Podcasts about be filled

Running on Empty? Here's How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit by Fr. Michael Denk

My Story  Talk 20  Ministry at Basingstoke 1968-78  Part 5 Welcome to Talk 20 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was telling you how God was clearly blessing my trips abroad, to Switzeralnd, France, Belgium and the USA, and, thanks entirely to the gift that God had given me, my teaching was in increasingly great demand both at home and overseas. But how did all this fit in with my responsibilities as the pastor of the church in Basingstoke? The Lord showed me that the answer lay in two things – writing and team ministry.   Writing ministry Today, of course, it's relatively easy to communicate with people all over the world by a variety of options available through the internet. But before the internet, apart from radio and television, speaking on which was not readily available, Christian literature was the main means of communicating with potentially thousands of people. What you write can travel further than you can.   One example of this was Andy Anstey, a Canadian who became a student at Mattersey during the early years of my principalship. He told me that he had been baptised in the Spirit in a university library in Canada as a result of reading my book, The Dynamic Difference. I have never been to Canada, but one of my books had found its way there.   It had started as a booklet I wrote for the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship in 1971, Be Filled with the Spirit. Jim Hall had used it on my first trip to Illinois and persuaded me to expand it, as a result of which Receive Power was published in 1974 in time for my second trip to the States. It was finally published in 1978 by Gospel Publishing House, Springfield MO, under the title, The Dynamic Difference.   I was also writing articles for magazines like Redemption Tidings and Youth Aflame, the AoG youth magazine. At Basingstoke I had given a series of Bible studies on the Fundamental Truths of Assemblies of God, and I asked Vernon Ralphs, the editor of Youth Aflame, if he would like me to write a series of articles on the subject. Those articles were eventually published by Peniel Press as a book under the title, Know the Truth, in 1976, and with the cooperation of the publisher, I was able to give a free copy to every AoG minister at the General Conference that year.   And something similar happened with another series of articles I wrote for Youth Aflame. At Colchester I had duplicated a series of short talks for young people who had just given their lives to Jesus and these were eventually published as a book in 1977 under the title How to Live for Jesus. Both these books are still being used, over fifty years later, by a number of churches today, though Know the Truth is now published under the title You'd Better Believe It. It has been translated into several languages including German, French, Italian, Finnish, Spanish, Urdu, and Nepalese.   Another publication that is still being used widely around the world is the distance learning course I wrote on the Major Prophets for the International Correspondence Institute in Brussels under the title Themes from the Prophets. I have already mentioned that this was a subject I was lecturing on in Kenley Bible College and I already had many pages of lecture notes that I had produced and duplicated for the students.   So when Dr George Flattery, the brother of Warren and founder and director of ICI, asked me if I would be willing to write the course, I was happy to do so. This involved several visits to Brussels, each of which lasted for two weeks, where I could get on with writing the course undistracted. It was also a great opportunity to meet other Pentecostal educators from around the world, including the renowned New Testament scholar, Professor Gordon Fee who was writing the course on 1 Corinthians and became a good friend.   So I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of ICI, but especially for the induction teaching they offered to all their course writers, which included the requirement to read The Art of Readable Writing by Rudolf Flesch the basic message of which, as I remember it, was to write as you speak, rather than writing in the academic style you were required to use at school or university.   Other things Flesch recommended were, wherever possible, to use short words rather than long ones, personal names rather than pronouns, the active voice rather than the passive, and short sentences rather than long ones – which prompts me to close this sentence before it gets any longer!   So, to summarise, I had realised that by using literature a person's ministry could be extended far beyond their time and ability to travel. But that in itself did not solve the problem of reconciling what I perceived to be my obligations to the church where I was pastor with the travelling ministry the Lord was clearly opening up for me.   