Tag Archives: gift of God

June 5
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“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  (John 14:16-17, NIV)

I’ve forgotten my wallet.  I’ve forgotten my cellphone.  I’ve forgotten my attache case; but I’ve never once forgotten my heart, my lungs, or even my “who knows what it does” appendix.  All of these latter-named items are securely within us.

So it is with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus tells us that He is here to help us forever; that He lives with us; and that He lives within us.

How cool is that?  We have an eternal helper.  He lives with us.  He lives within us; as surely and securely as our physical organs.

The Holy Spirit is not merely a gift from God; He is the gift of God.  We can never lose this gift, but we can choose not to allow Him to help us; but why would we do that?  – Luther

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October 20
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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God.  As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us.  In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.

What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?

If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business” life; and our so-called “social” life; and our so-called “political” life are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.

As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.”  Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.”  – Luther 

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January 13
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“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, KJV)

One of my favorite game shows is “The Price is Right” (TPIR).

Like most game shows on television, prizes are awarded the contestants when they succeed at various tasks.  Contestants on TPIR are awarded vacations in exotic places, cash, and even automobiles for their prowess.  It is the automobiles that often generate the most excitement, despite the fact that these often aren’t expensive cars; and most are vehicles that will depreciate to almost nothing in a few years.  Judging from the unbridled enthusiasm of some winners, you would think something greater has been acquired.

On the other hand, God offers everyone something much better than a prize: He offers a gift.

Prizes must be won, while gifts are freely given.  Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord is never something for which we must compete; and it is a gift that never loses its value.  How about a little unbridled enthusiasm for that?  Have a great day!  – Luther

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