There are many things we can give without thinking of cash, cheques or bank cards. There are so many more ways of showing His love than speaking. Whatever we give will be replaced, not just replaced, but multiplied back to us. Why? So that we can give more.

In thinking of gifts and giving we cannot ignore the gifts of nature, the gifts of the earth. God gave us the sun and moon to order our days, and seasons. He gave us the stars to fascinate us and make many people want to know more about them.

Please note that their giving was not because a charismatic leader had asked for offerings, (even though that may have been what happened). It was because God moved their hearts. They could not stop themselves from giving generously because they had sensed the presence of the Lord in the meeting.

What amazing rewards for those who have been generous with the gifts they have received. I do not believe we are talking here about finance so much as using all our gifts to bless others. Those who have done worthwhile things on earth and honoured God will be honoured themselves.

The gift of prophecy is not what many of us think it is in our churches. We do not have to be able to see into the future, of anyone or any situation. The prophets in the Old Testament heard from The Lord and spoke it out to the people.

We must remember, recognise and honour the whole trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the Bible we are encouraged to stay in unity with other believers. How sad God must be that there has been so much division in the church and today there are so many denominations.

There may be some people who can operate in one special gift and so that person becomes known as the prophet or the intercessor of the church. But these are not intended to be titles, they are actions. On any occasion, it can be different people operating in the gifts.

Timothy was the young pastor of a young church in Ephesus planted by Paul. Many spiritual gifts are given and received by the laying on of hands. Today we see this operating among Christians. But in Old Testament times the priests laid hands on the sacrifices before they were slaughtered.

Water is the most essential element for life. It symbolises the essential Holy Spirit for spiritual survival. Those who believe and get to Heaven before the last days of earth as we know it, will be urging others to take the free gift of eternal life symbolised by this water.

The virgin Mary was the first to receive the gift of Jesus. What a courageous young woman she was. She was one among many who had been awaiting the Messiah for generations. He had been promised centuries earlier through the prophets, but also mentioned at the beginning of the Bible.