The Gift of God

The Gift of God

Gary and I have been asking God to show us more richly, the gift of God known as the Holy Spirit.  A proclamation was made by the Apostles at the entrance of the Spirit in human vessels years ago:  "Repent, receive the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

I was in prison ministry for many years.  How well I remember a particular inmate sharing something with me.  Now we all know inmates are not in prison for doing good - many of their crimes are horrendous.  But there truly are a few who find Christ sincerely - no "jailhouse religion."  And this one, who was truly born again, said he couldn't believe the Holy Spirit came to live in him.  Then he joked a bit and said that the Holy Spirit couldn't believe it either!

The song, "There Is A Fountain," has a precious verse describing "the dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day - and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away..."

Sometimes we think that because we didn't commit the grossest of sins we weren't as vile as the thief on the cross.  The truth is we were all in sin and death - the pot of corruption.  And we heard the blessed message that God was receiving sinners.  We came, we believed, we were washed, and we received the GIFT OF GOD - His precious Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is none other than the Spirit of Christ - the One God raised from the dead, not only for our "being right with God," but now to live in us as the new man - the new life.

Christ Himself reigns there in life - where?  In us.  God is working in us to flow only and through Him - to know Him - to know the unfathomable, unspeakable gift of God.

Could it be the sin of the believer now is to ignore Him who dwells in me?

Oh may we not treat Christ, God's Spirit lightly - may we ask of Him today to allow us to discover the riches of what it means for Christ to be formed in us - to flow out with His Spirit (the gift of God) in and through us.

Christ, the Spirit of God, is a Living Person - we have the mind of Christ inside our hearts.  The Person of the Holy Spirit is indwelling us.  Therefore we are called to listen to Him and express Him.

"Dearest Father, thank you for all grace, your longsuffering and patience as we discover the reality of Your Son in our hearts through Your Spirit."

Blessings & Love,

Sue Gaither