And, as I was praying about this, he answered my question by whispering into my heart the word Antioch. Of course, I knew that Antioch was the place where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26), but at first I couldn't see how it was relevant to my problem, so I decided to turn to Acts to see if I could find the answer. And I did. The answer was the development of team ministry.   Developing Team Ministry The church at Antioch was started by believers who had been scattered as a result of the persecution of the church that took place after the stoning of Stephen. Some of them went to Antioch spreading the word to both Jews and gentiles and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. When the apostles at Jerusalem heard about this they sent Barnabas to take care of the work, and even more people became Christians. Realising that he needed help, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught great numbers of people.   From this it is clear that they were both, to say the least, key people in the church. And yet in Acts 13 we are told that the Holy Spirit sent them away from the church for a time in order to pioneer churches in other countries. The reason they were able to do this and, on their return, find that the church was still strong, was because they were not the only leaders in the church. Acts 13:1 talks of three others at Antioch who were prophets and teachers.   As I read about this it became obvious to me that this was the Lord's answer to my question. If I was to continue travelling we would need other leaders in the church. So I started on a detailed study of what the New Testament has to say about the leadership of the local church, and I discovered that churches were led by a team of elders, overseers, or pastors, and as I investigated the passages where these are mentioned I saw very clearly that these were all interchangeable terms. In the New Testament the elders were the pastors. They were the ones who were the shepherds of the flock and had the responsibility of watching over, or overseeing it.   I have gone into this in detail in my book, Body Builders, and so there is no need to repeat it here. All I need to say is that I came to the conclusion that the traditional system of having just one person as the church leader really has no biblical basis and that team leadership must be the way forward.   I have already mentioned how the pastor in East Saint Louis had come to the same conclusion and it soon became apparent that this was something the Lord was saying to many different leaders around the world. I preached on this in the Home Missions Conference at Weymouth in 1973 and was pleasantly surprised that I was not the only one to hold this view.   But where were these new leaders for our church in Basingstoke to come from? The answer was simple. We already had them, but they had never been recognised. There were two men, David Moncaster and Keith Davidson, who, I felt, both met the biblical qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. But before I asked the church to appoint them, I spent several weeks teaching about the principles of church leadership. If we are going to persuade people to break away from long held traditions it is vital that we show them very clearly that what we are proposing is in line with scripture.   I have already mentioned that Bill Mitchell had already been recognised as an elder in the church before I came. But after my teaching on the biblical qualifications of elders he graciously came to me and said that in the light of what I had taught he thought he was probably a deacon rather than an elder and offered to resign. I told him that I thought he was probably right, but that, as his resignation might be misunderstood by some of the members, I would prefer him to remain as an elder, nominally at least, as long as we both understood that this was not really his role. And to this he readily agreed.   So for the final few years of my time in Basingstoke the church was led by a team which we referred to as the pastoral oversight, Willaim Kay being added to the team a little later. The church continued to grow under this system of leadership, and when the Lord moved me on to Mattersey the church was in safe hands.   The call to the Bible College I have already mentioned that in 1970 I started as a visiting lecturer at Kenley Bible College. On one of my visits in January 1972 I learned that John Phillips, who was a full time residential tutor at Kenley would be leaving, and as I was travelling home that evening, I was wondering who might be chosen to replace him. It would surely be someone who was already teaching at the college and I was thinking through the names in the college prospectus when I came to my own name. But I quickly dismissed the thought as I was sure that I would be considered too young for such a responsible position. And anyway, God had called me to build a big church in Basingstoke, hadn't he?   But no sooner had I thought this than I felt a check in my spirit and said, But of course, Lord, I'll do whatever you want me to do. But if you ever do want me to leave Basingstoke I will need very clear guidance on the matter.   