IronWifey- December 2017- The Gift That Gave - Issue 7

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

IRONWIFEY MAGAZINE

EVAG TAHT TFIG EHT - 7 EUSSI- 7102 REBMECED

God's Indescribable Gift 13

The Gift That Gave How to have a giving attitude?

What does your gift to God look like?

10

BUT WHO AM I, AND WHO ARE MY

PEOPLE, THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE

TO GIVE AS GENEROUSLY AS THIS?

EVERYTHING COMES FROM YOU, AND

WE HAVE GIVEN YOU ONLY WHAT

COMES FROM YOUR HAND.

1 CHRONICLES 29:14 NIV

CONTENT(S) ACCEPT THE GIFT THAT GAVE 04

UBUNTU: HUMANITY TOWARDS OTHERS AUTHOR: ELSONIA SWARTS

07

HAVING A GIVING ATTITUDE

AUTHOR: NCEDIWE MDLULWA 08

THE GIFT THAT GAVE

AUTHOR: CHRISCYNTHIA WOODERT-CALHOUN 10

WHAT DOES YOUR GIFT TO GOD LOOK LIKE AUTHOR: DENISE DANDRIDGE

13

GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT AUTHOR: JOANNE CHRISTIAN

16

19

GOD GAVE, GIFTED, & FORGAVE AUTHOR: ELSONIA SWARTS

FREELY, I WILL GIVE

AUTHOR: MICAYLA ROBERTSON

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Thank you for reading the "The Gift That Gave" issue of IronWifey Magazine.

Giving is an essential gift that many of us take for granted.

We often focus so heavily on receiving gifts, that we become passive and hesitant to give. Gifting is not just monetary, but can be emotional and spiritual. We can give more time and love to each other, as well as more time and love to our Heavenly Father. When we give, we serve the Lord in love, and when we receive, we accept the blessing He has in store for us. .

The ultimate gift we can ever receive is the Gift of Jesus Christ. He gave his life for us, so what better way to thank him, than by giving our lives to serve Him. As you read, I pray that the Lord opens your heart to give, and that you receive all that He has for you Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 NIV May the Lord be with you and bless you!

With Love,

-Micayla WWW.IRONWIFEY.COM

Editor in Christ, IronWifey Magazine

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“UBUNTU” HUMANITY TOWARDS OTHERS By: Elsonia Swarts

What did you do today that impacted someone’s life positively?

Having a positive impact doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to give money, and different scriptures in the Bible inspire us to have “Ubuntu” (Humanitarianism). In Matthews 25: 35, we are inspired to:

give food to the hungry give water to the thirsty be welcoming to strangers give clothes to the naked visit the sick and those in jail

There is a Nigerian saying that goes: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” We please God when we assist each other, so do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16). As Christians we need to see the world and others through the eyes of Christ. We need to open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others. In 1 John 3:17, a very important question is asked: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” God promises us that when we give, we will receive.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. -Luke 6:38

God does not expect us to give what we don’t have, “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). God also does not force us into giving, but wants the giving to come from our hearts,

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7

Give, for it is in giving that we mimic the actions of our Heavenly Father, who gives freely and willingly out of love!

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WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY THAT IMPACTED SOMEONE’S LIFE POSITIVELY?

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FOR I WAS HUNGRY, AND YOU FED

ME. I WAS THIRSTY, AND YOU GAVE

ME A DRINK. I WAS A STRANGER,

AND YOU INVITED ME INTO YOUR

HOME. I WAS NAKED, AND YOU

GAVE ME CLOTHING. I WAS SICK,

AND YOU CARED FOR ME. I WAS IN

PRISON, AND YOU VISITED ME.’

MATTHEW 25:35-36 NLT

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HAVING A GIVING ATTITUDE By: Ncediwe Mdlulwa

I can assure you it is impossible to genuinely give when you have: Pride Jealousy Malice Self- centeredness Narcissism (I am reminded of Joseph’s attitude and Character of Giving towards his brothers particularly after being betrayed and rejected by them.

Oh my Lord Jesus…my God! How authentic he was in his giving as a man of God) Genesis 42-44 The emoji above is not a good attitude to carry when giving. Even if one is giving with this kind of expression, it stems from a negative place and therefore makes the act of giving as if it NEVER happened!

The face and heart of giving should look like this, which signifies an attitude of giving with a pure heart: Giving is about doing something wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return.

