First Steps – November 23, 2020

“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” (John 4:10 NIV).

Lately I’ve been thinking of the Greek word, Dorea. Often translated Gift, it denotes a free gift, stressing its gratuitous character. In the New Testament, it is always used to describe a spiritual or a supernatural gift given by God. When God gives, it is not just the object that is given, but the character of the one giving the gift.

In the text, the woman is slow to realize the gift of God given, Christ, and what that gift could do for her. I wonder how often we are like the woman at the well, because we are slow to recognize the gifts that have been given to us. On a large-scale, the gift of Christ.  On a small-scale, all the little ways God has blessed us.

Therefore, make a daily list for the next 30 days of the gifts that have been given to you. It will not be long before your thoughts will encompass the gifts and the one behind giving the gifts. Be fair warned! This will change your heart, for your cup will overflow with gratitude.


This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – 1 Corinthians 7
  • Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 8
  • Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 9
  • Thursday – 1 Corinthians 10
  • Friday – 1 Corinthians 11
Please Pray for:
  • Families in crisis.
  • Friends and family members battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6