Sunday Tidbit: Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

      Something was wrong. My spiritual life and walk with God had become a faded memory. In 1977, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Father’s love. Now, just a few years later, I felt as dry as desert sand. I wondered, “What is wrong with me? Why am I not hearing God’s voice or feeling the spiritual vitality I once knew?” I had a good job, was financially prosperous, and my family was doing well, yet I felt spiritually empty and unfulfilled.

    I had been going to church regularly, reading my Bible, and tithing faithfully. I followed the pastor's teaching, which emphasized living by the principles of God’s Word. He said that if I followed these principles, God’s blessings would follow. I had the pastor’s favor, but my heart ached for something more; living by faith and being led by the Spirit I once knew were missing.

     Out of desperation, I raised my hands and pleaded, “Help me, Jesus.” I then heard the Spirit say, “Return to your first love.” I replied, “Yes, Lord.” The Holy Spirit then came upon me. With renewed hope and anointed by the Spirit, the Scriptures came alive again! With the Holy Spirit as my guide and teacher, I embarked on a journey of learning (1 John 2:27). 

   The Spirit revealed areas such as the nine gifts of the Spirit and their purpose; the many ways God speaks to us; the ministry Jesus modeled, with the mandate to do the works He did in the power and demonstration of the Spirit; the Father’s heart and His love; Church administration; how to minister the anointing as we partner with the Spirit; and so much more. Rather than living by principles, I began to live by faith again, following Jesus, the living Word of God. Oh, what fullness of joy we have when we walk in the light of His presence.

      I soon discovered Ephesians 5:18-20, which tells us how to be filled with the Holy Spirit: through worship. As we sing and make melody in our hearts, the Holy Spirit fills us. King David tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). As we lift God up, His Spirit comes down. The more we worship, the more He responds with His living presence. 

     I worshipped daily until I became worship. The supply of His living water we can drink is unlimited. Overflowing with the Holy Spirit, I began to sing creative songs of love unto the Lord. (Psalms 149:6.) I bought a guitar, and as I played before the Lord, the Spirit of prophecy came upon me, and I would prophesy. In time, I joined the Church worship team as a living instrument of praise. Ushering in the Spirit of worship, the Church exploded. 

       The electric light switch was turned on. At first, like a light-bulb filament, the life within me barely glowed. But through worship and a close relationship with my heavenly Father, the light shines brighter each day. Even so, I hunger for more. For more of Jesus, His word, the Father’s love, and more of the Spirit with fire!

     Every believer is called to “Rise and shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1-3). The Bible describes a time when the light of God’s glory shines so brightly that it will be visible on the faces of His people (Isaiah 60:2-3). He is the light and love of our lives, our heart’s desire, and all that we ever want or need. Nothing else will do, nor should it. 

In His heart with love – Roy Roden