New Hope Church,

As a young girl, I became somewhat of a nomad during the summers. My parents would arrange for me to spend time with my grandparents and my great grandmother — "Big Mama."

I was very close with her. I learned so much from her and everything she gave me was very special. I remember one summer in particular when she bought me a beautiful dress. I wore it often, especially when I was with her to show her how much I loved her and her thoughtful gift.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

As we are learning about Pentecost and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I started looking back at the Old Testament origins of the festival. You can find these in Exodus 34:22, Leviticus 23:15-22, Deuteronomy 16:16, 2 Chronicles 8:13 and Ezekiel 1. There is so much imagery and foretelling there, we could talk about this forever…literally! But there was one part that struck me when it comes to the Spiritual gifts. Deuteronomy 16:17 says:

“All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God.”

In 1 Corinthians 12 and again in 1 Peter 4 we see lists of gifts the Holy Spirit has given us. Both offer what we are to do with those gifts: use them well to serve. 

So just as the Israelites were encouraged to give according to the blessing they received, we too are encouraged to do the same. 

I look forward to seeing your Spiritual Gifts on display around our church and in our community. What a beautiful way to say "thank you" to a generous God who gives us the gift of Salvation and then doubles down on His generous gift-giving by empowering us with Spiritual Gifts as well!

P.S.: There are no gift receipts so no returns or exchanges. These gifts are the perfect size and fit from a Perfect Father!

Your fellow servant,

Michelle Negron