Appreciating freely given things

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2v12 (AMP)

The Holy Spirit helps us to appreciate the gifts that God has given to us. Romans 8v7-8 (NLT) says “For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.” On a very practical level, if there is someone who is hostile towards another person, or thing, that person will find it difficult to see any good in the other person or thing. The same way, the mind that is controlled by the flesh, and not by the Holy Spirit will be hostile to God, and will not appreciate God or what He does, and might not be open to receiving things from God. Romans 1v21 (NLT) says “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.” However, the Spirit of God in us helps us to appreciate the gifts of God. 1 Corinthians 12v3 (NIV) says “Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” Now, those who have the Spirit of God can say Jesus is Lord, and can also appreciate and praise Him, and raise our hands in adoration and worship to Him. And as Colossians 3v15-17 (MSG) tell us “… And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ – the Message – have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”

Supplementary Text

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” Ephesians 5v18-20 (AMP)

Prayer

Our heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness, lovingkindness, tendermercies, care, and love. We thank You for the gift of salvation, for our Lord Jesus Christ dying for us and being resurrected for our justification, for His intercession for us even now, for the Spirit of God dwelling with us and in us, for Your Word, for the cloud of witnesses that surround us. For all this and everything else we say a biiiig thank You, we appreciate You and praise You in Jesus name, amen.