Receive the Holy Spirit

092808
Luke 11:13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Jesus just taught His disciples how to pray. Then, He explains to them that if they ask they will receive, if they seek, they will find, and if they knock, the door will be opened. Jesus is talking about receiving the Holy Spirit. I think a lot of people take this scripture out of context and they forget about what Luke 11:13 says. Jesus is explaining that we can ask God for the Holy Spirit and it will not be withheld from us. However, many people use this scripture to justify why they should receive from God what they ask for such as a promotion, a baby, or even money. Jesus doesn't tell the disciples that they can ask for anything, and it will be given to them. He is specifically saying that if you ask God for the Holy Spirit, then it will be given to you.

Lately, God has been revealing to me ways that I have misused His scripture. Here is one of them that I have often taken out of context. Now I clearly understand that what God is saying is that we can ask for the Holy Spirit and it will not be withheld from us. That is wonderful news! Who needs all that other stuff, the car, the job, or the status in society? All I need and should desire is Jesus! This scripture is especially encouraging to me because now I know that when I am in a fight or disagreement, I can pray and ask God for the Holy Spirit and be confident that if I am truly willing, I'll receive it. One of the hardest things is trying to solve a disagreement or mis-communication without the Holy Spirit. In those situations, there is only the flesh present and every party is just trying to prove why they are right and why they were hurt or offended. But with the Holy Spirit present, the Lord overcomes the flesh and peace begins to set in. Also, in counseling, there are times that I am begging God to give me the right words to say to that person. Now, I know that I can ask Him for the Holy Spirit and allow the Spirit to speak through me. This is a wonderful gift. It is a power given to those who are God's children. May I never use this scripture to justify my greediness again.

Heavenly Father, You are a good Father. Thank You for loving me. Lord, I pray that You would forgive me of my sins and show me how to live a righteous and pure life. Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit today. May Your Spirit lead me in all that I do. May I walk in Your Holy Spirit today and always. Jesus, I thank You for clarifying this scripture to me. I pray that You continue to reveal the Truth to me. Keep me close to You, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.