5G: Gift

MAY 08 / Sunday – Read John 14:15-20 and 25-27

Overview: Moms give their children many things, but the greatest gift a mom can give is herself. It is the same way with the Holy Spirit. This Spirit gives us many gifts and fruit, but the greatest gift is the Spirit itself – God living in us.

09 / Mon – Gift of life  |  Read Genesis 2:7 / Psalm 139:15-16

Yesterday was a day to honor mothers. You may not be one but you had a mom. No matter what your relationship with her is like, she deserves your gratitude because she gave you birth and a chance to live. God breathed into Adam the breath of life. He gave you the same the moment you were born. Whether your days will be long or short, all of them are known to God. You are no accident but were planned by your heavenly Father. How can this truth be an anchor for you?

10 / Tue – Gift of choice  |  Read Genesis 3:1-7 / Joshua 24:15

The next thing God gave human beings is the gift of choice. How have you been using this gift lately? In what ways have you made good choices that honor God and bless others? Do you respect another person’s right to choose, even when you don’t agree with their choices? Do you trust God to use the outcome of any decision for their good and his glory? You can when you realize that he loves them as much as he loves you and is working in their lives, even if you can’t see it yet.

11  / Wed – Gift of communication  |  Read Gen 1:3 / Eph 4:29 / James 1:19 and 3:3-10

The first words were spoken by God in the beginning. Then he gave language to the people he created so they could communicate with each other and with him. Being able to talk to God and listen to his words in scripture and in your heart through prayer are precious gifts. But the way you use words is also important. What did Paul and James teach the early Christians about their responsibility in the area of language? How might this apply to your life today?

12 / Thu – Gift of creativity  |  Read Exodus 31:1-11

You may not consider yourself a creative person but since all people are made in God’s image, each is born with the ability to create. Your gift may be expressed in the form of art or music or words. It might be the way you make others feel welcome or how you can create a safe place for those who are hurting. Do you teach or preach? Are you a mentor? Do your craftsmanship, your meals, your gardening or decorating skills bless others? Will you use the talents you’ve been given to honor God and enrich the lives of others? The world needs what you can do.

13 / Fri – Gift of salvation  |  Read Romans 6:23 / Ephesians 2:8-10

This may not be news to you but consider for a moment what an incredible gift your salvation is, initiated by God himself before you were aware that you needed it. Some people believe that being saved doesn’t make life all that easy and wonder if it is worth it. Perhaps they have not considered that following Jesus, being trained to be like him in this life, is preparation for life in eternity that’s beyond their wildest imagination. What is the biggest thing Jesus has saved you from?

14 / Sat – Gift of the Holy Spirit  |  Read John 14:15-20 and 25-27 (Amplified Bible)

The greatest gift next to salvation is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The word Jesus used here was translated as comforter but it also means counselor, helper, intercessor, advocate, strengthener and standby. He said the Holy Spirit would guide them/us into all truth, help them/us to understand it and cause them/us to recall everything Jesus taught. How do you need his help today?