A Child's Heart

I have been reminded of the sincerity of a child's heart.  A child willingly gives without much thought of the cost.  And, not even with a true understanding of the meaning of giving.  A child's motives are often altruistic.  How can a grown person grow and keep an altruistic mindset?

In the picture above, a five year old boy in our little neighbourhood started a food drive.  His goal was to raise 100 pounds of food for the local food bank.  His deadline was Dec 5th.  What you need to know is that the local fire fighters came to Michael's house with sirens blaring in two fire engines and collected Michael's "winnings".  Close to 250 lbs of food.  The community supported this most noble of endeavours, and for a little while, we were joined in heart to help Michael meet his goal.

The Christmas season is filled with the warm thoughts of reunions, gatherings, delicious foods and treats, giving and receiving.  Yet, will we take the time to evaluate our hearts?  Why are we giving?  Why are we gathering?  Why are we receiving?  In my mind's eye, I have come to realize that my celebrating, giving and receiving can only be soul deep when it is wrapped in the significance of God's love.  Love demonstrated in the giving of His only Son (John 3:16).  Having received this, I lack nothing more.

For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only Son, 

so that whoever believes in Him 

shall not perish

but have 

eternal

life.

Have you received?  If not, when?

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

A New Day

. . . the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me —Galatians 2:20

Praise God!  He did not give up on me.
And Praise God!  His faithful children prayed for me.
And again Praise God!  I can commit my loved ones to Him and together we pray for God's work to be done.

My pastor said that many will prefer to be able to buy a ticket into heaven.  He suggested perhaps $500 per soul, and many will rush to get one.  An insurance into heaven, if it exists...if there's life after this one.

I am thankful Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  I am grateful salvation is a gift from God, through no works of my own but by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  I am blessed to be forgiven of all my sins.

I cannot afford $500.  I would not know how to keep my ticket so as not to lose it.  I would never stop wondering if I've been tricked.  And, how would I really know that the ticket does not have an expiration date.

I would rather rest in the assurance of His Word, His Work and His everlasting love.  The psalmist said, "His love endures forever."  Besides, so many before me have given their lives for the church.  A song Steve Green sang said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church."  Praise God there is proof that the "ticket" I have is perfect!

Send me your prayer request.  I will pray.

Sinner saved by grace,
Angelina