I’m joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. All of us writing on that same word.
Today the word prompt is … Gift.
Gift, not a word which was in my thoughts as of late. Quickly typing the word into dictionary.com, I read:
“something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor or honor toward someone.”
In reading the definition, I discovered the word had surely been in my thoughts without me even realizing it as such ….
“And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!” (Acts 10:4, NLT)
Well now, this kind of put a whole new twist on “gifts” for me. Gifts to the poor – not only money put in the offering plate, but what about the bags of clothing brought to Good Will or Salvation Army?
I began thinking about the “gifts” I have given to the poor …
- the toy given anonymously to a child at Christmas
- the turkey purchased for a family at Thanksgiving
- a tank of oil given for heat
- a book with words to encourage
- a card in the mail
- a warm coat or sweater
- school supplies
All received not only by the poor but by my God as an offering. Cornelius gave his best, his all, to discover it was received not only by the poor but recognized by God as well.
And this pricked my thoughts this morning …
Did I give Him my best?
Did I give Him my all?
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith Filled Fellowship and Dance With Jesus and Fellowship Friday and Grace & Truth .
Oh… what a nicely written post…. remembering our gifts to others are also gifts to God. Lovely… just lovely. 🙂
Thank you, Annette. For me, I think this was something I often forget. Have a great weekend!
Great post, Joanne! This has inspired me to be more intentional with my gifts. I love the thought of what we gift to others is actually a gift to GOD. (Matthew 25:40 NIV- “THE KING will reply, ”˜Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of MINE, you did for ME.’)
Thank you for sharing! Infinite blessings to you, Love! 🙂
Tai, Yes! Another verse which points us to this truth. I think I can often forget this. Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome, Love! Have a wonderful weekend! :
Did I give Him my all? Did I give Him my best?
thought provoking today.
Thanks for the devotions
Many Blessings to you.
They were the questions I was asking myself 🙂 May you have a blessed week!
Beautifully written. Thank you !!
Thank you, Tracey. They were the questions I found myself asking. Blessings!