"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!”

Rely on God the Father to give you what you need. He's gracious, and better than us. He knows we need the Spirit. When we've been brought to utter helplessness and need, then he'll give to us freely. He won't turn his back, and deny us. He won't make us beg for bread, and then leave us hungry.

Luke 11:11-12, "Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion?"

Yet, stay PERSISTENT. Obtain through perseverance, which says, "I trust you, and I'm not worthy."

Luke 11:8, "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs."

In this illustration, the man doesn't get it because he's a friend. It's not owed, and, "No," could have been the answer. Yet, persevering will get us the promise, even as this man got bread.

Ask, seek, and knock. Make FINDING CHRIST every day your entire life. Live in the power of the Spirit. Use the resources that he gives, like prayer, scripture, and sermons.

Luke 11:9, “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you."

First, "if you then, who are evil."He knows we're evil, but he still gives. The blood of Jesus answers our sin with perfect atonement. Therefore, sin isn't charged to us, and we're treated as sons.

Psalms 32:2, Blessed "are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."

Therefore, come to him, though you're evil. The Spirit is for the unworthy. He knows who he's dealing with. He's gracious.

Secondly, "how much more will the heavenly Father". He's so much greater than us! He's higher than the heavens in goodness. If we'd give as evil people, then how much more the Father of lights who gave up his Son? If he'd punish him for sinners - laying down his life in torments - then he'll surely give what Christ earned. If he died for us, then won't he help us? If he gave the Son freely, then of course he'll give the Spirit.

Do not harbor dark thoughts about God! Closing our Bibles is not the answer. Going in our own strength helps no one. Wait patiently, and know his character. God is too faithful and gracious. He won't deny us the only way to serve him!

Thirdly, "to those that ask." Open your mouth, and ask him! Go to him in prayer. This is more than Bible reading; it's dependence with hope. It's looking to him, expectantly. It's calling upon him, and confessing sins. It's asking to see whatever the Bible says, because you'll obey it. If it warns, rebukes, or commands, it makes no difference. You'll put it into practice by God's strength. He doesn't cast pearls before swine. He won't give the riches of the Spirit to walk in sin.

Seek power! Never seek forgiveness only. Call upon him to do righteously, and he'll meet your need.

God is not begged in vain. Ask your DAILY bread, with no Plan B. It's, "Give me Christ, or I die. I've got to have him. I can't live with the flesh oppressing me. I need Christ by the Spirit more than life."