Tim Adour offers a reflection that is especially relevant to this time of our year. As I read it, it brought to my mind the words of James 1:17.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
May Tim's longing be our longing as well.
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It is no secret I love getting gifts. I am well aware of the fact Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive, but I still love getting gifts. I know, I know; I need to be more spiritual and allow a greater work of the Spirit in my life. Ok fine...but don’t forget I still love getting gifts. So do you, you just want to be seen as more spiritual so you won’t admit it.
I’ve been on an interesting journey. It has been a journey of self examination; which has brought some, good and not so good things to light. On the one hand, I have noticed growth for which I am grateful. However, there are some bad things that really annoy me because they are issues I have been struggling with for years. As I said, it’s been interesting.
After several months of frustration I have finally come to a conclusion-God has everything I need to change and grow into the man He wants me to be. I suppose someone could say, “Da, you should have figured that out a long time ago”. But, you know, it never occurred to me the way it has recently.
Here is what I’ve started doing and I am amazed at the results. I have asked God to give me gifts. I have identified specific areas of weakness and continual struggle and I have asked God to help me change thought processes and give me whatever I need to overcome. At the same time, I have identified specific “good” areas that need to increase and have asked God to help me prosper even further.
I guess what I’ve done is combine II Peter 1:3 and John 16:24. Peter tells us “…that God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness”, and John tells us to “ask and we will receive”. You know, praying scripture works. God delights in fulfilling His word for His people. It’s just a matter of His people taking Him at His word. I have a long way to go, but I love the gifts God has given so far.
I love getting gifts and I intend on continuing to ask God to bestow on me all the gifts He wants, so that I will become all He wants me to be.
Tim Adour
Church of the Revelation
