How do I get more of the Holy Spirit?

I’ve heard so many believers ask, “How can I get more of the Holy Spirit?” As if the Holy Spirit is some kind of power or force that we can control or weild. What we should really be asking is, “How can the Holy Spirit have more of me?”

We cannot control this power from on high. If we could, then we could be led to pride and strut around as if we’re some kind of “Super Christian“.

But if we recognize that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person — and that this Person is actually willing to live in us, we’d greatly be humbled! We must be very honored that the Spirit of God would inhabit these these corrupt vessels of ours and more importantly that He would even consider using us!

It’s only when we empty ourselves that we truly become filled! Let’s empty ourselves of our selfish ambitions and desires today and allow ourselves to become broken before the Lord. We need to be truly filled with God’s Power if we’re going to impact the world for Him! There’s SOOOOOO much work to be done!!

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Can you, will you, live like you were dying?

These lat two weeks have been crazy for me. I’ve been seeing oncologists, preparing for visits to see specialists, and all the while, living life like nothing was going on so nobody would worry. I’ve been my usual jovial self cracking jokes, and seeing if I can make others around me happy. People ask me how I can do this, and it’s simple. I’m living like I was dying.Typically when people have a death sentence imposed upon them, they turn to God in the hopes of making it to heaven. They learn to appreciate the smallest of things that they never noticed before because they were usually to busy with life to live it. Now don’t worry folks, my prognosis is excellent, and I am firmly convinced that the Lord has plans for me on this earth for a very long time. But the one gift I’ve gotten from my Oncologist is the gift of appreciating the things I never did before.

Today I thought I would look at some verses in the Bible where people chose to give praise, thanksgiving and appreciation to God the creator, both for the big and small things in life – even in the midst of strife. I think by giving thanks it helps to give us a new appreciation for just how blessed we truly are, even in the worst of circumstances.

Bible Verses Of Thanksgiving And Appreciation

As Christians we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, and that alone should be reason enough to give praise and thanks. But there are so many reasons to give thanks, so let’s praise him continually, in good times and bad!

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Our salvation in Jesus Christ is one of the biggest reasons to be thankful, and to praise God.  Once we accept Him we are a part of the unshakeable kingdom.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Giving thanks in hard times can be so hard to do, but I’ve found that when I do it has the effect of changing my heart and my outlook.  By giving thanks God gives us hope and a new light of hope.

The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47

God is alive and present in our lives, and gives us a strong foundation for all that we do.  He is the rock and foundation of our faith, and should be praised!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

We should give thanks to the Lord, for his righteous nature and because of His strong enduring love for us, despite our ugly sinful natures.

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

God has done so much for us.  We should give thanks and praise to Him, and tell others about all the great things he has done, and can do for them as well.

I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 

I think far too often when we talk to God it’s all about us, what we want, what our troubles are.  We would all be so much better off if we were to spend more time praising God, thanking him for his goodness and love.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. Psalm 100:4

The Psalmist time and again offers praise and thanksgiving to God for the things he has done. We should do the same!

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:3-4

As Christians we are to avoid all sorts of immorality, greed and a host of other sins. There should be no filthy or silly talk, or coarse jesting, but instead we should give thanks to God and to others.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

We are victorious in Him, and through his sacrifice for us on the cross!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

When we become Christians we are told to be constantly in His word, strengthening our relationship with Him and to be overflowing with thankfulness for the things he Has done.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Time and again in the Bible it tells us how we’re to be thankful, and how this is a trait of someone with Christ in their hearts.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Christ gives us strength, and loved us when we were unlovable.    He wants to use us, as broken human beings, to reach others for Him.  We should be thankful for His favor when we didn’t deserve it.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

God blesses us so that we can give and bless others – and so that they will see God’s goodness and give thanks.

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

Without Christ Jesus and his saving grace, we would be lost.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

We should give thanks in all things, and at all times to God the father through Christ Jesus. He has given us all we  have and saved us from our sin.   Giving thanks is the least we can do!

Go out and live today….Learn to put the worries and living aside to appreciate the small gifts that God has given you otherwise, why would He give you a big one if you can’t appreciate the little ones. Everything is a gift, learn to enjoy them.