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 Hearts of Gratitude

by Eileen Turner

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

The Lord has given His children so many "good and perfect" gifts. Stewards have never been more needed than in this day, this hour, this moment! Not reluctant, apathetic stewards, but stewards with eager, grateful hearts who long to serve Him, preserve His Word, and share His love. Consider how much God gave:

    * His Son, our Living Water (John 4:14; John 7:38)
    * His Word (John 17:8, 17)
    * His Instruction (Exodus 31:18; John 12:47-50)
    * His Covenants (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:12-18)
    * His Precious Gifts: time, talents, resources (Isaiah 44:3; Philippians 4:19)
    * Power over Satan (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 4:4)
    * Peace and Rest (Psalm 4:8; Matthew 11:28, 29)
    * His Commandments: the Law (Psalm 19:7-11)
    * His Preserving Care (Genesis 28:15; Philippians 1:6)
    * Our Inheritance (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
    * A New Heart (Psalm 51:10; Ephesians 4:24)
    * All Things (Acts 17:25; 2 Peter 1:3-4)

God commanded us to be faithful stewards (Luke 12:35-38, 42 and Titus 1:7), not embezzling stewards (Luke 16:1-12), and not unjust stewards (Luke 16:1-9). We are to be stewards of all He has given us--by our faith, by our obedience to His Word, by the way we use His gifts, by the exercise of His power through prayer, and by appropriating His peace, His care, and His promises.

AMEN!

I realize that there is no comparison between our earthly father and our Heavenly Father, but this is what I was thinking about while reading this beautiful message.

How would we feel about an earthly father who was righteous, kept every promise, was a perfect example for us, was willing to give his life for us, and showered us with priceless gifts. By "gifts", I'm certainly not thinking about worldly or material things, rather of things that are too costly to put a price tag on.

Wouldn't there be a natural love and respect if we had such a father? Well, we have such a Heavenly Father - our love and respect for HIM should be natural because HE has already earned it. We need to continually give thanks and never take for granted the many priceless GIFTS our Heavenly Father gives us - especially the most priceless GIFT!