THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
The pastor ran into one of his members who had not been attending recently.
He said, "Morris, I haven't seen you in church lately." Morris said, "Well, preacher there are just too many hypocrites in the church."
The pastor said, "Well, Morris don't let that bother you, there's room for one more."
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________SCRIPTURE____________________________________________________________________
Eph 5:17-21
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT______________________________________________________________________
The words "be filled with the Spirit" carry the connotation of continuing to fill our heart-cups with the Lord.
Three things are important for the Christian in order that we might be "filled with the Spirit" of God.
First, daily Bible study is important. We need to LISTEN to the Lord.
Being "wise" depends upon listening to the Lord because He IS wisdom (vs 17).
Second, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (vs 19)
Repeat to yourself what you've read in the Bible.
Sing songs of praise in your heart.
Can't sing? Then, "make a joyful noise" (Psalm 66:1)!
With a song in your heart for the Lord, it's really difficult to feel defeated.
Third, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (vs 21)
To me, this means being in church on a regular basis. For the believer, being in church is not an option!
It is in church that we:
show reverence for our Lord,
draw strength from one another,
and encourage one another.
In short, being "filled with the Spirit" depends upon how much we concern ourselves with the things of the Lord instead of the things of the world.
Study, pray/sing, attend.
Be "filled" today.
Be "filled" ALL day!
Love ya,
Bruce