Freely Given, Fully Yours
We all enjoy gifts, especially surprise gifts from the people we love. There is something about them that makes us feel seen, valued, and appreciated. But what is it about gifts that make them so special? Maybe it’s the thoughtfulness behind the gesture or the excitement of receiving something new.
At the heart of every great gift is this simple truth: we didn’t have to do a thing to earn it. We didn't pay for it, work for it, or even ask for it. It was freely given.
That's what makes the gift of the Holy Spirit so incredible. Like the best gifts, we don’t have to earn what God already wants to give His children.
Read: Acts 2:1-47
Respond: According to verse 38, what is the one thing we need to do to receive the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a feeling or a moment of emotion. It's not a fleeting experience. He wants to live inside of us, help us grow, and guide us to become who God created us to be.
And Jesus made that possible. He did the work. He died, rose again, and sent the Holy Spirit so we could live in His power. All we have to do is receive Him by faith.
“On the day of Pentecost... everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”— Acts 2:1–4
Sometimes we feel like we have to force or fake an experience with the Holy Spirit, especially if we’ve seen people take it to extremes. But we don't need to chase the hype. What we need is truth. Scripture is clear: the Holy Spirit is real, powerful, and present. And if He is moving, we want to be right in the middle of it.
Our culture offers countless ways to “fix yourself.” But we don’t need more self-help. We need Spirit-help. The Holy Spirit gives us strength we can’t find anywhere else.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23
The Bible points us to a real relationship with the Holy Spirit, but we often allow the opinions or experiences of others to shape what we believe. Don’t let that happen. The Holy Spirit is ready to fill you, guide you, and grow good things in your life. All you have to do is be still and receive.
Journal: As we study the Holy Spirit in this message series, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
Activation: Each day this week, set aside a few quiet moments. Sit in God’s presence. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you, help you, and fill you. Write down what He shows you.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite You into this day. I need Your strength and power. Help me grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Make me bold to share Jesus with others, and show me who needs to hear about You today. Give me wisdom in every decision, and guide me step by step. I trust You. Amen.
At the heart of every great gift is this simple truth: we didn’t have to do a thing to earn it. We didn't pay for it, work for it, or even ask for it. It was freely given.
That's what makes the gift of the Holy Spirit so incredible. Like the best gifts, we don’t have to earn what God already wants to give His children.
Read: Acts 2:1-47
Respond: According to verse 38, what is the one thing we need to do to receive the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a feeling or a moment of emotion. It's not a fleeting experience. He wants to live inside of us, help us grow, and guide us to become who God created us to be.
And Jesus made that possible. He did the work. He died, rose again, and sent the Holy Spirit so we could live in His power. All we have to do is receive Him by faith.
“On the day of Pentecost... everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”— Acts 2:1–4
Sometimes we feel like we have to force or fake an experience with the Holy Spirit, especially if we’ve seen people take it to extremes. But we don't need to chase the hype. What we need is truth. Scripture is clear: the Holy Spirit is real, powerful, and present. And if He is moving, we want to be right in the middle of it.
Our culture offers countless ways to “fix yourself.” But we don’t need more self-help. We need Spirit-help. The Holy Spirit gives us strength we can’t find anywhere else.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23
The Bible points us to a real relationship with the Holy Spirit, but we often allow the opinions or experiences of others to shape what we believe. Don’t let that happen. The Holy Spirit is ready to fill you, guide you, and grow good things in your life. All you have to do is be still and receive.
Journal: As we study the Holy Spirit in this message series, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
Activation: Each day this week, set aside a few quiet moments. Sit in God’s presence. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you, help you, and fill you. Write down what He shows you.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite You into this day. I need Your strength and power. Help me grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Make me bold to share Jesus with others, and show me who needs to hear about You today. Give me wisdom in every decision, and guide me step by step. I trust You. Amen.
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1 Comment
After reading today’s devotion, these song lyrics came to mind, “More, more, more of Him is all I want. Thanks, Theresa!