Jesus wants us to be sure that we will receive the Holy Ghost when we ask in the appropriate way. With this promise and other promises we can ask in faith and know that we have already received what we requested. (1 John 5:14-15)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

This special invitation shows us that according to Jesus something essential is missing, when we don’t persistently ask for the Holy Ghost. He draws it to our attention that we absolutely need the Holy Ghost. He wants us to continually experience the rich blessings from the Holy Ghost.

This part of His lesson on prayer is a unique process. The Holy Spirit is God’s greatest gift – the gift which brings all the other gifts with it. This was Jesus crowning gift to His disciples and clear proof of His love. I think we can understand that such a valuable gift wouldn’t be pushed on someone. It is only given to those who express their desire for this gift and appreciate it.

He will be given to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus; He will be given to those who live in continual commitment. Like He said in John 15: 4-5,

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing’.”

ALIGNMENT

Our life start to align with the Jesus when we abide in Him. How do we know we are aligned with Christ? Here are some characteristics that point how we can be aligned with Jesus,

• More yearning for God (“whoever thirsts” John 7:37)

• Trust in God (“he who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said” John 7:38)

• Complete surrender as a result of trusting God (“placing your whole life at God’s disposal” Rom. 12:1)

• Following God in everything (“those who obey Him” Acts 5:32)

• Give up their own way, go God’s way and do this according to God’s will (“repent and be baptized” Acts 2:38)

• Not to plan anything wrong (“if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” Ps.66:18)

• Realize and admit to our great need (“I have nothing” Luke 11:6)

• Continually ask for the Holy Ghost (Luke 11:9-13)

Can’t you clearly see in these expectations that God has for us, how valuable this gift is? When you think about all these prerequisites, then you will probably find deficiencies in yourself.
I have made it my habit to pray daily for a desire for the Holy Spirit in connection with John 7:37 NKJV: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”

We can pray today,

“Lord Jesus, I completely say yes to all the prerequisites for receiving the Holy Ghost. I sincerely ask that you now – for today – fulfill them in me.”

Our wonderful God is even there for us in fulfilling the prerequisites.

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION

1. What was the greatest gift you received? How did that make you feel?

2. How did this precious and valuable gift made you feel about the person who gave it to you?

3. What are the aspects you are aligned with God? What are the ones you need to do better?

4. Write down a specific strategy on how you will ask/seek/knock aspects of your alignment with God?