Scripture or Today: Luke 11:11-12 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?”

White elephant gifts are usually not anything anyone wants, but they do make us laugh! The phrase is thought to refer to what the king of Siam would do to those courtiers who had angered him. He would give them rare albino elephants with the expectation that they would be ruined by the animal’s upkeep costs! The gift, originally thought to be something positive ended up being very negative! All wrapped up with a big bow, our white elephant gifts are received with low expectations!

Today’s verse comes from a passage that assumes that we know how to give good and appropriate gifts to our children. In the same way, our Heavenly Father gives exactly the right gift to His children (verse 13). He knows what is good for us and what is not. He knows what will perhaps later complicate our lives! What He gives is always good and perfect (James 1:17). And His most indescribable gift is the gift of Himself! (II Cor. 9:15)

The gift of His Spirit (verse 13) is pretty much the best answer to any prayer request! When I am confused, He gives wisdom. When I am needing direction, He guides. When I am devastated, He comforts. When I am weak He gives strength. When I am worked up He calms me down. And when I am feeling alone, it is His Spirit that reminds me of His presence and love. Those whose hope is in the Lord will not be disappointed! (Is. 49:23)

Thank you Lord, for the gift of Yourself.