A Gift, A Present, A Package by Krissanna Noakes

Happy Monday! Only 12 more days til Christmas! This week’s devo is “A Gift, A Present, A Package” written by Krissanna Noakes! Please take time to read this devo that she has written for us! It will put the best perspective on wrapping Christmas presents this year! I hope that you have an amazing week!

A Gift, A Present, A Package – Krissanna Noakes

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is wrapping the gifts. I like to pick a theme each year. One year I used rolls of white craft paper, markers, and embellishments to turn the presents into snowmen. Another year the packages were all wrapped in Disney themed papers. Other years have been color combos like blue and silver or purple and gold.

This year as I was thinking about what theme I want to use and searching Pinterest for ideas there was something that jumped out at me. There are basically three words we use interchangeably to describe what we are giving someone: gift, present, and package.

While I know these words are synonyms, I also wondered as to the definition of each and if there was much variation in definitions. That is where this devotional formed.

As Christian ladies, we know “Jesus is the reason for the season”, if you will. However, I wanted to delve deeper into the gift, the present, the package of Jesus.

The definition of gift is “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation”. Romans 6:23 tells us “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Just as we don’t expect the recipient of our gift to pay us for the price we already paid, neither does God expect payment from us.

Can you imagine giving your child or grandchild a gift, holding out your hand, then saying., “Okay, honey. That’ll be $19.99!”. That seems ridiculous because they most likely couldn’t pay, but also because we give it to them out of love. Just as God gives us eternal life through His Son. He’s not holding out his hand for payment. Jesus already paid it on the cross. Ephesians 2:8 & 9″… it is the gift of God: not of works…”. Think John 3:16!

Next, is the definition of present: “a thing presented as a gift”. God’s present was wrapped in the form of a baby (Luke 2:7 & 12). His only begotten Son was immaculately conceived to live a sinless life. A life that would offer a present for everyone.

For the most part, we can’t get each person on our Christmas list the exact same present. My grandson loves monster trucks. That’s all he wants right now!

However, my daughters would be less than thrilled if I bought them monster trucks. God in his infinite wisdom gave mankind one present that is a fit for all. He didn’t have to send multiple presents that night in Bethlehem in order for everyone to have something to receive. Luke 2:10-11

Finally, we have the definition of package: “something conceived of as a compact unit having particular charcteristics”. The package of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate package. It is perfection.

I’m sure you ladies are like me always looking for that perfect gift for each person on your list. Yet, as my children have grown into adults and as my husband and I add years to our marriage, I find it harder and harder to buy gifts for them. They definitely don’t receive that perfect gift from me!

However, the perfect package of our Saviour is holy(Lu. 1:35), righteous(Is. 53:11), just(Zec. 8:9), guileless(1 Pet. 2:22), sinless(2 Cor. 5:21), spotless(1 Pet. 1:19), innocent(Matt. 27:4),. The list could go on and on in describing this perfect package for there is nothing lacking. This is the package I want for my loved ones!

So, this year as I’m wrapping gifts, presents, and packages I’m keeping the theme focused on Jesus. I’m keeping my heart and mind focused on Jesus for I’ve already received the perfect gift. I need nothing more.

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/a-gift-a-present-a-package-krissanna-noakes

December 13, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Horn of Salvation

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Luke 1:68-69 – Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

The phrase horn of salvation is only used three times in scripture (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 18:2; and Luke 1:69). Both times in the Old Testament are David giving thanks to God for delivering him from his enemy.

2 Samuel 22:2-4 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

God is our defense and offense. Because Jesus uses His power to secure and protect His people, Jesus is the horn of salvation for us.

December 12, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – High Priest

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Levitical priests had to be holy men of God, but they also had to make sure their hearts and lives were cleansed before offering sacrifices on behalf of others. .

Because Jesus is ”holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26), He is the only one who could possibly approach the heavenly throne on behalf of others as He is. Jesus is rightly called the High Priest.

December 11, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Good Shepherd

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

A shepherd is one who tends sheep. The duties of a shepherd can be quite cumbersome at times. He must keep a careful watch over his flock at all times. In fact, shepherds are often subjected to great peril, sometimes even sacrificing their lives for their sheep.

Similarly, Jesus was born to be our Good Shepherd, willingly sacrificing His life for ours. He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10; Matthew 20:28). In declaring that He is the Good Shepherd, He speaks of laying down his life for his sheep (John 10:15-18).

December 10, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Firstborn

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Christ was born in the image of God – a vision of the Father in human form. Begotten is defined as ‘brought into existence by or as if by a parent’. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.

Before all creation or any creature was made, Jesus existed. All things were made by Him (John 1:3) – absolutely everything.

The emphasis in this passage is on the preeminence of Christ. He should have first place in our hearts and lives. We need to let go of everything that hinders us from glorifying Christ.

December 9, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Faithful Witness

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

When a witness is summoned to testify, he must give the truth about what he knows. He can’t be caught lying since that would undermine his testimony.

Jesus is our faithful and true witness (Revelation 19:11). His testimony has been scrutinized more than any other in history, and no inconsistencies have ever been discovered. He always tells the truth.