You may remember the struggle I had when we first moved to Basingstoke and how for some months I wondered if we had done the right thing. I didn't want a repetition of that. But now, having prayed that prayer, I tried to put the matter out of my mind. This turned out to be harder than expected and that very night, some time between 1:00 and 2:00, on Tuesday 25th January, I woke up with a burning conviction that I was going to live at the Bible College. I tried to shake it off, but it would not go away, so I went downstairs to pray. What I said to the Lord went something like this: Lord, you know I need my sleep, so if this is of you, and you want me to go to the college, would you please tell me quickly?   And he did! As I opened my King James Bible, it fell open at 2 Chronicles 34:22. I could hardly believe my eyes. It contained the words dwelt… at the college. With the exception of the parallel verse in 2 Kings 22:14, this is the only reference to the word college in the whole Bible. This had to be more than coincidence.   I had asked the Lord to tell me quickly, and he did. But, rather like Moses in Exodus 3 and 4, I found myself making excuses like, I've only been in Basingstoke for four years, and, They wouldn't choose me. I'm too young. I don't have enough experience etc. But just as God had an answer for every objection Moses made, he had an answer for mine too. For each objection I made he led me directly to a Bible passage that answered it.   As a result I was entirely convinced that I was going to live at the College. I didn't know when but thought that it might be in September after John Phillips had left. In fact it was five or six years later! I have discovered that one of the hardest things in understanding the will of God is his timing. I have also discovered that God seems to give us the clearest guidance when he knows that there is trouble ahead! It's only the certainty that we are in his will that will sustain us through trials and difficulties and tests to our faith.   And there were to be plenty of those before we got to Mattersey! But that's something for our next talk.  

Send us a textThe Prodigal Church Pt. 7What are you really building? This message explores how believers become co-builders with Christ, learning how grace, unity, and Spirit-filled living form the only structure that can truly stand.--------In Unlocking the “How to” Guide for Building the Church, Pastor Paul Lawler unpacks 1 Corinthians 3:10–23 to show how the church is not just a gathering place, but a growing people. The message calls believers to be more than attendees—to be builders. Key applications include:Build on God's Grace: Your gifts are from Him, and they're for His glory.Build on the Foundation of Christ Alone: Not personalities, not popularity—only Jesus.Build with Materials That Last: Your work will be tested. Invest in eternal things.Build in Unity: The “you” in “you are God's temple” is plural—we build together.Be Filled with the Spirit: The true evidence of Spirit-filled living is fearlessness, love, power, and self-control.The call is clear: Don't just go to church. Be the Church. Build with intention, build on Christ, and build in step with the Spirit.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Be Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:1-21) - Evening Sermon

Rev. Kris Whitby joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book with CPH, Come and Be Filled: Feasting with Jesus in His Word. Kris and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss 11 Biblical meals that Kris writes about in the book, and how Jesus blesses us when we dine together. Get his book by visiting cph.org/feast.   Show NotesIn his new book, Come and Be Filled, Kristopher R. Whitby explores eleven meals throughout Scripture and the lessons God teaches there around His table. Through Jesus, your meals will mean more.Kris talks to listeners about the idea behind his book and how it originated, how he went about choosing and studying the eleven meals in Scripture that he writes about, the importance of fellowship and having meals together in today's world, and more. About the Guest Rev. Kristopher Whitby served for 24 years as a parish pastor, both in Florida and Illinois. In his years of pastoral ministry, Kris was honored to serve as the national LWML pastoral counselor as well as the Northern Illinois District's North Region Vice President. He has been blessed to host the radio talk show “Faith Talks” and serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Association of Retired Intelligence Officers during the days of 9/11. Pastor Kris now serves on district staff as Assistant to the President–Mission and Ministry in the Northern Illinois District. He and his wife, Marguerita, enjoy their son and daughter, their daughter- and son-in-law, and their three grandchildren that the Lord has provided them, as well as board games, theater, and improv comedy. 