Christian giving is not giving "beyond our means” it’s simple things like giving someone a smile, hug, love, you name it…

Giving is basically being able to share the little that you have with those in need.

Giving shows character, as we were created as vessels for the expression of God's character.

Giving to me is about making God’s glory manifest here on earth as it is in heaven.

Whoever reads this, it is my prayer that your life be changed for ever Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Giving starts with the attitude of the giver toward the receiver. My take on giving is taken from the book of Acts 20:35 (NIV) which says: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” The concept of Giving originated with God and God is the source of it. It is a biblical concept, hence the bible fosters us to give even through tithes and offerings. Even if circumstances do not allow us to do so. I believe that God GIVES us literally everything simply because he adores and loves us unconditionally. Whether we transgress or have iniquities, he is still forever there for us day and night. This is why giving should be the main focus in absolutely everything that we do. Through giving we receive opportunities to serve our father and help the world through GENUINE acts of: Love | Caring | Generosity | Kindness | Support, etc.

THE GIFT THAT GAVE PAGE 8

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON

GIVING AND GIFTS

IW MAGAZINE

BY: CHRISCYNTHIA CALHOUN

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY… FALALALALALALALALA! It is that time of year to give and receive Christmas gifts from friends and family. These gifts of love and appreciation often make the holidays a little sweeter.

Like most people, I love to give and receive gifts. It is especially satisfying to watch the recipient’s faces light up when they unwrap their presents. It has been my experience, that people most cherish gifts that are uniquely chosen for them. Truthfully, the personal touch goes a long way, for I have learned the value of giving intangible gifts.

These are the gifts that cannot be purchased, but instead must be exchanged.

A real “gift that gave” is the ability and willingness

As Community Liaison for my church for several years, I

to openly exhibit love, kindness, sympathy and

have been blessed to reach out to retailers in our

empathy without question whenever the need arises.

community who graciously agreed to partner with us to provide gift cards and food donations. In turn, their generosity helps to defray the cost of providing hot meals and groceries for the homeless and needy. It is such a privilege to work with a wonderful co-leader, alongside our pastor, his wife and a magnificent group of members to provide what we can to the homeless and needy during our community outreaches. These amazing volunteers give their time, efforts and finances to not only offer food and new/gently used clothing to the less fortunate, but share the love of Christ as well.

Their “giving” spirit is infectious and so genuine that everyone who visits our outreach feels welcomed and encouraged. Not only do they leave with a full stomach, a bag of groceries and possibly some new articles of He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he

clothing and accessories, but they are very touched by the

giveth of his bread to the poor -Proverbs 22:9 (KJV).

gifts of sharing and caring.

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As a child of God, I fervently believe that I should give year-round and not just on holidays and special occasions. To have a heart for people is most assuredly the gift that keeps on giving; no matter the sacrifices or challenges. Hence, calling up a friend out of the blue to tell them they are loved, and to stay encouraged can completely brighten their mood and day.

During the Christmas season, I find that I am filled with a joy that gives me hope for the coming year.

I know that it is largely due to the knowledge that this is the time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who gave the ultimate gift! Therefore, knowing that I will never be called upon to die to save a sin-ridden world, I choose to give the gifts that are within my power to bestow. In that spirit, I make the effort to speak words of encouragement, actively listen to those in distress and give a helping hand whenever the opportunity presents itself. As an active member of Blacks in Government (BIG). I take full advantage of events that allow us to assist vets, students and families in Northern California whenever I am not traveling. Truly, these occasions are personally rewarding, and fill my heart and soul with a gladness that cannot be contained.

On a final note, the holiday season is usually a time of reflection for me to start fresh – to forgive and to ask forgiveness for careless words or deeds.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you – Ephesians 4:32 (KJV).

So in this season, give and forgive with the ability and willingness to openly exhibit love. Have a heart for people and show kindness, sympathy and empathy without question whenever the need arises. In turbulent times, such as these, that is without a doubt, the gift that gave again and again. For I, as the song goes,

“Give thanks with a grateful heart...”

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WHAT DOES YOUR GIFT TO GOD LOOK LIKE? BY: DENISE DANDRIDGE

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"LIFE IS GOD'S GIFT TO YOU, HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE, IS YOUR

T

GIFT TO GOD" (UNKNOWN AUTHOR)

he quote listed above was the

first thing that came to mind when I read the theme for the December's issue of IronWifey

The gifts of eternity that God has placed within each of us requires only that we believe, trust, seek, obey, serve and praise Him with all of our hearts and minds (Matthew 22:36)

entitled, Our Heavenly Father anxiously awaits an "THE GIFT THAT GAVE".

