Before I continue, let me first note that many of my friends have received the infilling of the Spirit in the car, at home, and even at their offices. All we have to do is ask, and our heavenly Father will give us His Spirit. If you have already asked for this gift, you must simply learn how to yield.

First and foremost, before you can receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus said that the world (those who have not received salvation) cannot receive the Holy Spirit (see John 14:17). If you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life, you can submit yourself to His lordship right now. (For more on how to receive salvation, see the Appendix.)

If you are already a child of God, you may still be hindered from enjoying the infilling of the Spirit if there is a deliberate—intentional—pattern of disobedience in your life. God gives the Holy Spirit “to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). This does not mean that you have to be perfect. It simply means that you must humble yourself before Him. This is a sign of surrender to His will. As you humble yourself, God will give you His grace to overcome the snares of sin, and you will once again be open to receive the infilling of the Spirit.

One of the greatest snares of disobedience in the lives of many believers is offense. You must be intentional to forgive those who have wronged you. Without exception, I have witnessed that as soon as an offended believer who wants to receive the infilling of the Spirit extends forgiveness, the Spirit will manifest. Take a moment right now to release those who have wronged you and ask God to give you His heart for them. (I discuss the issue of offense in much greater detail in my book The Bait of Satan.)

Simply Ask in Faith…

If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-13)

Some have taught that when you ask for the Holy Spirit, you might receive an evil spirit instead. These words from Jesus should alleviate this fear entirely. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (see James 1:17). If you ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, He is not going to give you a demon. He will give you His Spirit. So do not be afraid to open yourself to the infilling of His Spirit.