Pastor Jack continues our Pneuma series with "Be Filled".   WAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US · The Holy Spirit is the power to confess Jesus is Lord. (1 Cor 12:3) · The Holy Spirit is the power to be a witness. (Acts 1:8) · The Holy Spirit is the power to want and to live out a life of following Jesus. (Phil 2:12-13) · The Holy Spirit is the power to become more like Jesus.     —— If you want to support what God is doing through Cityline, click here: https://www.citylineonline.churchcenter.com/giving   Want to learn more about Cityline and how to get involved? Click here: https://citylineonline.org   Are you in need of prayer or someone to talk with? Click here: https://citylineonline.org/prayer   —— Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citylineonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citylineonline/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumM40GFhmHumITXmh8MV0g Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cityline-church/id1308579363?mt=2 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pHyJ5pxtry1tIMlD9ZBPd?si=e01fc4636d5543e1

Our teams at Christians Engaged and Family Policy Alliance Foundation invite you to join us in celebrating the National Day of Prayer! The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman.  The theme for 2025 is Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled. It's based on Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Bunni Pounds, President of Christians Engaged, leads a powerful time of prayer to mark the occasion, joined by FPA Senior Vice President Amanda Banks and Christians Engaged Vice President Ben Quine. Join us for this special time of prayer. Discover more about the National Day of Prayer at https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org. Conversations with Christians Engaged | Hosted by Bunni Pounds and Ben QuineListen, watch, and subscribe: https://christiansengaged.org/conversations-showChristians Engaged exists to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ to:▪️ PRAY for our nation and elected officials regularly▪️ VOTE in every local, state, and national election to impact our culture ▪️ ENGAGE our hearts in civic education or involvement for the well-being of our local communities and our nationLearn more: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/⁠⁠Support our efforts: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/donate⁠⁠Take the PLEDGE to PRAY, VOTE, & ENGAGE: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/pledge⁠

My Story Talk 15 Ministry at Colchester 1962-68 Part 3 Welcome to Talk 15 in our series where I am reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Today is the final talk about our ministry in Colchester between 1962 and 1968. These were the first few years of our married life and so far I have shared with you about the birth of our first two children, our housing, employment, holidays and transport.   We have talked about the growth of the church and the reasons for it, testified to an outstanding miracle, explained how I got to know more about Assemblies of God, and how God called me to give up my teaching job and go into full-time ministry.   Today I'll be sharing first how this led me into a wider ministry, and concluding with two important lessons I felt God was beginning to teach me.   A wider ministry – the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship If I had thought initially that God's purpose in leading me into full-time ministry was just so that I could give more time to the local church, I was soon to learn otherwise. It certainly did that, but I soon began to receive invitations to preach in churches at weekend conventions, and, more significantly, to speak in Coleford at a National Day School Teachers' Conference on the relevance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in day school teaching today.   It was there I met members of the AoG Home Missions Council and the National Youth Council who, if I remember correctly, had jointly organised the conference. The invitation came, no doubt, not only because I was a pastor who had until recently been a schoolteacher, but also because of my ministry in praying for people to receive the baptism and my role in the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship.   I have already mentioned how, while I was at Oxford, I was asked to share my testimony at the AoG National Youth Rally held in the Birmingham Town Hall and to contribute an article in Redemption Tidings entitled Pentecost in Oxford University. So I was by no means unknown in the wider fellowship, and it was probably not surprising that, when Richard Bolt resigned as Travelling Secretary of the SPF, I should be asked to take over his role of visiting colleges and universities, preaching and praying for students to be filled with the Spirit, which of course would not have been possible if I had remained in school teaching.   Universities where I conducted meetings on those early SPF travels included Oxford, Cambridge, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Durham, and Newcastle. Later, after I had left Colchester, I also preached in the University of Louvain (Leuven) in Belgium, and in 1972 in the majority of universities in the state of Illinois.   