R E A D
Acts 1:4-8: “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

R E F L E C T

1. What does this passage teach us about gifts from God?
2. Clearly, the apostles (those closest to Jesus) didn’t fully understand the significance and power of this promise from Jesus (Holy Spirit). In what ways has God, and gifts from him, surprised me?
3. According to Jesus, what would be the result of receiving this gift of the Holy Spirit? Have you personally experienced this gift? 
   1. If so, in what ways have you experienced this power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you?
   2. If not, are you willing to seek Jesus for this gift?

R E S P O N D  

1. How will I walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today?
2. Take a moment to thank God for giving good (and, at times, surprising) gifts.
3. To whom is the Holy Spirit empowering me to be a witness?