“And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts...” (Matthew 2:11, Amplified Bible)
When the wise men first saw Jesus, they were completely overwhelmed. They fell to their knees and wanted to worship Him with everything they had. Giving was an automatic response. They wanted to pour out to Him their love and gifts because they were thankful and wanted to honor Him.
Think back to your first encounter with Christ. Where did that take place? And who was involved? For me, the message of Jesus came alive when I was 17. A man, who was practicing the message of who Jesus is, sat me down and told me Jesus loved me and the new life we experience after the initial meeting! What I mean by that is, in that moment of giving our lives to Christ, HE launches us into a life so extraordinary because of who HE is. HE guides our steps and when obedience takes place HE blesses us.
When we give to God our time, talent or treasure, He doesn’t want us to do it just because it looks right or because we feel like we have to. When the wise men came upon our Christ they did what was in their heart and worshipped Him! That really is what I am talking about—worship out of relationship from an overflowing appreciation and value of who Jesus Christ is. Because there is abundant life changing power in the name of Jesus! "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11 KJV) Celebrate Jesus! We can rejoice knowing that the King of kings is on His throne, and He alone deserves all the glory and the honor!
“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86:12 NIV) Just in case someone asks you who He is, the answer is simple: “and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6b NIV) How we worship is reflective of what we value! He wants us to give out of a heart filled with genuine honor and faith.
Think about the faithfulness of God today. Think about what He’s done for you — He saved and redeemed you. Think about the fact that He is your provider. As you meditate on His goodness, your heart will overflow with thankfulness. And just like the wise men, giving will be an automatic response!
Blessings for a joyous season,
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