Luke 11:13 "If you then , though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (NIV)
"The Spirit of God is a gift"..."We must come to the end of our cleverness and self-sufficiency, and we must see our need of spiritual reinforcement, yes, of spiritual change, before we are willing to ask."---J.B.Phillips
God's gifts to his children are always good, but we have to be willing to ask for and accept them. The Holy Spirit is equipped to fill various roles in our life---guidance, truth giving, empowering, changing our character, strengthening our spirit. But if we cling to our own "cleverness and self-sufficiency" we will not be welcoming to this gift. We must offer control of our will and spirit to the Holy Spirit and ask for His help. The Father gives freely to those who ask with an expectant openness.
Galatians 5:25 "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Phillips)
We shouldn't think of the Holy Spirit as a one-time-gift. He is a person and is available at all times. He gives us life and it is important to continually draw upon that source of life. Once we invite him into our hearts we must "keep in step" with him---allowing Him to control every aspect of our lives. This is the gift that Jesus made possible for us---his presence through the Holy Spirit within us at all times.
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