The purpose of all these meetings was to tell people about the baptism in the Spirit, explain why it was biblical, and to pray for them to receive as I laid hands on them at the close of the gathering. Among the many who received were the chaplain of Queen's College, Cambridge, and William Kay a student at Trinity College, Oxford, who had come to Christ at a Billy Graham meeting in London.   Valentine Cunningham, a student at Keble College, and the son of an AoG pastor, invited William to a meeting he had organised where I was to preach on the baptism in the Spirit. After he graduated he became a member of my church in Basingstoke, a close friend, a lecturer at Mattersey Hall Bible College, and a university professor who has contributed much to Pentecostal education around the world.   Val Cunningham went on to become Professor of English at Oxford and was a great help to me when I wrote Be Filled with the Spirit, a booklet published by the SPF, which proved to be the springboard for my ministry as an author.   Other former SPF members who became professors were John Miles and Michael Collins. John, after spending some years as a missionary in Congo became Professor of French at Wheaton, and Michael, after serving as SPF General Secretary, became Professor of Engineering at City University, London.   He was succeeded as SPF General Secretary by Andrew Parfitt, who after spending years in school teaching, became an AoG minister, as did Jeff Clarke who received the baptism under my ministry while he was a student at Oxford, and David Littlewood who received while was a student at Essex.   It is clear from all this that during the course of my lifetime Pentecostals have moved on from being suspicious of higher education to embracing it and playing an active role within it. This will become even clearer when we consider in a later talk the educational developments in our Bible Colleges.   Lessons I learnt at Colchester Of course, I myself had never been to Bible College. And although I had received excellent teaching from my father and from Leslie Moxham, my pastor at Elm Park Baptist, I had received no formal training for ministry, and back then there was no provision in Assemblies of God for supervision from a more experienced minister. So I was very much learning on the job and was conscious of my need for the guidance, help, and the enabling of the Holy Spirit.   But my experience at Colchester taught me many lessons. The most significant of these was learning to trust God for our needs after I had relinquished my secular employment, which I have already mentioned. But there were two other areas the importance of which I began to understand more clearly. These were:   o   the nature of the ministry God had given me o   the importance of a balanced theology of healing.        The nature of the ministry God had given me In my teens I had been greatly impressed by the ministry of Billy Graham. I had seen thousands of people walk forward in response to his appeals for salvation. Surely this kind of evangelism must be the answer and, when I felt the call to the ministry at the age of 16, I soon began to have dreams of becoming an evangelist. Later, after I was baptised in the Spirit, I came to see the importance of healing in evangelism and, as I have mentioned previously, was greatly influenced by Richard Bolt who was seeing remarkable healings in his evangelistic crusades.  And at that time the American Pentecostal evangelist T. L. Osborn had made his books on healing available to students free of charge and I had read them avidly.   So I now wanted to be a healing evangelist, a desire which was evident in the two evangelistic and healing missions I conducted at Colchester. And that was why, although I shared with others the responsibility of preaching and teaching on Sunday mornings and midweek Bible Studies, I always did the preaching at the Sunday evening Gospel Service.   But when Harold Womersley, veteran missionary of the Congo Evangelisitc Mission visited us on itinerary, he asked me – purely out of interest, I think – about what I was teaching at our Bible Study meetings. And when I told him that, when it was my turn, I just gave whatever word the Lord had put on my heart, he graciously suggested that as the pastor it was my responsibility the feed the flock by regular and systematic teaching of the truths of God's word.   This, I think, would have been at about the time that I had given up my school teaching job, and so, taking his words to heart, I set about planning various series of weekly Bible studies, and I discovered that I really enjoyed it and, to my surprise, so did those who came to hear me. It was gradually dawning on me that my primary ministry was not to be evangelism – though I have not been totally unsuccessful in that area – but teaching.   Of course, I had no idea then how that teaching gift would eventually be expressed not only in churches, but also as a Bible College principal and as a writer. But that brings me to another closely related lesson I began to learn at Colchester, the importance of a biblically balanced doctrine of healing.   