Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Ephesians 5:18 – Amplified Bible (AMP)
18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.
To be filled with the Spirit is to have the supernatural ability of GOD at work in a Christian. Our spirit man, just like mobile phones, needs to be constantly filled up with the HOLY SPIRIT. To be filled up is to be energised, equipped with supernatural ability, the power and authority to fulfil GOD’s plan for our lives. If we are not filled with the SPIRIT, it becomes a huge challenge, or if not outright impossible, to be led by GOD (Romans 8:14). Secondly, it becomes impossible to take steps of faith to achieve and live that glorious life promised by GOD. Being filled with the SPIRIT causes us to experience the supernatural, where we reign on this earth as kings and priests unto GOD. Being filled with the Spirit gives us the ability to invite the Host of heaven into situations that concern us on earth. When we receive a word from the HOLY SPIRIT concerning our ministry, career, business, health, finances and so on, it is our being filled with the Spirit that gives us the energy, will, & motivation both spiritual and physical to bring it to fruition.
Being filled up with the SPIRIT of GOD helps you to fulfil that plan of GOD, even when faced with obstacles. Just like David strengthened himself in the LORD (1 Samuel 30:6), we strengthen ourselves in the WORD of GOD and HIS SPIRIT. Christ Jesus says For without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). As Christians, we are the branch connected to CHRIST JESUS, the word of GOD, the vine. We cannot be fruitful if we are not constantly and continually connected to the vine. When Christians are not connected to the vine, they are exposed to challenges that overwhelm them. Attending church services, being in the gathering of fellow believers, especially in the house of GOD, is a means with which the SPIRIT of GOD fills us up.
Remember the devil is a roaring lion looking for whom to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Lions do not attack a pack of animals; they lie in wait and cause distractions for one of them to separate and then pounce on it. Christians disconnected from the branch might look green for a little while, but unknown to them, they are gradually withering away. The scriptures tell us Christ Jesus always goes to a quiet place where HE has fellowship with the FATHER (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35). What do you think HE was doing? Of course, HE was recharging himself. Jude 1:20 (AMP) says, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit,”
Verses 16 & 17 of the theme chapter encourage us to be wise and not waste time in foolishness such as drunkenness, or in modern times, idle chatting & gossiping, social media, ungodly gatherings, entertainment that does not edify or build up our spirit. Let us redeem the times by engaging in spiritual exercises that will cause our spirit to be constantly filled with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. (1 Timothy 4:8 – For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.) Let us therefore constantly meditate on the WORD of GOD and pray in the spirit always that shall make us to be infilled with the SPIRIT of GOD (Jude 1:20), and in turn cause us to make the very most of our time on earth, achieving GOD’s purpose for our lives, recognizing and taking advantage of GOD given opportunities and HIS Grace (supernatural ability) especially in these wicked times. Praise GOD!
Scripture meditation
Proverbs 4:22; Jude 1:20; Acts 20:32; & Ephesians 5:16-20.
Prayer
Glorious Father, thank you for the gift of Your SPIRIT that constantly rejuvenates and revives my outer and inner man. FATHER, cause me to be filled with Your Spirit always that shall cause me to walk in every spiritual wisdom bearing fruits worthy of Your kingdom, in JESUS’ NAME.
Confession
I am a success because the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in me!