Our focus has changed from wants to needs. What do we need? I began to pray asking God to help me focus on what is needed at Christmas and every day. What is my list of needs? Each year of life, our wisdom grows as we grow. Our faith and focus on God grows over time. The urge of wants relents to the urge of needing more of God and less of self. Following Him takes priority over stuff. Selfishness overrides our wisdom at times when the focus on God turns back to a focus on self. Changing the view back to Him is a sign of humility in our lives.

As I prayed this year for a clearer focus on Jesus, some clarity came in view. What if I ask God what gift He wants from me this year, every year? What if I choose to fulfill that list of gifts He wants throughout my life? What would that look like? The list of what God wants from me began to form and excitement grew in my heart. Giving God gifts, knowing I am pleasing Him creates more joy than I could ever dream of. The gift to God and the fulfillment of these gifts brings joy like no other.

My gifts to God; the gifts, I pray, will be present to Him every day.

Less Pride, More Humility
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

Less Anger, More Love
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” Ephesians 4:2

Less Comparison, More Contentment
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4: 12

Less Complaining, More Thankfulness
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2: 6-7

Less Gossip, More Encouragement
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1Thessalonians 5:11

Less Me, More of You Jesus