December 8, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Emmanuel

Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

In the verses preceding, God told King Ahaz to ask for a sign of His protection. The king refused due to his lack of trust in God.

Our distrust grieves God, but our distrust will not make God’s promises any less effective. The Lord sent His own sign instead – Immanuel.

The name Immanuel (Emmanuel) means ‘God with us’, which describes His nature. He is God who became man, born of Jewish kin, bringing a new life. This act of ultimate sacrifice proved His unconditional love for us.

Thankful that God loves me inspite of my faults and failures.

December 7, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Daysman

Jesus – Daysmen

Job 9:32-33 – For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

Daysmen in the dictionary is an adjudicator, judge, or intermediary. A daysman must judge without partiality.

There is only one person I know who can rightfully be the mediator between God and man.

1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Christ purchased peace for us with His blood on the cross. If we trust in Him, our sins will be buried in the deepest sea (Micah 7:19), and will wash them white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). This causes for no offense to be able to be laid to our charge.

Thankful that Christ is ever interceding on our behalf.

Praying you have a blessed day 🎄

December 6, 2021December 17, 2021

Jesus – Counsellor

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

A counselor is someone we turn to for advice. Someone in which we confide in time of need.

Jesus was born of a miraculous birth; and became an astonishing advisor who performed marvelous miracles pointing men to the Father even in His sacrificial death. He is the ultimate example that all things work together for the good (Romans 8:28).

Jesus is the Wonderful Counsellor who alone can give us the best guidance, help, wisdom, and deliverance. May you always keep your eyes on the Mighty God who gives everlasting peace from the Prince of Peace.

December 6, 2021

How Thirsty Are You? – Debbie Netterville

Happy December ! I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend serving Jesus!

This week’s devo is “How Thirsty Are You?” written by Debbie Netterville! Please take the time to read as she shares her heart with us today! I pray you have a blessed week.

How Thirsty Are You? – Debbie Netterville

In August we were in Burlington, Iowa helping a church with Bible Handouts. Saturday night we went out to eat with the pastor and his family. In the middle of the night I woke up and began throwing up. Up and down all night. We thought it was food poisoning. I was unable to go to church all day. I continued throwing up and unable to keep anything down. This lasted a couple more days and I was beginning to get weak. Scott decided we needed to go to the ER. You know how long it takes waiting in the ER. When they finally called my name, they took blood and gave me some meds for nausea.

We spent another day in Burlington, but I was still weak and unable to keep anything down. We decided we wanted to head home to Bourbonnais, Illinois where our home church is and some of our family. We wanted to have family in case we needed help. Wednesday, we drove from Burlington to Bourbonnais, about a 4-hour drive. It was long and miserable for me.

When I would wake up in the morning, I would be so hungry. I could even feel the hunger pangs. I would eat yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, drink water, 7UP and Pedialyte. I was still unable to keep anything down. I knew I was getting weaker. So again off to the ER in Kankakee. I think it was Friday evening when we went and spent 7 hours waiting. I was so miserable. So again blood work but this time they took x-rays. When they got the results it was not good news.

In fact, they said I was a very sick woman. I thought “oh no”. I had a double hernia with a bowel obstruction. That explains why I was not able to hold anything down. It was around 7:00 am on Saturday when they admitted me to the hospital. I was not allowed to have ANYTHING, no food, drink or even ice chips.

Family and friends were asking “why they didn’t figure it out in Burlington?” I said, “because God allowed us to get home where I could have my family and church family with us.”

Here is when the “thirst” really began. They gave me a “green lollipop”, (that is what I called it.) A green sponge on a stick that I could dip in a glass of water and then just wet my lips. The doctor wanted to wait a couple of days to see if I could hold anything down. On Monday they started giving me some soft foods, but I was throwing up again. My doctor said I needed to have surgery, so they scheduled it for Tuesday. After surgery I could have some ice chips with my “green lollipop”. By this time the ice chips were GREAT! But still barely quenching my “thirst”

As I laid there thinking how thirsty I was I began thinking about “How much do I thirst after God’s Word?

I remember when I first got saved and how I longed to read my Bible. I was thirsting after His Word. How exciting it was to find help from the scriptures. It was a thirsting that

looked forward to every day. “O God, thou art my God early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is:” Ps. 63:

Do we really thirst after the scriptures? “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6 As we read our Bibles our cup gets filled and we can continue on. We empty ourselves, then we go right back to our source

I remember both times before my cancer surgeries, the first thing I did was open my Bible to try to quench the thirsting of my soul. I needed to get my cup full of His Word to get me through my cancer journey. “…I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: …” II Kings 20:5 This was the verse the Lord gave me for my 1st cancer journey. The next verse for my 2nd journey was “…This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.:” John 11:4

Our physical thirst and spiritual thirst are totally different. But as I would take my “green lollipop” dip it in water and rub my lips I would think of how thirsty I was for a drink of cold water. Then to get my mind off my physical thirst, I would open my Bible to fill my cup with His Word. I needed Him more than anything

How thirsty are you? We need to be drinking daily from His word! “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst: but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14.

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/how-thirsty-are-you-debbie-netterville