Tag: Gifts

There is always more Corn Pops

cornpops.pngAsher had a meltdown the other day. And, by the other day, I mean, well, a lot of days. Asher is four and just feels everything really deeply, which makes him wonderful. But, on this particular day, he had a meltdown over the fact that we run out of Corn Pops, his current favourite cereal.

And, so he cried and was really distraught that there are “no more Corn Pops!”

As any good father would, I knelt down and held him and said, “Daddy can get you more Corn Pops. Would that make you feel so much better? Daddy can buy more.” And, instantly Asher looked up and said, “Yes daddy, please can you buy more Corn Pops.” And then, because I price match, I found another box in the pantry, and Asher started running around yelling and cheering.

I bring up this little story (one that happens in various ways with all our kids throughout the week) because of one reason: As a dad, I love to give good things to my kids. If I have the ability to give them something that they love, need and lights up there day, I’m going to do it. Especially if it’s like $3 for a box of cereal.

But, here is what struck me: If I love to give good gifts to my children, why do I ever think that God, the true Father, is any different? Have you ever noticed how sometimes we feel like we need to convince God of or can’t be really honest with Him about our desires, wants or needs? That somehow we believe that God isn’t into abundant giving of all that is good and needed.

Now, of course, I’m not saying God will give us all millions – or anything close to prosperity gospel (all health and wealth). But, on the other hand or other extreme, neither is God stingy, scarce or miserly in the gifts He wants to give.

Jesus says this, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11, NIV).

Or, in James 1:17a (NLT), we read, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father.”

What I realized is that just as much as I love to give good gifts to my kids (and follow with me – it gives me GREAT JOY), I believe the same is true with God – that He loves to give to us and it gives Him GREAT JOY. He isn’t up in heaven with a spreadsheet, calculating what we deserve or what He can afford to give. God is in heaven ready and willing to give good gifts to us as His children.

I write this to remind you all of something that we should already know: God is a good Father, who loves to give good gifts to His children. So, let’s live out of that reality today – not out of scarcity, but out of one in which there are lots of Corn Pops in the pantry for all of us.

 

by Andrew Mills

What’s the Most Important Spiritual Gift?

1426291_47484317On Sunday that’s what we are talking about – the most important spiritual gift there is. In fact, I think the case is pretty easily made that this one gift is the gift that has transformed the world. I think both Biblically and historically the case is easily made that this one gift is the most important of all the spiritual gifts.

And no the gift I’m talking about isn’t any of the ones we normally think are important: preaching, prophesy, healing, or even evangelism. This gift is almost so “normal” that most people don’t even recognize it as a spiritual gift. This gift is so “everyday” that we forget how radical it is.

So any guesses what gift I’m talking about?

Well on Sunday we’ll find this all out. But here is a hint, I’m going to be preaching from this passage in Matthew 25 where Jesus says:

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” Then the righteous will answer, “Lord when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see the a stranger and welcome thee? And the King will answer them, “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”

So as you think about it come ready to discover how we can change the world through one simple action. And it fits in nicely with thanksgiving and welcoming others, opening our lives to them, and most of all opening our homes.

by Andrew Mills

Path’s that Lead to God: Creating

The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays – not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship. – Martin Luther

We were created in the image of God. Therefore we were created, as creators. God in his creativity shaped us, molded us, and breathed life into us. We too are called to do the same thing: to create, shape, mold, and breathe life into the world around us.

Some of us can do that through beautiful artwork. Others can build homes. Others can cook and create a scrumptious meal. The point is that we are each gifted and using the gifts God gave us can draw us closer to God.

In Exodus we read that God gifted people to use their hands, skills, and crafts to build his temple (Exodus 35:30-36:7). And through them working and using their gifts, they honored God, connected with God, and became like God through creating.

So for me one path that draws me closer to God is creating. I love to create pictures with words, phrases, and thoughts. I love to create delight through meals that sometimes are spectacular and other times a mess. I love to create through painting a picture as an expression of life. Prayer is not simply closing your eyes and thinking. Prayer is connecting with God, and one of the best ways is to honor the gifts God gave you.

So what can you create that draws you closer to God? Can you shape and mold wood to bring something to life? Are your cupcakes the best in the neighborhood? Or does the interplay of space and tone in music give your soul a boost? Do you love to create life through soil, water, sunshine, and seeds? Whatever it is ~ find a way to create and use it to connect to the God who gifted you…

by Andrew Mills