Holidays are just around the corner.  Not really, but the stores sure make you think so.  Christmas stuff shows up awfully early.  Last year in Scotland, we note hotels inviting families to make their Christmas dinner reservations in early August.  Christmas?  Yes, it’s now or never!  Don’t dither or else!

Some of us scrounge around in the attic or down in some dark basement corner or on a back shelf of a rarely used closet for some nifty gift for some unsuspecting family member or friend.  Maybe that gift exchange at work deserves something ultra-precious while extremely expendable!  As in regifting.

Is that what we do with the gifts and skills given by God?  Have an inkling about your ability and aptitude?  Be honest.  What is it that the Lord has enabled you to do for Him, for others?

I’m no Dickens or Shakespeare.  So what.  I’m gifted to share Jesus with others through writing.  I know this.  No if’s, and’s or but’s.  That’s why you’re reading this!

What about you?  Regifting what God’s given you?  Expecting someone else to do what God asks of you?  Might as well tell Jesus ‘no thanks, don’t want it, won’t use it…for your sake or anyone else’s’.  Regift it.

Or you could get with God’s program.  Off your duff…for Him…for others… for a change.  Do I sound harsh?  Actually, while pointing directly at you, I’ve got 3 fingers curled arthritically back at me!

Here’s something else.  Isaiah 55:11-12–‘…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace…’  If you neglect God’s gift, He’ll get someone else much more willing and just as able.  Then who loses out?

How about saying ‘yes’ to Jesus.  Regifting proves a bad bargain at best.  Get with God’s plan.  Joy and peace drop by.  There’s more– salvation and maturity for others.  Most of all, God’s glory!

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to serve you.  Amen.