The sins of Mankind were exonerated through the blood of Jesus Christ (The Gift), when he died on the cross for us. God (Gave) us grace, mercy, forgiveness

invitation from us, to bestow upon us the plans he has for each of our lives. He is ready to command the seeds, gifts and talents he has placed within us to spring forth as it did in the beginning.

and the possibility of eternal life for those who "Everything God wants to do in our life, is

believed and were obedient.

already inside of us, all we have to do is ask him to release it." -Pastor Ron Carpenter

God GAVE his son for us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

The journey that each of us is on from birth

that whosoever believes in him should not perish but

through adolescence and into adulthood, attests

have eternal life. (John 3:16)

to the value that we have placed on the precious gift of life that God has blessed us with. Do we

And,

reverence each day, or take it for granted? Have we lived a loving, peaceful existence, filled

Christ GAVE his life for us

with joy and happiness? A life that is humble, and genuinely seeks to serve others that are in

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

need. Do we cheerfully give of the gifts that God has given us?

(John 15:13) Or, have we lived bitter, unforgiving existences As undeserving as we were of both God's and Christ's sacrificial gifts both during biblical times and presently, God's unconditional love for us still allowed him to see past our faults, and imperfections.

filled with prejudice, hate and disdain.

Compartmentalized lives where we are at the center of each and every aspect of it.

God

Christ

What

Gave

Gave His

Will You

Christ

Life

Give?

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IW MAGAZINE

GOD HAS GIVEN EACH OF YOU A GIFT FROM HIS GREAT VARIETY OF

SPIRITUAL GIFTS. USE THEM WELL TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER. -1 PETER 4:10

Individualized and entitled lives where everything that we do is done for our own uplifting, gratification and where we give minimally and expect everything in return. Where nothing is ever given out of kindness and generosity, and everything we desire is sought after regardless of the spiritual cost to obtain it.

The Bible says: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. -1 Peter 4:10.

The Christ-mas holiday is upon us and the world as usual is focusing on gift giving and receiving in an earthly sense. The true Gift of the season, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is casually pushed aside for a white bearded gentleman with eight reindeers and a sled and all of the other commercialized icons the world has chosen to dilute what Christmas is all about.

I challenge each of you to take a moment to focus on what your life's gift to God looks like. How have you utilized the precious gift of life that the Lord has so graciously given you?

I challenge each of you to take a moment to focus on what

Erma Bombeck, an American humorist, once

your life's gift to God looks like. How have you utilized the

wrote:

precious gift of life that the Lord has so graciously given you?

"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say that I used everything God gave me".

My gift to God is to continue to always sow good seeds, and to use Every Gift, Every Talent and Every Skill, that God has given me Every Day to uplift and glorify him. I want to continue to be a blessing to others as My Heavenly Father has and continues to bless me. Unlike Mrs. Bombeck, I don't want to wait until the end of my life to have God assess how responsible I was with the gifts he has given me. I want to live my life according to his will so that on any given day the Lord can view my life's journey and boast that I presented him with the best possible gift ever.

WHAT DOES YOUR GIFT TO GOD

LOOK LIKE?

GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (GOSPEL IN FULL TRUTH)

BY:Â JOANNE CHRISTIAN

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W

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON

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e are entering into the time of year where gifts will be given and received.

It amazes me how during this time, we are more kind and courtesy. If only we can take this feeling and bottle it up for everyday use. One thought that comes to mind is how the Apostle Paul describes Jesus as "God's Indescribable Gift" in 2 Corinthians 9:15. Here he declares that there are no words to describe the "Gift" called "Jesus" that God gave to the world over two thousand years ago. Therefore Paul simply says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

Think about receiving a gift that will change you forever?

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Many reference Christmas with the decoration of a tree and presents under them, but this "Indescribable Gift" will not be found under Christmas trees. Looking back through biblical history, He one day hung on a tree, but today, He still knocks on the door of the hearts of man so that He may be hung there by those who are willing to accept Him. God offers His "Indescribable Gift" called "Jesus" to the world. This "Gift" will cost you nothing, but it will cause you to never be the same (if you accept Him).

As children we were told that Santa was always watching, and how we behaved would determine if we receive a lump of coal in our stocking or a gift.

