#63: Five Gifts That You Recieved From God and How to Correspond

In every day life, we are accustomed to giving something in exchange for another thing that we receive.  For example, we walk into a store, pick what we want, paid for the items and walk away with them to do as we please.  Another example is paid work.  We go the office, work for certain amount of hours and some days later we expect to be paid a salary.

In God's case, we are indebted to Him since the beginning of our lives.  God has given each one of us five gifts for which he has received no payment:

1. Life
2. Family
3. Liberty
4. The Church and the sacraments
5. The gifts of the Holy Spirit.

What are you going to give God in exchange for those five gifts that He has given you?

Today's reading is from the book of Joshua.  This reading can help us to find the answer to the question above.  Before you start reading, pause for moment of prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to make a good reflection.

16 But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods.

17 For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed.

18 At our approach the LORD drove out (all the peoples, including) the Amorites who dwelt in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."

19 Joshua in turn said to the people, "You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God who will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.

20 If, after the good he has done for you, you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods, he will do evil to you and destroy you."

21 But the people answered Joshua, "We will still serve the LORD."

22 Joshua therefore said to the people, "You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the LORD." They replied, "We are, indeed!"

23 "Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."

24 Then the people promised Joshua, "We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice."[1]

Reflection points.

1. Do not waste time seeking wisdom in other religions and sects.  Do not abandon God's wisdom. Sometimes we are more familiar with celebrities' quotes than with the Word of God.  We must dedicate some time each day to approach God through the Bible, and as you read you can also chat with Him about anything that on your mind.

2. Every day we are exposed to temptation and we sin with more or less moral gravity. This is why it is important to keep up our motivation through prayer.  We must remain faithful to the Lord.

3. We must choose once and for all that God be the center of our lifes, the first in our hearts and truly the greatest love of our lives.  Only when we have made this choice, can we begin to be free from sin and happy.

May our Holy Mother in heaven teach us to correspond to God for His gifts and blessings by being faithful.

Thank you for reflecting with me this passage of Scripture.  This is a place where you are appreciated.  This is a place where you are loved in Christ.  You are the purpose of my blog.  May God bless you abundantly.

I would love to read your comments.  What do you get from this reflection? Just write about anything you want that could be helpful to you or someone else.

[1]  Jos, 24,  16-24