May 2015
Dear Friend,
I was stirred in my heart to share something that has helped me recently in dealing with certain situations that have been difficult to approach in the natural; and that has to do with one of the ways in which you and I can be "filled with the Spirit".
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian Church, he exhorted them to walk "circumspectly" (or diligently, exactly, accurately), redeeming (making full use) of the time they had, because the days ahead were evil. (Eph 5:15-16) Looking at the times we live in right now, how much more relevant this is to us; even as we draw even nearer to the coming of the Lord!
Paul exhorted the believers (and us) to "not be unwise, but to understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph 5:17). Purpose comes when you know clearly what the will of God is for your life. You will live determined to carry out your life in such a way and manner that reflects your Father accurately like Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25,
Galatians 5:25 (AMP)
If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
Paul then went on to write further in Ephesians;
Ephesians 5:18-20 (NKJV)
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Note that Paul did not specifically say that drinking alcohol was a sin, he encouraged against drinking it to the point of excess. Personally I do not drink; not for religious convictions but simply because I experienced going past excess and decided to just cut it out rather than go through the process again. Everyone should follow their own personal convictions regarding this issue but remember that as you are in Him, there is no condemnation (Rom 8:1)
Why then did Paul use this as an example of how we were to be 'filled' with the Spirit? Have you noticed people who were beyond drunk? They lose all sense of fear and reservation (even if it's only temporary), they speak boldly from their hearts, they can be extremely happy (again temporarily!) among others.
And that's the same way we should be when we're filled with the Spirit of God! I strongly believe that we should be the happiest people on this earth! Not only are we redeemed and forgiven of our sins (Eph 1:7), we're called His children (Rom 8:16-17), He's always with us wherever we are (Jn 14:16). If you actually stop and think about it, there's a lot of things you can be happy about.
Note how Paul writes we were to be filled with the Spirit in Eph 5:19:
Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV)
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
There are other ways in which we're to be filled with the SPirit, through speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:4, 1 Cor 14:4), through the Word (Col 3:16) but I am convinced that we'll miss out if we're to neglect this way of being filled with the Spirit; whether unintentionally or intentionally.
I have experienced this, that somewhere deep within me a song (more like a poem, I'm not musically inclined) will just rise up. And more often than always the contents of that song will either address a situation that I'm facing right now, or will face in the near future. To this day, I don't know why those songs/poems tend to rhyme. I do not get the whole piece but a few words will come and as I take a step of faith and begin to speak out those words, more begins to come by inspiration until I finish.
There is an element of prophecy involved when you start speaking (or singing) songs given by the Spirit. That is also possible because one meaning of the word 'prophesy' brings across the image of something bubbling forth or springing forth. And that is the same with this way of being filled! It'll just start by springing up from within you a bit at a time until the full piece is released.
The following poems are examples of what I had recently that addressed some situations that I was going through. It's to give an idea of what I'm referring to. Do note that as it comes by inspiration, it can be either long or short (although for some unknown reason mine tends to be fairly long?)
Victory
Victory is not just for those
Who are strong in the Lord
But victory is for all
Who are dearly loved by God
For the enemy is a defeated foe
And that we should surely know
For the Son has thrashed him
And made him a show
So we rise up and
Boldly take out place
Partaking of our Father's
Great and glorious grace
And we can surely say
How it will be, that
"Something great is now
happening for me!"
Songs
Songs in the day
Songs in the night
Songs that'll make a way
In the midst of the fight
Not by your might
Not by your power
It's by the Holy Spirit
In this day and this hour
Prepare yourself
No time to waste
To pursue His call
You must make haste
Called by the Spirit
Washed in His Blood
Living life above
Keeping the Word
Love
Love that is not easy
Nor does it come cheap
God's love demonstrated
Will cause you to weep
Love that brings about
Sweet and gentle peace
Love that puts
The troubled heart at ease
So be willing, be hungry
Partake of that love
Be aware that it comes
From your Father above
Know that His love
He desires to show
That you are greatly loved
He wants you to know
Interestingly enough in Ephesians 5:18, some Greek scholars have suggested that Paul used a form of word play, that he encouraged believers to be 'being' filled or to be continually filled. So in a sense, by speaking songs of inspiration, you'll maintain your capacity of being filled with the Spirit of God, that would make you more than able to handle whatever the enemy throws at you!
So I encourage you, take time to fill yourself up! Take a step of faith and start speaking out songs that will see you through!
I pray for you,
Ken
