The Gift of the Holy Spirit

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The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Andrea Lende • September 8, 2022

I Corinthians 2:12

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

You can also listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/The-Gift-of-the-Holy-Spirit-e1nhhe4

I Corinthians 2:12

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

Since the beginning of time, God desired to make Himself known to His people.

He desired relationship with His people.

And He wanted them, and now us, to desire relationship with Him.

He wanted them, and now us, to depend completely on Him.

God intended to keep His chosen people holy under the Law.

And then He sent His Son to take away the sins of the world so His desire of full relationship with us would be fulfilled.

He sent His Holy Spirit to reside in us.

Our verse today tells us His Spirit is sent to us for three reasons.

Jesus talked about more reasons, but today let’s look at the reasons Paul writes about.

We are granted the Holy Spirit to realize the scope of God’s divine favor.

To comprehend the breadth of His blessings.

And to appreciate the gifts He so freely and extravagantly bestows on us.

The Holy Spirit helps us understand the depth of God’s love and helps us experience the fullness of His love.

Paul writes we are not given the spirit of the world, but the Spirit of God.

Let’s choose God’s Spirit today and every day.

It is given to us at great cost.

Today I choose to allow the Spirit of God lead, guide, and direct my heart, mind, and soul.

May you find the Lord’s Spirit is leading, guiding, and directing you as you allow Him to fill your spirit with His.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, thank You for giving us the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Spirit that fills us with Your love. The kind of love that changes our hearts and draws us closer to You. Help us follow You and be continually led by You. Don’t let the spirit of the world blind our eyes and lead us into the path of temptation. Keep us in Your care, Lord. Compass us about with Your love and Light and help us be obedient to You. Keep our eyes on You. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

Answer: I AM with you and My Spirit resides within you. Keep your eyes on me.

Response: Help us look to You for all we need, Almighty God and Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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By Andrea Lende • December 26, 2022

This verse is the perfect verse to reflect on as Christmas comes to a close. The Lord sent His Son to us. He sent Him to this world as a babe. Jesus was given the task of growing up. A difficult one for all of us. He endured the awkward stages we all go through as we grow past them. I look back at old picture and cringe, yes, I cringe. This life provides plenty of opportunities to feel awkward and just plain weird, but our Father loves us as though we are perfect every day of our lives. This is why Jesus came. He came to make us perfect in God’s sight.

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This is a picture of red Christmas balls and the words Merry Christmas

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By Andrea Lende • December 20, 2022

Jesus had just spoken to a fig tree and deemed it unworthy to live because it had no fruit on it. His disciples were amazed when they saw the fig tree wither and die. Then the Lord talked to them about prayer and belief. He told them that whatever they asked for, if they had the faith and belief, they would receive it. I remember the day I started hearing music and lyrics. I had just bowed my head at the piano and asked if the Lord would bless praise and worship music. As soon as I prayed that prayer, the Lord bestowed the gift of song writing upon me.