July 23 Devotion: Receiving the Gift

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

         John 3:16 tells us that God gave to mankind a gift and that gift is the Savior, Jesus Christ. As wonderful as that truth is, it will mean nothing to you if the gift is not received. Salvation in Christ is available, but if it is not received by faith, then it remains a wonderful gift that is unopened in your life. The phrase, “whosoever believeth in him” is a way of describing the means by which we receive what has been offered. That is what John 1:12 says: “as many as received him”. The gift of salvation was purchased at Calvary, and it will only become effectual in your life if you receive it.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

         Today is a special day in the life of Immanuel Baptist Church here in Florence, Kentucky. We will be closing on the new church property on Boone Aire Road and we will now begin the process of renovations. We prayed for big things, and God gave us a gift. He has orchestrated the circumstances in a miraculous way and we are blessed. Let us look at this for what it is. It is a gift from God that had to be received to be effectual. I heard it said that you never know what steps of faith will do until you take steps of faith. There may be all kinds of questions and opinions about this, that, and the other, but the simple truth is that a gift was given and it had to be received by faith. When God begins big things, then he will continue big things, but only if we receive them. Faith must be continually exercised when it comes to the gifts of God. Let us rejoice with thanksgiving that God has seen fit to give and let us be good stewards of that which we have received. To God be the glory. Great things he hath done.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5