Remember that day when you accepted Jesus into your heart? Some may say yes and others may say it was over a period of time, a realisation. I do not know if you can remember. Once the Holy Spirit came and filled you full of the love of Christ, do you remember that little gift / present sitting beside you?

Yeah you must remember that, it was the little box wrapped up in the most beautiful paper, a ribbon tied around and that card attached. The card that was very simple, the card that had your name written on it.

Well I remember my little gift, I sat there very excited praising God as a newbie in him, emotions overflowing in awe. I can still remember pulling at that ribbon, very slowly taking off the outer wrapping around the present. Funny isn't how when we get a present we are so slow in un wrapping it, trying to savour the moment.

It was simple box underneath with a lid on top. Very carefully I held that box on my lap and lifted off the lid, peering inside I did not see much, no trinket, no jewellery no nothing. But what my eyes did see was another little card laying simply on the floor of the box. Withdrawing this card a little bewildered I noticed some simple hand writing, once the realisation hit me, my heart soared beyond the clouds, beyond my wildest dreams.

So what did this card say? Come on guys you know, we all got one remember!!!

Very simple and with lots of love, my Lord had written on this card what my gift is in him. He knew me before I was born, he knows every hair on my head, and as such he knew what my best gift and talents would be in serving him. He wrote it on this card so I would know forever.

I still keep that little present, including the wrapping paper and the ribbon. And when times get me down, when I feel that I have given and cant give any more, I always go back to where I keep this present. I just look at that card give him praise, and then I stand back up give some more. More of what was written on that card, my gifts and talents in him.

He knows me and as such he knows what I can do. Some are good at preaching, others encouraging, missions, the poor, evangelising, prophesy etc, the list is endless.

So what is in your little box, what was written on your card? I promise I will not peek, you tell me but more importantly show me in your actions and let me guess what it is. I bet we all can tell the minute you do it, why? Because your gifts, your talents are from God, so that means you are the very best at that ability, that gift which he has given YOU!!!!!

Be encouraged

Love ybiC / Paul

Amy Sis,

Welcome aboard!!

We never forget that special day when the Lord changed us forever

Praise him Sister

Love ybiC / Paul

Bless you brother Tom, look at what the Lord has done since your early years, and all for his glory brother. Praise him

Love ybiC / Paul

This beautiful, Paul.  I can see one of your many gifts is writing things that touch people's hearts.

I've probably said in the past that I don't know the exact day of my salvation.  I thought I was saved as young as 4, but later doubted and was "saved again."  I went through my young years being so afraid I wasn't saved and wasn't sincere enough, that I became "resaved" over and over.  I went to a private Christian fundamental school and they taught fire and brimstone so much that I was kept in constant fear and doubt.  I see these years as satan keeping me in bondage so I could never feel the freedom of Christ.  But God had a purpose for this and turned it all for good.  It took me 30 years from my first salvation experience to finally feel that freedom in Christ, and oh, there is nothing like it - like a cool drink of water after the years wandering in the desert.  He had always been there, guiding me and loving me, and I can see that now.

So I see those years of doubt and frustration as the time I was slowly unwrapping my gift.  Sometimes I was too afraid to tear that paper or take off that bow or open that box, but when the time came to see my card from Christ, I realized I had belonged to Him all along.  In that box, for me, was peace,  sweet joy, and the overwhelming love of my Dearest Savior that brings tears at just the thought of Him.  Every day I reopen that box and feel His love and try to praise Him in my own unworthy way.

What a Savior we serve!  Praise Him!

Oh my, I could go on forever. I'll just say that He gave me a bunch of "little" presents that grew and it probably took me too long to realize they were all from him.  In retrospect, like a secret admirer might do!

When I was about 6 years old I remember a day under sunny skies.  My father had left and my Mom, me and my sister were all alone. We had no worldly posession, I mean none.  I remember His comfort and reminding me I was not alone.  I still had a heavenly father.