June 27

He will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. —Luke 11:13.

IF the Holy Spirit has not come to my heart, is it not through my own neglect to ask? If he does not habitually dwell with me, is it not because I have not earnestly prayed for his presence? Do I remember that I can never better please God than when I come and ask for his Spirit to be with me, to sanctify and comfort and guide? Do I pray for his blessed influence for others, as well as for my own soul?

As the air is all around us, and we have only to open our lungs to receive it, so the Holy Spirit is ever ready and waiting to come to us, if we will but open our hearts to his blessed influence. The only unconditional promise in the entire Bible, is, that God will give his Holy Spirit to all who ask it.

Those who do not frequent God's throne of mercy on earth, will never bow at his throne of glory in heaven. Not a single blessing is promised in God's word, either for this world or the next, to those who do not pray.

Holy Ghost! with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine; Chase the shades of night away; Turn my darkness into day. With thy power and joy divine, Dwell within this heart of mine; Cast down every idol-throne; Reign supreme, and reign alone!

—A. REED.