The importance of a balanced theology of healing As I mentioned at the beginning of this series, ever since my father told me of the healing of my aunt who had been deaf and dumb from birth, I have always believed that God still works miracles of healing today. I grew up with the belief that everyone could be healed if only they had enough faith and that the lack of miracles today was entirely due to lack of faith.   This understanding was confirmed by the teaching of Richard Bolt and the books of T.L.Osborn and was directly related to the doctrine that Jesus died not only for our sins, but for our sicknesses too. We can claim our healing in just the same way as we can claim forgiveness of sins, and all because Jesus died for us. I embraced this teaching wholeheartedly, and that is what I preached.   But my experience as a pastor in Colchester didn't always seem to confirm this doctrine. It was great when we saw people healed, but what could I say to those who were not? Did I really have to tell them that the reason they were not healed was lack of faith, or that there must be some unconfessed sin in their life? And whereas this might apply in some cases, it surely was not true of all?   I simply could not believe, for example, that when Jack Joliffe was diagnosed with a cancer that first disfigured him and eventually destroyed him, it happened because of lack of faith or some secret sin. I knew him too well. He was a godly man, full of faith, and an elder of our church. It's all too easy for evangelists to preach these doctrines and then move on, while pastors are left with the care of Christians who have not been healed and have been wounded by the teaching that if they are sick it is somehow their fault.   But it is not my intention in this talk to repeat what I have already said at length elsewhere. My rejection of this view is comprehensively explained in my Ph.D. thesis, Healing and the Atonement, where I argue that, although there is a sense in which healing may rightly be understood to be in the atonement, it is not true to say that Jesus died for our sicknesses in exactly they same way that he died for our sins. I have also explained this in my book Just a Taste of Heaven – a biblical and balanced approach to God's healing power, which is available from my website www.davidpetts.org.   I simply mention it here because it was at Colchester that I began to question what I had previously believed about healing. Of course, we mustn't build our doctrine on our experience, but if our experience doesn't tally with our doctrine it's always good to consider whether we've understood the scriptures correctly.   So I was learning important lessons at Colchester which were to stand me in good stead for the next ten years when we would be pastoring the assembly in Basingstoke. Life is a continuing process of learning and sometimes unlearning, and Basingstoke was no exception. Next time I'll begin by telling you how we came to move there.  

  By Mary Lindow As you settle in to listen to this podcast, maybe you're facing difficult times and you wonder how God can still have a plan for your messy, hurting, perhaps disillusioned life. What about your loved ones, or those in the neighborhood around you? There's so much brokenness that it can feel like anything you do to help is like a drop in the ocean. I certainly have had several moments this past season, months, days even, of being broken, disillusioned, angry, all the emotions that can go with hearing terrible stories of betrayal, clergy abuse, child abuse, adult children being estranged from parents, parents being estranged from their adult children, walking many from sadness over deep wounds from past relationships, festering with anger, guilt and shame. This service of working with broken people that God has called us to, (and me specifically these past couple of years as a Biblical pastoral Counselor), well, seeing and hearing the sadness, can wear you thin at times, and I go running to the feet of Christ over and over again, asking him to make sense of how humanity can be so vicious and destroy one another. Of course Jesus came to die for all of us, and in fact was broken, beaten, bruised and yes, he wept. So He knows the anguish and grief that can tow us under! The Lord has always been close to those who are crushed and broken, right from the very start.   Brokenness Doesn't Distract Or Hinder God. He extends endless compassion and love to us, even when we are feeling absolutely crushed. When we don't want anyone to see our brokenness, our shame, He is always close, never with judgment but always with kindness. The kind of kindness that heals. The question is: “Does brokenness have any purpose?” Or is it a hindrance to God's plans and promises? Can God Turn Our Brokenness Into Something Beautiful?   In Matthew 26, Jesus had His last meal with the disciples before He went to suffer on the cross. Now, even though I've read this passage many times, something rich recently stood out. “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat it; this is my body'. (Matthew 26:26). First, Jesus took the bread, Then He blessed it, And then He broke it.   