May 14

Be Spirit-filled

“Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

Such is God’s command to each of us. To be filled with the Spirit is not left to our choice whether we will receive it or not. It is not merely a privilege which we may or may not enjoy. It is God’s command which no one can neglect without being disobedient to Him. Any Christian who does not experience the fullness of the Spirit is unfaithful to his Lord, and culpably negligent of God’s choicest gift of grace. He is unbelieving towards God, and is content to be lukewarm in His service when he might be a flame of fire.
There are signs everywhere that very few have received the fullness of the Spirit. What feebleness in service there is! How much labor expended with little or no fruit in the conversion of souls! How little joy in prayer, or power to pray so that answers are received! How little divine light received directly through the Word! How little mourning over sinners! How little real love to the people of God, of whatever name or race they may be! How God’s holy Name is being blasphemed on earth, because His people come so short in these things!


Let the time past suffice us for this weakness and deadness. Let us arise and shake ourselves from the dust. Let us be willing to receive from God this choicest gift of His grace to us, His Holy Spirit. It is God’s command, and therefore possible.
—Barclay Buxton.

“Be filled with the Spirit.” In the Greek that is, “Be being filled with the Spirit.” If I am full, how am I to be “being filled”? I must give to others, and as I give, God will give me more. That is what God wants us for, to flow through us. “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” The Greek is, “You shall be receiving power continuously after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” The continuous reception and transmission of the power of God is the privilege of the saint of God. Such a privilege carries with it an equal responsibility. The promise is unto YOU.
—Reader Harris.

I am so needy, Lord, and yet I know
All fullness dwells in Thee;
And hour by hour that never-failing treasure
Supplies and fills, in overflowing measure,
Thy grace is enough for me!
—Frances Ridley Havergal.

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