Appreciate the gifts, love the Giver

"You have filled my heart with greater joy
  than when their grain and new wine abound"   
                                                                               Psalm 4, verse 7


Get rich. Buy things. Have everything you can possibly dream of. Long to live in a land where you can have it all. That's what the world says.
And those that strive and give their all to do so find out what a hollow lie it is.
And even worse than this, some "churches" promote the same reasoning - God wants you to name it and claim it, dress like a princess, get rich, live rich, have it all NOW......
Go for the gifts. Hardly pay any attention to the giver.
How we grieve the heart of our Father, swapping the greatest gift for rubbish, for trinkets.

Material things claim our time, effort and money. And not so tangible things creep in as well- busyness, responsibility, projects, programs, even our ministries can take centre stage. Suddenly we are aware of losing our first love, our greatest priority- relationship with our Father, His Son, His Spirit.
Then that small, still voice says come away, be still and know that I am God. Find yourself in Me alone.
And that love, that joy, that peace which passes all understanding comes back.

Dear Heavenly Father God, we come to You in praise and honour of all that You are. Thank You for the wonderful, gracious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, honouring You and making a way for us to be in relationship with You again. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us as Christians, giving counsel and wisdom and guidance in this earthly life until we come to live in Heaven with You. Forgive us Father, for the times when we have placed earthly cares and priorities before the greater joy of loving and serving You. Thank You for the many blessings and gifts that You love to give us, but most of all, thank You for the eternal blessing of fellowship with You. May our lives draw others who do not yet know You into Your kingdom. We give You all the praise and glory that is Yours alone, and ask these things in the name of our Saviour, Jesus. Amen