Now, I thought to myself … “Why would He not first take the bread, break it and then bless it?”   There's A Purpose To Why Jesus Did It This Way. The blessing comes before the breaking, because this was the theme of Jesus' life: Jesus was blessed by the Father and the Spirit during His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). Jesus endured the brokenness on the cross (Luke 23:26-39). And, Jesus conquered death through His resurrection and then ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the greatest blessing for believers because we are united with Christ and fully restored to God!  (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:4-6).   Blessed Then Broken Then Blessed again. That's the pattern.   Maybe You're In A Season Where You Feel More Broken Than Blessed. I understand. But because God has blessed us with His Son, every ounce of brokenness we experience on this side of eternity is pointing us toward the blessing of heaven, where we will be reunited with Christ, if we trust in Him. God also redeems our current brokenness as a means of blessing others who are also broken (2 Corinthians 1:4). We Can Know With Confidence That When We Endure Brokenness And Pain, There Isn't An Ounce Of Our Brokenness That Is Not Under The Blessing Of God!   This Is A Hard Truth To Grasp. It may even be something we want to reject because it feels unfair or even cruel! I agree that it can feel that way. Even Jesus Himself agrees. Just a few verses after the Last Supper, He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane and cried out, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38a, CSB). We don't have to dismiss our feelings when it comes to our brokenness. Even Jesus felt the full range of His emotions before His most broken moment. We can come before God in humility with our raw, honest emotions. We can bring our brokenness to Him. We can trust that Jesus is with us, NOW. And, we can look to the cross and the empty tomb, knowing that though we experience brokenness, Jesus overcame it.   Brokenness Isn't The End For Us. Blessed, then broken, then blessed again. Lord, give us the grace to endure this reality.   I don't think it's a coincidence that Jesus, who was blameless and pure, had scars that remained after his resurrection. Jesus' scars were not a flaw. They're a reminder that even the Savior of the world has experienced brokenness. They also give us a tangible answer to our doubts, like they did for Thomas. In a moment of faithlessness, doubt and brokenness, God meets Thomas with compassion and kindness. Jesus' Scars Are A Demonstration Of The Lengths He Went To For Us, a sacrifice given to restore hope in a broken world full of broken people. And the same hands that were nail-scarred? They have our very names written on them as a promise that God will not ever forget or forsake us (Isaiah 49:16). Just like a scar, they're permanently written as a reminder of God's commitment to us, no matter how broken we feel.   Very Few See This Bleak Moment For What It Really Is.      It's a chance to see their need for something that is beyond themselves. But my friend, this can be a moment where the soul can cross over from its own empty silence, into an expected quiet that is alive with His presence. It silences the anguish, the anxious restlessness into a calm and still place of peace. It's as if the soul finds that in this dark place, there is a secret well of sweet water, and it springs up and overflows with light and life.    LEARNING TO PASS INTO THIS PLACE OF THE SPIRIT AND ALLOWING GOD TO KEEP YOUR SOUL IN REFRESHING SILENT TRANQUILITY IS A TRUE ACT OF THE MATURING BELIEVER.   God Put You On Earth In Your Exact Place For His Specific Purpose, and you are living in that purpose, even when you don't know it. Your soul may be grumbling and resisting, but you are living the story that God is ready to reveal to you. God is a lot bigger than you expect Him to be. He's a lot bigger than your circumstances. He is a God of detail. He is deeply involved in the small details of your life, but He has a "bigger yes" for you. Your true glory is the revelation of His splendor, his amazing ability to create redemptive “Resurrection moments” revealed in you day by day.   In 1 Peter 1:6. It says,  "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."   As Jesus Is Revealed In You, You Can Rejoice No Matter What.   The Display Of His Glory Often Comes Through Your Wounds. Your dark nights and cries of longing are lovingly heard, and as His bright light dawns, your grief contrasts with His glorious joy. In brokenness, God works in you something beautiful, deep, and solid to offer others. You are developing inner strength as you are being blessed, broken, and given as an offering in your trials. True strength comes from your desperate need of God. You are a joy to Him as you offer yourself as a representative of His sufficiency. Paul said He wanted to know Christ and be conformed to the fellowship of sharing His sufferings, knowing there's a resurrection coming. (Phil. 3:10).   