SCRIPTURE: Ephesians (NIV) 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
OBSERVATION: I have found that being full of the Holy Spirit helps me to live wisely, helps me to take advantage of every opportunity, and helps me to understand the will of the Lord.
The Holy Spirit enters our lives when we first accept the forgiveness that God offers to us through the sacrifice of Jesus. (John 20:22) He is the one who draws us to Jesus. But there is a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit available to all believers. He fills us, he empowers us, the gifts of the Spirit begin flowing through us. The book of Acts is a testimony of how God uses people who have been “baptized” or “filled” with the Holy Spirit! (Acts 1: 8 and 2:4) Instead of them containing the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit contains them.
APPLICATION: The expressions of God’s love were released by Jesus through His spoken word and/or the touch of His hand. The same was true in the book of Acts. And God is still the same, He wants to flow through our spoken words and the touch of our hands. He wants to use us as ministers of His peace, His healing, His wisdom. Expect God, the Holy Spirit to move in you and through you. The initial filling of the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by the gift of tongues. Do not think it strange, but remember that the primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to exalt Jesus!
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, thank you for drawing me to Jesus and the cleansing that comes through His death on the cross. Thank you for living in me. I ask you to fill me through and through with your Holy Presence and power. Flow through me in expressions of your love. I pray in Jesus Name, Amen.
Pastor Leon
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