“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.“
– Psalms 2:7
 In previous messages, I have discussed the blessings that are received through the “first and second payments” in life. In every job you’ve ever held, there was either a salary or an hourly wage. That is what we call the first payment. The same job, however, also has its people, lessons, and experiences that you learn from, and this is what we call the second payment or the second reward. As part of today’s message, I would like to talk about the second gift, which is the gift of becoming better than you were!
For example, in every marriage, you get the reward of your wife or husband, but there is also a second gift: You receive the rewarding experience of becoming a spouse and all that this endeavor entails to transform you into a better version of yourself. It’s interesting to note that every time a first child is born, a father is made and a mother is made for the first time as well. Everyone who has been a parent knows that the first gift is the child, but the second gift is parenting that child. It includes changing poopy diapers and not being able to sleep well because your daughter is on a date. Asking God for these gifts will result in the second gift of you growing, learning and transforming. Friend, it’s not always about you when it comes to becoming all God created you to be. The second gift might be something you learn, or it might be an unexpected opportunity. Possibly, it’s meeting or helping a person you’re supposed to connect with. Sometimes you need to come to someone’s aide. And once you help them, God will bless you with the open door you need. |
Prayer
Father, I am grateful for the gift of becoming what others around me need.
Reflection
In what ways have you used your second gift to help those around you?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
