Gift Basket

I watched as Jamie assembled a gift basket for Bobby at Knapp Chevrolet to thank him for his extraordinary kindness after seeing her drive into dealership. It was a big bumper hit that effected her car and not the other and neither driver,(they were the only ones in the cars) was hurt physically, but it was just one more responsibility on her plate.The basket was beautiful filled with treat and sweets, a Chevrolet keyholder, and an old antique Chevrolet sign, etc., and of course a note of grateful appreciation.

My bible study teacher, Pam wrapped up her series on "The Event Planner" yesterday and of course she ended with "party favors" as she
affectionately referred to them, but was reminded by her daughter who does special events that favors for adults are referred to as gifts.
She made a wonderful illustration about the gifts given and she wrapped her thoughts in the form of a gift basket. I was thinking she was headed down the road of Spiritual gifts but she threw me for a loop when she began reading the scriptures she had chosen. He basket was woven from two verses:

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"


John 16:7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

You know the story, when Christ was raised to abide in the heavens with his father, he left us the greatest gift of all: the Holy Spirit.
And how does the gift of the Holy Spirit work for us, in us and through us? Well she gave us six points to consider and embrace.

1) The Holy Spirit Convicts: He helps us to unpack those things within us that are hinderances. But we have to be willing to allow him the honesty to spotlight our unclean ways and then be willing to ask forgiveness and then help to overcome them. It sets us free. John 16:8-11

2) The Holy Spirit Guides: I just love this. Pam said we have a built in navigation system. Now really that hits home with me because I am constantly using the map app on my phone. If I want direction as to what to do or how to do it. The holy Spirit will lead me in his way. John 16: 12-15, Romans 8:14, Acts 20:20

3) The Holy Spirit Assures: We are children of God. We are his, we have the ability to tap into his power and absorb his wisdom. You are mine, Christ says! I have claimed you. It is an assurance that he has created us and will not begin a good work and leave it dangling, he will complete it. We are his good work. We are in the process of being transformed. Romans 8:16

4) The Holy Spirit Comforts: I loved this analogy. Remember Bozo the clown, that blown up punching bag that was weighted down at the base. You would punch it and it would take a fall but it would bounce right back up. We are sure to meet trials and adversities that will knock us down, oh but God is there to help us get back up.That is our comfort, that we know no matter how hard we are hit, God has given us his hope and promise that he will stay will us and strengthen us, and help us to stand up in his grace. Romans 8:26

5) The Holy Spirit Intercedes and Empowers: We have got to be careful to not quench the Holy Spirit, to put him in a box and not expect his hand to fulfill his promises no matter how impossible they may seem to be. In the midst of shattered dreams and disappointments, Christ will intercede on our behalf beginning with translation of our prayers to God. We are inadequate on all fronts, our adequacy comes from Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

6) The Holy Spirit Illuminates: The is an appropriation of the fullness of Christ in this woven basket, and it is for us to indulge in and be strengthened by and to fill us with a peace and joy that is abounding. We have to see it though. We have to see Christ is all things and know without a doubt that he is there, his promises are real and he is faithful. We have to look and see the things that he is doing in our lives and through our lives. John 16:12-15, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Jamie's gift basket, though thoughtful and beautifully assembled, was a man made basket of goods that were mostly perishable, oh but the gift basket that we are offered by the Holy Spirit is wrapped in the love and goodness, and graciousness of Christ. It is packed with conviction, guidance, assurance, comfort, intercessions, empowerment, and illumination. All the enclosed offerings are reflections of the living and active word of God. This is one of those party favor that we are not going to want to miss. It lasts for an eternity. Blessed are we to wake up each day and to be presented with such a bountiful offering of gifts. And if there was a note, it would probably say something like: I love you and hope that you will use and enjoy all the gifts in this basket and be reminded that I am always with you my child. God

Dear Lord, thank you for the teachers that you have put in my life who help illuminate your word and show me how to apply it according to my daily walk. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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