“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Walking through a landscape nursery, I wasn’t looking for it when I saw it. The plant just sort of ‘popped out,’ causing me to stop in my tracks and stare. Having never seen a pepper plant like that one before, I marveled at it’s beauty. As the sun made the colors shine and come to life, I wanted it!

I had just spent over $60 for milkweed plants. Katie likes spring butterflies and butterflies like milkweed. Since I like Katie, I decided to get some for her. Returning the cart, I saw the pepper plant in all it’s glory! The longer I looked at it, the prettier it got. Though an unusual plant to give to a woman, I figured Katie would appreciate it. So I bought it!

The key to any gift is presentation. Once home, I placed it in front of her flower garden where it would be easily seen… figuring she would HAVE to notice! True to habit, when she came into the house, she passed by the glass doors to admire the flowers. Her jaw dropped and she let out a gasp! “Where did you get THAT?!” “At the pepper plant store,” I replied.

Ephesians 4:8 fulfilled a prophecy of Psalm 68, both which show God receiving and giving “gifts to men.” Which is how it goes! I received the gift of joy in the beauty of the pepper bush. In turn, I presented that joy as a gift to my wife. She blessed me again with the joy of her favor. Which again… is how it goes.

New Life in Christ is promised to all who choose to receive it. But like the ‘flower’ gift of the ‘pepper bush,’ His gift is hidden in mystery. Presentation is everything, and when mystery is added, the gift becomes even more desirable. After he reveals Himself to me, He asks ME to go and show it off to the world by doing things HIS way! In turn, HE gets glory from ‘showing off’ our true colors! And that’s how it goes!

Are people amazed by YOUR Jesus life and asking, “Where did you get THAT?”  Shine on!