Well, God's always watching, and His gift of love to us is one that none of us deserves. There is nothing we can do to earn it; but yet we still receive it. He gave us this gift when we were His enemies. We surely didn’t deserve it then; in fact, it was just the opposite. This gift came through His birth; but was given through His Death. In Romans 5:8 the Word tells us, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".

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A gift is an expression of the giver’s heart and an appropriate gift does two things: It reveals the love of the one giving it.

It suits the needs of the one receiving it.

The recipient receives the gift, not because it is earned or deserved, but because it is simply an expression of the loving heart of the giver. Can you recall receiving a gift and saying “How thoughtful of you; it is just what I wanted and needed.” The gift of Jesus Christ does both of these things so our response to Him should be, “How like you dear God to give me just what I wanted and needed.”

Think on these things...

The presents you will receive may break, expire, or no longer be of interest to you after a while; but the Gift of Jesus holds its value for all eternity and never expires. He won’t go bad or spoil, and you won’t have to ever throw Him out; nor does He ever go out of style.

Every generation needs a Redeemer. Every generation needs a Savior to lift them out of sin and into the righteousness of God. Jesus is the perfect Gift and God’s love for us in Christ never fades, diminishes, or weakens. God’s love for us remains consistent and continually available.

Christmas is the season for giving gifts.

It’s no wonder that we give gifts to loved ones at this time, since Christmas is really the celebration of God’s Gift to those He loves—His perfect Gift of Jesus to you and me!

"How like you dear God to give me just what I wanted and needed."

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GOD GAVE GIFTED AND FORGAVE US!

IW MAGAZINE

God himself encourages us to ask, “If you only knew the gifts God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4:10 NLT).

The awesome thing about the gifts God gives us is that we don’t have to pay for them, they are free and we don’t have to worry about God taking them back from us, “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.”

(Roman 11:29 NLT).

The best and ultimate gift we received from God is the gift of life.

BY: ELSONIA SWARTS We serve a mighty awesome God; the creator and maintainer of life! As God’s offspring we are blessed and privileged to have a Father that knows to give his children good gifts. In Matthews 7:11 NLT, it is written, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

Therefore ask your heavenly Father to give you good gifts, trust and believe that what you ask from him will come to pass.

God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

(Ephesians 2:4 NLT).

To complement the gift of life, God saw it fit to also bless us with different gifts of skill in order for us to help each other and bring glory to his name.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. -1 Peter 4:10 NLT

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GAVE

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GIFTED

In the Book of Romans, 12:6-8 NLT, God encourages us on how to use our gifts well.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

FORGAVE Not only does God give us good gifts but he forgives us for all the wrongs we do. In his Word, it is written: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

-1 John 1:9 NLT God cares so much for us that he sacrificed his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to carry the burden of sin for us by being crucified. Through the blood of Jesus, we can have life and have it in abundance, In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. -Ephesians 1:7 NLT We have a Heavenly Father that is caring, loving and merciful, The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.

-Daniel 9:9 NLT God gave, gifted and forgave us so that we may have life in and through him!

WHATEVER IS GOOD AND

PERFECT IS A GIFT COMING

DOWN TO US FROM GOD OUR

FATHER, WHO CREATED ALL

THE LIGHTS IN THE HEAVENS.

James 1: 17 NLT

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PAGE 19 Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, into my life. His sacrifice is the reason I live freely in salvation today and desire to give myself away to be used by you.

I accept and understand that like Christ, my life is a gift.

From birth until death, you have placed me on this earth to carry out your purpose for my life. You gave me a vision, and it is up to me to turn your vision into my reality. Lord, please take and use me to give to others and bless me with the confidence and fearlessness to tap into the spiritual gifts that you have blessed me with.

My gifts open a way and usher me into the presence of the great. So, I ask that you always use me as a vessel for your Kingdom. Only you can to bless me abundantly, so I will keep my eyes focused on you so that in all things at all times, I have all that I need, and will abound in every good work.

I will honor you Lord with my wealth, and with the firstfruits of all my crops. I will give with grace and in love, for I know that it will be given back to me.

Just as Jesus used his gift to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons, I will use my gifts to serve you, bring you glory, spread your love with others, and share the Good news of Christ. I will take delight in you Lord, and I

FREELY, I WILL GIVE A PRAYER FOR GIVING BY: MICAYLA ROBERTSON

humbly ask that your desires become my own.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with THE gift that gave and continues to give. Freely I have received; and freely I will give.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Proverbs 18:16 | Luke 6:38 | Proverbs 3:9 | Psalms 37:4 | Matthew 10:8

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