7.17.12 "Grateful for the Gift"

"Grateful for the Gift"

I Chronicles 24:1-26:11
Romans 4:1-13
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 19:15-16

Anyone with kids knows that there's a fine line when it comes to gifts. You love them so much you want to give them gifts all the time, but you know how it is. It doesn't take but a couple gifts and kids start to think they deserve gifts on a regular basis.

We're never that way are we? Taking a gift for granted?

In Romans 4 Paul is talking about Abraham and this question of faith and good deeds. vs 1-2: "Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What were his experiences concerning this question of being saved by faith? Was it because of his good deeds that God accepted him? If so, then he would have something to boast about."

We know we are saved by faith, not of works, but it's easier than we realize to subconsciously slip into a "deserving the gift" mentality. "I deserve to be saved."

Have you ever received a gift that really humbled you? I remember a nationally known speaker telling the story of a gift he received. He's fairly well off, nice car, nice home, etc. After a service a lady, who he knew was dirt poor came and gave him a check for $5.00 to support his ministry. He shared how that gift really knocked him down to size. He realized how he did not deserve that $5.00 not to mention all the other blessings in his life.

Receiving a gift that you know you don't deserve does an incredible thing to your heart, if you acknowledge the fact of how undeserving you are.

Think of your salvation. Something you deserve? Sunday School answer is "No." But does your heart bear that sentiment? Take a moment to think of this gift of salvation. Think of the cost. Think of the giver. Think about yourself as the recipient.

In Romans 4:4-5 it says, "...being saved is a gift; if a person could earn it by being good, then it wouldn't be free-- but it is! It is given to those who do NOT work for it."

Psalm 13 starts out "How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?" it continues to lament about the anguish of the heart. but in verse 5&6 "But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly."

No matter where you feel you are at, in a season of blessing or trial, you are not deserving of this gift of salvation. Yet, it has been given you. Rejoice in it this day!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