Presents

I’ve spoken a lot about blessings, but do you know what are they?

Here’s some dictionary definitions:

• A short prayer said before or after a meal; grace.
• Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity; a boon.
• Approbation; approval: This plan has my blessing.
• the act of invoking divine protection or aid
• the bestowal of a divine gift or favour

However the best description I’ve ever heard for blessing is “presents from God” – Isn’t that lovely? It always reminds me that the blessings we receive are always very personal. i.e. What may be a blessing to one, may not be for the person next to them, but God knows us each individually and knows our needs better than we know them ourselves.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (New Living Translation)

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

So when do we receive our “presents from God”? On special occasions like our birthday, Christmas, or Easter perhaps? Well let me tell you, God can give us presents at any time! Whenever God gives you presents I can assure you that it will be at a time you need them most, and it will be the best present you could have received at that time.

Here’s the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army playing Blessing and Honour: