The Personalized Gift

Have you started Christmas shopping already? We have family members that have just about everything they need or want, and it is sometimes hard to find gifts for them. I think they like to receive family pictures and personalized items. They might be thinking, “Her grandkids are cute, but if I get one more picture from her I will have to hang it in the garage.” Kidding aside, I actually think they treasure it because of the love behind the gift. We just do our best to let them know how special they are to us. We give from our hearts and try to touch theirs.

In a way, when we give offerings and time to God, we are trying to give a special gift to Someone who really does have everything and needs nothing. Yet, our God is an intimate God, and He likes personalized gifts from His family. This Sunday we will read about King David in 1 Chronicles 29, when the Israelites were joyfully giving offerings to God. David exclaimed, “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” Anything you give to the Lord and for His Kingdom is His treasure. All of us at Shepherd are so grateful for the love and generosity of our members and friends. We know your gifts to Shepherd are personal and we treasure your support. When you give from your hearts, you touch God’s heart and ours. As Thanksgiving approaches, we again express our thankfulness for our Shepherd community. Above all, we thank the Lord for giving us this special church home, faithful Kingdom workers and a beautiful family of faith. With joy in His service, Tracy