gifts – CadreMen Press

Esau’s Birthright

Esau’s Birthright by Kirk Hunt

Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.”

So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis25:33-34NKJV

Esau was hungry and tired, and Jacob acted. This was not really a moment of weakness for Esau. The moment exposed how much Esau disdained his rights and heritage. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup.

God has given you gifts and valuables. A strong family life is a treasure. Good health is a precious commodity. God’s presence in your life is wealth beyond measure.

Do you value such riches? Do you take them for granted? Do you look down on them as having little or no worth?

God’s promises, first given to Abraham, were Esau’s birthright. Esau actively devalued God’s oath to make him a blessing to the world and a link in the lineage of Messiah. Esau traded an honored place in history and Scripture for a serving of beans.

Stop and consider what forms of wealth and promise God has given you. You will eventually act on how much (or little) you value the precious things he has placed in your life. Will you sell your birthright or esteem it greatly?

Think: God has given me valuable gifts. Do I value them?

Pray: “Lord, help me to value what You give me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Your Gift Makes Room

“Your Gift Makes Room” By Kirk Hunt

A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 NKJV

God is against bribes, but He is for generosity. May the Holy Spirit convict (not condemn) you about graft, but He will commend you for giving. The gifts you give make room for you. What do you put in that space?

“Make room” is not just a reference to physical space. Your room may be the positive opinion of decision makers. Perhaps your gifts open the opportunity to witness to souls about Jesus. Are you wise with the opening made by your gifts?

As a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, you have gifts and are a minister. Your gifts are not just for your benefit. You are intended and custom-made to benefit the men and women around you. By giving your gifts, you almost literally compel souls to make space for you in their lives. What do you place in that hard-won place?

The healing of a skillful doctor or nurse usually gets the gratitude of the patient. Even difficult students speak well of a key teacher who taught important skills and knowledge. The friend who comes through at midnight earns warmth from a friend’s heart. Given a door to another’s spirit, what will you choose to leave behind?

Your gifts lower defenses. Your gifts draw consideration. Your gifts soften hearts. What do you do with that precious opportunity for God’s Kingdom?

Think: My gifts open the door to interactions with men and women.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faithful courage over what, where and when You command.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Gifts To The Poor

“Gifts To The Poor” By Kirk Hunt

To establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.

Esther 9:21–22 NKJV

The Jewish holiday of Purim is a time of joy and celebration. Haman’s conspiracy was thwarted and Mordecai personally promoted by King Ahasuerus. Yet, in all of the feasting and festivity, gifts to the poor were intended to be a part of Purim.

Too often those who are doing well give no thought about those who are struggling. You may not be able to erase all of their suffering or difficulty, but you can share your joy. Joy and celebration is not a zero-sum game. You and they can win, simultaneously.

Were the poor at risk from Haman’s plot? Yes, just like wealthier folk. Life and liberty are precious commodities, regardless of your income level. Was their salvation from Haman’s conspiracy any less precious? Not one iota less than other folk.

Consider the things you enjoy, the privileges you experience, and the benefits you receive. Is it really so difficult or onerous to share from all that God has provided to you? After all, sharing increases joy in the world.

God has blessed you. Consider how you can pass His blessings on to others, as Jesus commanded. Give your gifts, especially to those less fortunate. Joy, divided and distributed, gets larger, not smaller.

Think: I can share my joy, especially with those who are less fortunate.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember to bless others in Your Name.”