Continued from Pg 13 “whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him” (John 14:17). Jesus did not say, “may not receive,” but “cannot receive.” He is given only to those who can receive, to those who see and know. A person who has eyes closed to the light, a heart turned from true knowledge, cannot receive, because they have not prepared their hearts to receive Him. The Holy Spirit is given only to those who, accepting Christ and following Him, are prepared to receive. ....................... Q: How, then, is the blessing obtained? A: First, be sure your sins are forgiven. If you have wronged anybody, undo the wrong so far as you can. Submit to God, confess your sins, then trust Jesus, and as sure as you live all your sins shall be forgiven, and He will blot out all your transgressions as a thick cloud, and remember them no more (Jeremiah 31:34). Second, now that you are forgiven, come to Him with your will, your affection, your very self, and ask Him to cleanse you from every evil desire, from every selfish wish, from every secret doubt, and to come and dwell in your heart and keep you pure, and use you for His own glory. Then struggle no more, but walk in the light He gives you, and patiently, expectantly trust Him to answer your prayer, and as sure as you live you shall soon “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). Just at this point, do not become impatient and yield to secret doubts and fears. God will come to you! He will! And when He comes, He will satisfy the uttermost longings of your heart. Bob Hostetler is a writer and speaker from southwestern Ohio. He has recently compiled a one-year devotional based on Brengle’s writings, entitled Take Time to Be Holy, to be released jointly by The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory and Tyndale House Publishers in October. 14 The War Cry | JUNE 2013