June 8th

Driving in the HOV Lane

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:7,11

What is the greatest gift you have ever received? Really think about it. Think back to all the Christmases and all the birthdays and all the other times in which you have received gifts.

When I think back, I remember times when I've received gifts-and I've done this with my kids, too-where there was one big gift, but several other gifts that went along with the big gift. And whether you know it or not, you have received this kind of gift, too, at least if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior.

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you receive the biggest gift possible. You receive a new life, forgiveness of sins, and everlasting life in Heaven. You also receive the Holy Spirit. All of this comes from the single gift of Jesus Christ!

However, when the Holy Spirit comes into your life and the presence of God enters your heart, He brings other gifts with Him. These gifts are never on the same level as the original, big gift-the gift of salvation-but they are very significant gifts nonetheless.

These gifts show us that God is a good God who desires to bless us. They tell us that salvation is not just a ticket to Heaven and life will be the same as before, but rather that salvation is the beginning of something new. It is the beginning of life in the HOV lane-the Heavenly Occupied Vehicle lane.

This is the life that is set free from the gridlock of the world, the breakdowns and frustrations and striving that we suffer when we try to do life on our own. It is the gift of going beyond our natural abilities, moving into dependence upon God.

And that is really where we can begin to use these gifts, in that place where we start putting more trust in the Holy Spirit's role in our life than in our own abilities, asking for His help instead of striving on our own.

Try asking for His help today. You might be surprised at what He does.

Prayer Holy Spirit,

Thank You for the supreme gift of salvation in Christ Jesus, and thank You for the many other gifts that You bring into my life to set me free! I submit my life to You today and let You have Your way. Please teach me to live life with the gifts that You give.

Amen