for anything---usually they would not even speak to them! His reply was "If only you knew what a wonderful gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask Me for some living water!"

   Jesus gave freely what He believed in. At the last supper, instead of going right into eating the food and drinking the wine, His plan was to share the bread using it to represent His body being given for us and the wine represented the blood that He would pour out to purchase back our souls. 

   Christians know the story of what Jesus gave, so that we could have life with God and that is the story which we can share because we believe in God's mercy through Jesus. It was a joy for Jesus to heal and speak of God. In our lives there are troubles and trials that can cause us grief, worry and anxieties, and each one of those distract us from living in the joy of who Jesus is and having God's love. 

   To live with God is to see Him as your heavenly Father who is there to guide you, love you, keep you safe and to strengthen you in your times of trials. Each time your thoughts turn to Him, you have fought off the troubles and that gives you reason to praise. It is the same joy that you experience, that freely helps others, all because God has given you the gift of Jesus. 

   Jesus suffered terribly, yet He never got angry at them, in fact as He hung on the cross, nailed to it and dying, He asked God to forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.(Luke chapter 24 verse 34) We have been offered the best gift anyone could ever receive. It's the gift of love, strength, peace and hope. It's the gift of happiness and God gives it freely through Jesus. 

   Romans chapter 8 sums it up as saying; "For the Scriptures tell us that for His sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day---we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't and life can't. The angels won't and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are---high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean---nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us."

   What Jesus did was fulfil God's plan for us. And just like any other amazing gift you receive, your excitement, and your joy will want others to know what you have been given.

   Thank You Father for Jesus. You light the path ahead, so we can see clearly where to go. And there is nothing better than knowing that we walk our path with You. 😊    

Joel chapter 2 verse 21. 

Fear not, My people; be glad now and rejoice, for He has done amazing things for you.   

James chapter 2 verse 12 and 13.

You will be judged on whether or not you are doing what Christ wants you to. So watch what you do and what you think; for there will be no mercy to those who have shown no mercy. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over His judgement against you. 

Proverbs chapter 1 verses 29-31.

For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me (wisdom), spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. 

Psalms chapter 34 verses 9 and 10.

If you belong to the Lord, reverence Him, for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry but those who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.