Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. (1 Cor. 10:5)

PRESENTS FILLED THE TABLE in boxes of all different sizes wrapped in bright blue and red wrapping paper. Ribbons adorned the packages, while colorful streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling. The smell of fresh cake wafted from the kitchen. Melissa had worked for days getting a birthday party ready for her twin boys.

The boys were thrilled to see all their gifts. They quickly ripped the bright paper off each one and moved on to the next. So many toys, more than either boy really needed. After they had unwrapped the last present, the boys ran off excitedly to play with their collection of new playthings.

It wasn’t long, though, before Melissa could hear shouts of anger coming from her boys. She went to see what the problem was and found them fighting over their new gifts. Each child stood staring crossly at the other. Melissa said, “Boys, this is not how we enjoy birthday gifts, and this is definitely not how we treat each other. You both need to take a time-out for a while.” The boys’ shoulders slumped and their heads dropped. Tears followed.

God’s presents to us come in various forms, including that of bringing revival to churches. When Moses was leading God’s people, they witnessed God’s miraculous works, but they did not respond faithfully. Their lack of faith and gratitude stifled God’s blessing and brought serious consequences. When the Holy Spirit breaks into our lives, we must respond with thankful obedience.

Respond with gratitude to God for His gifts to you.

Amy Knepp is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is a stay-at-home mother of four children.