"The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable..." Romans 11:29
Our family experienced something miraculous this holiday season, and it started in pajamas, coffee and a conversation about gifts. There are certain experiences so sacred that we are wise to ponder them quietly, like Mary. But Heaven's GIFTS are given for the benefit of all. I'm so excited that I've been given permission to share some of what happened publicly because I believe the testimony to follow* will encourage everyone!
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!
As I've pondered what I've seen, these thoughts have bubbled up. The Christmas story began with a miracle...Jesus was the gift of rescue, wholenss and hope. If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, that means that He still rescues, heals and brings hope. He still does miracles! Jesus came into the world in a humble way. He loves humble hearts and atmospheres. My mom simply asked my girls a few weeks ago if they had ever discovered what their spiritual gifts were. This sparked hours of conversation, prayer and yes, a miracle.
Mom praying over girls
I know many of you are heading into Christmas gatherings with family.
I believe what happened in our family is available to all families.
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17
God wants to move and pour out his spirit on all flesh, starting in our families.
Like my mom, you could be the catalyst that sparks a conversation in your family. Or, perhaps you are hosting and can create an environment, like my daughter, where the Holy Spirit is welcomed. Or, maybe you will sense an activation of the Spirit in your giftedness, and you will be obedient. In just a moment, I’m going to introduce you to my daughter-in-love, Riley. This was her story. She is an answered prayer to our family, and I know her testimony will bless you.
But first, I think most of us would agree that it is better to give than to receive.
However, in the Kingdom, we cannot give what we haven't first received.
"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 14:19
Before we head into Christmas, will you practice receiving with me?
Take a deep breath, open your spiritual heart and your physical hands and simply ask for Heaven's gifts this Christmas. It could sound something like this:
“Lord, I receive whatever it is you want to give to me and my family this Christmas. Father, I'm asking for the fullness of your spirit, in Jesus' name, Amen".
Since this is the season of GIVING, I’m going to share a few scriptures about Heaven's GIFTS, below. Feel free to print them out and add to this list as you are led.
Then, I encourage you to read Riley’s testimony*, and fully engage with the links she’s shared.
Please reach out to one or both of us, after! We want to celebrate these incredible GIFTS of Heaven with you!!!!
May this be your most abundant Christmas, yet!
In Truth + Love,
Amy
*Read Riley's testimony here:
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Heaven's Gifts
The GIFT of Jesus (for forgiveness + salvation)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is GIVEN, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6
“For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable GIFT!” -
2 Corinthians 9:15
The GIFT of Holy Spirit (the empowering presence of God)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will GIVE you another Helper, to be with you forever.” -John 14:16
“If imperfect parents know how to lovingly take care of their children and GIVE them what they need, how much more will the perfect heavenly Father GIVE the Holy Spirit’s fullness when his children ask him!” - Luke 11:13
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will SEND in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” - John 14:26
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all FILLED with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” - Acts 4:31
“But you will RECEIVE power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8
Spiritual GIFTS (distributed to believers and empowered by Holy Spirit for the common good of all.)
“Now there are varieties of GIFTS, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.” -
1 Corinthians 12:4-5
Romans 12:6-8:
- Prophecy
- Serving
- Teaching
- Encouraging
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
1 Corinthians 12:8-10:
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Gifts of Healing
- Miraculous Powers
- Prophecy
- Distinguishing Between Spirits
- Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
Ephesians 4:11-13:
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Evangelists
- Pastors
- Teachers
"For the GIFTS and the calling of God are irrevocable." - Romans 11:29
“But grace was GIVEN to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's GIFT." - Ephesians 4:7
“Each of you should use whatever GIFT you have RECEIVED to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
“Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." - James 1:17
Our charge as believers:
To lay hands on and fan into flames the GIFTS of God in one other. ✋🏼 🔥
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual GIFT God gave you when I laid my hands on you." 2 Tim 1:6
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing 😭💟