Archive Home Page Listing By Titles Old Testament References New Testament References
Cross Symbol

GIFT WITHOUT A PRICE
Saying "yes" with the heart

A Commentary by Constance Vanides

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you..."
(1 Timothy 4:14)

Lest we forget in the midst of our hurrying and scurrying of Christmas gift buying, the reason for the holiday and the one Gift available to all without a price.

I am reminded of the biblical person known as "Simon, the Sorcerer". He had astonished the people of Samaria, with his magic for a long time. Simon claimed to be someone great until he came face to face with Philip, whose miracles in the name of Jesus touched people with great healings.

At this, even Simon believed and was baptized. He continued with Philip, joining the apostles, and watched as they laid hands on people to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He could see the lives of the Samaritans and others change, and he desired that power for himself as well. Simon offered money to buy the gift. Peter's response caught Simon up short,

"Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God." (Acts 8:20,21)
We're not certain if Simon ever repented. We hear no more of him in scripture.

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a deposit." (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)
And what about our hearts? Can we say "yes" to the promises of God?

OVERFLOWING ANOINTING
You are My anointed one.
For I have brought you into Myself
and touched you.
I've placed the seal of anointing upon you
to show you belong to Me.
And so you are Mine.
You know all truths
and cannot listen to the lie.
Do not neglect the Gift placed in you.
Abide in the anointing
and My promise of eternal life.

Constance Vanides
November 25, 2002

GIFTINGS OF THE HEART
I have made you the way you are
because of My great love for you.
Receive that love and the giftings
I have poured out into you.
Know that I can see your inner heart,
the part of you that
reaches My own heart.
Only rely on Me to reveal
what it is that pleases Me
and share it with others

Constance Vanides
August 25, 2002

 Christian Devotional Books Archive Home Page
TO ARCHIVE HOME PAGE
© Constance Vanides