FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach
you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."
John 14:26 (NLT)
Before Jesus left earth, He told His disciples that He was leaving an advocate for all who accept and obey His commandments. The Holy Spirit stays with us forever. He is our Helper, Counselor and Friend. He lives inside of us to guide, protect and comfort us. The Holy Spirit is oftentimes a forgotten part of the Trinity, who is fully God and fully relational. Following the Holy Spirit and developing a relationship with Him means letting go of the ways of this world. It means not filling ourselves with things that destroy us, but rather with His life-giving Spirit. He desires to lead us away from sin, develop fruit in our lives, and help us to become more like Christ.
A personal relationship with the Holy Spirit takes time. Just like it takes time for a baby to develop in a mother's womb, or a tree to grow from a seed, our relationship with Him is a daily process. This process requires us to yield to what He wants to do in us. A personal relationship with Him is just like any other relationship in our lives. It requires vulnerability, trust, patience and one-on-one time so we can know His voice and learn about Him. Often, we ask Him for guidance and leadership when life is very busy and rushed. But it's in those quiet moments where we hear Him the clearest, and sometimes a voice we never forget.
As time progresses and we stay close to the Holy Spirit, we begin to see the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. As these fruits are developed, our intimacy with Him grows deeper, the world sees a light shining within us, and our walk with the Lord becomes stronger.
APPLICATION: Take a few minutes to pray that you experience the Holy Spirit in a new and fresh way. Pray that your eyes and heart be awakened to what He is doing in your life.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that You fill me with His fruit and help me to discern when He's teaching me. Show me the life You are leading me to and help me commit to following You wherever You lead me. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?