GIFTS

by Robin

On my birthday, the Scripture that popped up for our ladies online study (We're doing Esther by Beth Moore.) was Esther 9:19 "A day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents."

It was amazing that God had prearranged my whole schedule & life so that this Scripture would pop up on my birthday. I was in awe. I had been very sick all week and didn't feel like celebrating; yet God wanted to recognize it.

Last night, I was feeling the wallows of self-pity because my throat was still too bad for singing this Sunday and I'm left partially deaf w/ lovely ringing in my right ear. I was sick of being sick. Know what I mean?? I asked for prayer from just a few people that I knew would have the time to pray earnestly for me.

A received a couple replies back immediately by email. Today, the presents started coming. Not birthday presents, but blessings of food!! Rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, potato salad, regular salad, beans, marshmallow salad and this beautiful gift basket filled with cookies & candies and Beth Moore Scripture. I could have cried! I went to get the mail and one of my senior prayer partners & adoptive Memaw and Granddad had a card sitting in there for me. It was a belated birthday card but spoke of prayers for my health.

The one lady dropped off the food and said she wasn't sure exactly what we liked so she got a variety. "Simon Peter" says, "I like Doritos" not thinking of the consequences of his words. Not 15 minutes after she left, she came back again with BAGS of Doritos for the boys. I didn't know what to say other than thanks over and over. She wouldn't even accept a hug because she didn't want my germs. LOL.




My mind went to a Scripture in Philippians where Paul was given gifts by his ministry partners.

Phil 4: 14-20

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


To Mae, Marie and any other blessors unknown to me, I thank you for the gifts, but not just for my sake, but for the sake that God will bless you for being so thoughtful and generous. May He see it as acceptable and pleasing in His eyes and meet all your needs accordingly. - Robin