I will gladly give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask.

Luke 11:13

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of both God the Father and God the Son. In Matthew 10:20, Jesus tells His disciples that when they are dragged before the courts, it will not be them speaking, but the Spirit of their Father. In Galatians 4:6, the Apostle Paul says that God has given us the Spirit of His Son whereby we cry Abba Father!

The Holy Spirit is the very essence of God's heart and in this promise, Jesus declares that His Father loves to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask! Since God's Spirit is the very core of who He is, He is giving us everything that He has when He pours out His Spirit on us! In Ephesians 5:18, the Apostle Paul instructs us not to be drunk on wine, but be continually filled with the Spirit!

The context of this verse is that being filled with the Spirit is not a one time event but is ongoing. We are called to continually be filled to overflow with God's Holy Spirit. So my encouragement to you today is to simply ask God for a fresh infilling of His precious Spirit! Jesus says that He is a good Father and He delights to give us His Spirit when we ask.

So Father, we ask for MORE of your Holy Spirit today! Would you fill us afresh, would you pour out more of your love into our hearts through your precious Holy Spirit today (Romans 5:5). We open our hearts to you and we expect to receive because we are your kids and you delight to give us good gifts. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Giving Thanks IN all things......

Going through stuff... stuff that we go through has purpose. I have been reflecting on giving thanks in all things  (1Th_5:18).

During my time of self pity and faithless despair, i have actually gotten some good Jesus time in!  Imagine that!

Longer prayer walks, longer worship times, and deeper spiritual relationship.  Awesome prophetic dreams as well.

Being a Christian isn't a bowl of cherries.  IF we aren't persecuted or going through trials then we may not be on the right track.

Speaking of tracks.  This girl came up to me one day and said:

"If the devil never crosses your path, maybe you are both headed the same direction."

With my mouth open, i realized this girl was right.   Wisdom speaks from the most unlikely places at times.

So, if you are going through something remember that:

Joseph and Paul did some of their best work in prison.  Jeremiah was thrown into a dungeon.   Isaiah was sawn in half.  Daniel was fed to the lions.   Well, you get the idea.

Going through stuff?  Rejoice!  You are learning something.  Seek God.  Ask Him questions.

Jas 1:2-5  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  (5)  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.