"And do not get drunk with wine,
for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians
5:18
Being filled with the Spirit is about changing, not about experience.
We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit and not to indulge ourselves
in worldly pleasures.
Scripture teaches us that by the Spirit we :
- are convicted of sin (John 16:9)
- are indwelt (1 Cor. 6:19,20)
- are sealed (Ephesians 1:13,14)
- are baptized, in the Spirit (Acts 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:13)
- are infilled (Eph. 5:18)
- empowered for service (Acts 1:8)
- are led in the direction we are to walk (Gal. 5:16-18)
- have power to accomplish our calling (Acts 1:8; Rom. 15:18-19)
- are taught (1 Cor. 2:13)
- find comfort (Acts 9:31)
- are regenerated (John 3:5; Titus 3:5)
- receive Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1-11)
- bear His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 16:7-15) and He fills our hearts with
the love of God (Rom. 5:5). The secret of a Spirit-led life if found in
dedication to God (Rom. 12:1,2). When we heed to Him, allowing His
control in our lives, it is His produce we bear - "love, joy, peace, patience,
goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Gal.
5:22-23). No other proofs are needed when filled with the
Spirit it will be evident to all by the above listed fruit (notice "fruit"
is singular, meaning this is a package deal) and the people around
you are drawn to the Holy Spirit who is working through you to glorify
the Father; after all that's what it's all about - glorifying the Father.
I challenge you to put your all on the altar that you may live and enjoy
the wonderful Spirit-led life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for infilling us, Your chosen ones, with Your
Holy Spirit that we may walk in a way that would rightly represent You, bearing
the fruit from Your vine. Grant us hearts that seek to be Spirit-led on a
moment by moment basis, and may we apply Your truth to our lives, totally set
apart for You from the ways of the world. Give us Your eyes to see as You
see the world. Bless us with Your heart for those around us
that we may respond (not react) as You would have us, in times of trial and
testing. We worship You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for You are worthy
of all honor and praise. To You be all glory. In faith we thank You
for hearing and answering this prayer we pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Have a joyous day in our Lord!
April
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Scripture references (unless noted otherwise): The Open Bible, New American
Standard
copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975,
1977
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