We all love gifts, especially surprise gifts from the people we love. What is it about gifts that make them so special? Some may say it’s the thoughtfulness behind the gesture; others may think it’s simply receiving something new. But all would have to agree that it’s extra special when we don’t have to do anything to get it. We didn’t have to work to earn it, save to pay for it, or spend time shopping for the perfect thing. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is the same. We don’t have to work to earn what God already wants to give His children.

Read: Acts 2:1-47

Respond: According to verse 38, what is the only thing we have to do to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit isn’t just a feeling or goosebumps; He wants to dwell in us and help us become who God created us to be. Jesus took care of the legwork by inviting us to sit at the table of Passover, allowing the Lamb to take our judgment, and rising from the dead in just three days. Then He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to dwell in us. If the work is done, then what do we have left to do?

Nothing but receive Him by faith. Jesus paid for our sin so the Holy Spirit could take care of our sanctification.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And 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

We don’t have to conjure up this experience with the Holy Spirit. Regardless of what we may have witnessed from those who take it to extremes or from those who may pretend, we cannot judge a principle of Scripture by its abuse. We must seek out the truth in God’s Word for ourselves. If He is in it, then we should be too.

We live in a society that promotes self-help, yet we are experiencing more physical, mental, and family issues than ever before. It’s not self-help we need, but help from the Holy Spirit within us. He makes all the difference in the world. We only have to sit and receive His power.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. —Galatians 5:22-23 HCSB

Respond: According to Galatians 5:22-23, what power do we receive when we sit and receive?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8 HCSB

Respond: According to Acts 1:8, what power do we receive when we sit and receive?

“But, I will send you the Advocate-the Spirit of Truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” —John 15:26

Respond: According to John 15:26, what power do we receive when we sit and receive?

Scripture leads us to an experience with the person of the Holy Spirit, but we often allow others to dictate what we believe. He is ready and waiting to fill us with the fullness of His power to produce the fruit of His character, to witness and spread the Gospel, and to understand the revelation of Jesus. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He has everything you need to navigate this life we live, so sit and receive Him today.

Journal: After week two of our series on Acts, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you?

Activation: Take time each day to sit in the presence of the Holy Spirit, be still, and receive what He has for you. Make sure to journal anything that He reveals to you during this time.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power throughout this day. Only You can give me the strength I need. Help me produce the fruit of the Spirit through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. I struggle with these daily. Give me boldness to be a witness and spread the Gospel to those I meet, and guide me to those who need to hear about You. Give me wisdom and understanding in all that You would have me to do. Lead me every step of the way. I trust in You. Amen