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Issue 2015 #4Table of Contents: |
Worship and Praise
It is rather fun to take part in gift exchanges at this time of year, especially with those whom we love the most. I love to "shop with my heart" as I think about the person I'm buying for, with their personality, interests and needs in mind. Similarly, when I receive a gift, I especially appreciate it when the giver has put some thought into it that reflects their love for me. One such gift given to me the other day was in the form of an act of kindness which caused me to burst into tears and attempt to thank this dear one sufficiently. No one has put more thought into gift-giving than our Almighty God who gave us His only Son, even though none of us deserves this amazing gift. He has lavished upon us more blessings and gifts than we could possibly name, which causes us to want to attempt an expression of our gratitude. 
The Apostle Paul gave us a wonderful example of such an expression in Romans 11:33 - 36 when he ended his discussion on the revelation of God's righteousness. He burst forth in a doxology of praise to God with these words -
Then in the verse following this doxology of praise in Romans 12:1, he urges us to "take part in a gift exchange", showing our love and thanksgiving while knowing we could never repay Him. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (or as a spiritual act of worship). What an honour to surrender our lives to our all-sovereign God who deserves our praise! - Beryl Harbidge |
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of
the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."