This is a message from Dr. Michael Youssef, Bible teacher, on leading the way.

Our prayer is that it will encourage you in your walk of faith.

And if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Youssef and the ministry of leading the way, the place to start is lTW.org.

If you would give a person a gift and that person refused to take your gift, what is your

perception of that person?

The question is, would you perceive that person as prideful?

If you give a person a gift and then you find out that this person has never, ever, unwrapped that gift and

took it home and put it on a shelf. Would you say that this person is careless and thoughtless?

If you give a person a gift and you find that that person took your gift and tossed it out, may you may have

tossed it to somebody else, but at least tossed it out, would you perceive that person as

inconsiderate and thoughtless? And I haven't even begun to talk about how the giver must feel

when he finds out the reaction and the response to his gift.

I haven't even begun to talk about the depth of the disappointment of the giver.

I haven't even began to talk about the brokenheartedness of the giver.

And what compounds the problem with that giver, that very giver is such a loving

giver that is caring and gracious giver. What compounds the problem is that when the giver is such a

selfless, generous person, is that the giver is such a kind and thoughtful and benevolent person. And he's

Michael, wait a minute, that doesn't make sense. That's impossible. That's beyond the pale.

That is inconceivable. And yet, beloved friends, listen to me very carefully. This is a picture

of the Lord Jesus Christ when

he ascended on high. And he gave each one of his children at least one gift if not more.

And yet, that's how most of his children react to his gift. Some refuse to take it, others take it, and never unwrap it, others they toss it out to somebody

...