“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
My husband likes to give and receive practical gifts. For instance, in January, he had snow tires put on our daughter’s car for her birthday. I don’t remember this being on my daughter’s “wish list” for her birthday, but she obviously needed them for winter weather.
He is a very active person who tends to misplace things like keys and his cell phone, so I thought I’d surprise him with a gift that would help him find lost stuff … these amazing little disks that attach to items and will beep when activated.
My husband can continue to search for his keys and phone on his own, or use the gift he received. In the same way, you and I can continue trying to “do it all” in our own wisdom and strength, or ask the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.
The choice is up to us.
Sometimes it is hard to figure out what someone else actually needs, but God knows how to give amazing gifts to his children! New believers need God’s help to find their way forward, especially in the face of persecution, so he gives them the Holy Spirit.
Unfortunately, sometimes even God’s greatest gifts go unused because in order to fully benefit from them, we need to admit we need help. We can all humbly use the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, relying on him moment by moment.
The choice is up to you.
Holy Spirit, I do need you. Please help me confess my sin and pride each day, acknowledge my inability to live the Christian life in the way that I should, and trust you to work in and through my life in such a way that God is glorified for the gift that he has given us. Amen.
By Karen Woodard
Used by Permission
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