Today, as I look out at our frozen, North Texas landscape, I see the most beautiful sight–ice surrounding each and every blade of grass and leaf. The beautiful ice envelopes the plant providing it with a transparent, winter coat. Amidst the bleak, winter scene, this coating of ice provides a beautiful sight.

As I snapped some pictures, I couldn’t help but see the analogy of the beauty of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, what does this really mean? Let’s take a look into this as we discover the scriptures that teach us about this most excellent and free gift.

CREATION: Genesis 1:2, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Way back in the Word of God, His Spirit was there and described as, “hovering”.

LIFE: Job 33:4, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Here we see the reference to the “breath of the Almighty that gives life.

KNOWLEDGE: Exodus 31:3, “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship”  Moses was gifted with ability, knowledge, and craftsmanship by the Spirit.

WISDOM: Isaiah 11:2,And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” In this one verse, we find six attributes of the Holy Spirit.

PROTECTION: Haggai 2:5,My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” When we recognize that His Spirit is our Protector, we can boldly do the work He has prepared for us.

COVERING: Luke 24:49, “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, He promises us the covering of the Holy Spirit.

ASSISTANCE: Matthew 10:20, “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” We have the confidence of the Holy Spirit who guides and directs even our words.

LEADER: Romans 8:14,For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” We have a built-in spiritual leader with the Holy Spirit.

SEALED: 2 Corinthians 1:22, “and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” We never, ever have to worry that we will lose the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is guaranteed! Amen!

As we witness the beauty of winter, may you be reminded that as the ice envelopes each blade of grass, the Father’s Holy Spirit wraps you tightly. You are never alone, you are capable of so much more than you think, and you can rest in knowing this covering is forever. Blessings to you this winter day.