Know that your Father created you for this time, for these very circumstances. He knew exactly what would be happening in your life as you are living it right now. He knows the impact for which He is preparing you, that still awaits you. Be Filled with his Grace and hope to lean into the purpose that you were create for, in spite of difficult people, through hard circumstances, and through tough challenges.   Your Purpose, My Purpose Is In The Process. We won't get there overnight. We won't mysteriously wake up with it one morning. But today we are closer than yesterday, and tomorrow we will be closer than we are today. Be at peace in Him to know these things, and rejoice in Him. HE IS ALIVE! We Are Not Alone.   Let's Pray Together, Dear Lord, Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how painful earthly brokenness can feel. Please help us, help me remember that you Jesus are our greatest blessing. You are with us now with me now, as we face hardship and grief and sadness and await a day when you will make all things new. Give me strength, give those that are listening strength as we long for this day, and we ask this in the name of the Resurrected King of Heaven, Jesus Christ, The Messiah. Amen.   I Know That Many Of You Are Going Through Many Things In Your Own Lives and there is so much going on around us everywhere right now as the Lord is more than shaking his church. He is exposing so many uncomfortable things, but what he is really doing is bringing his people back to a place to where HE alone is enough, his word alone is light and life, strength and guidance, no matter how difficult or dark the times can be. His word will penetrate past all of that panic and bring us daily comfort. I'd like to call it daily bread since we're on the subject of talking about bread, and remember because Christ was the bread of life and he gave it to us, and since we've given our lives to him, we are now bread of life to others with whatever we speak out of our mouth in the name of Jesus. It has to be in accuracy and mimicking the way he lived and walked. If it isn't, then there's going to be difficulty there's going to be pain. It's going to cause pain. It's going to cause difficulty.   So I Encourage You, If You're Running And Hiding or if you're trying to protect yourself from something that you've done that you know needs to come out into the light,run to Jesus, then tell the truth and get the help that you need. It won't be easy, but that clawing horrible feeling of waiting for the shoe to drop will end, and the enemy will no longer have a foothold in your mind. For Those That Are Suffering Because Of The Behaviors Of Others and you know that there just doesn't seem to be an answer or an end in sigth, and certainly no vindication. I encourage you to not back away and to stand where God has you, but don't grow bitter and don't look for revenge. This is when we take it back into our own power at our own strength. I Bless You Today! I encourage you to get before the Lord and ask him to show you “the way” that he has for you during these times where he is maturing you, maturing his bride, and it is all for the glory of the ONE who laid down that entire greatness so that we would have an access to return to heaven.   Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! 2025 "THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:   Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:    His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with   Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985. THANK YOU!    

Be FILLED with the Holy Spirit !!

Key Verse: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9 (NIV) Do you look like your Heavenly Father? Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19) NIV THE PROBLEM: Why We Don't Look Like the Father“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.” – John 8:44 (NIV) We Forget That Looking Like Jesus is the Goal“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6 (NIV) THE SOLUTION: How to Look Like the Father Key #1 - Be Filled with the Holy Spirit“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) Key #2 - Do What Pleases the Father “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV How do we know what He loves?   ⁃  Through His Word.  ⁃  Through time in prayer.  ⁃  Through communion with the Spirit Key #3 - Take Care of What's Important to Him “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Are you aligned with what God calls important—or just what feels convenient? “Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.” - Ephesians 5:1 TPT 

Key Verse: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9 (NIV) Do you look like your Heavenly Father? Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19) NIV THE PROBLEM: Why We Don't Look Like the Father“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.” – John 8:44 (NIV) We Forget That Looking Like Jesus is the Goal“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6 (NIV) THE SOLUTION: How to Look Like the Father Key #1 - Be Filled with the Holy Spirit“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) Key #2 - Do What Pleases the Father “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV How do we know what He loves?   ⁃  Through His Word.  ⁃  Through time in prayer.  ⁃  Through communion with the Spirit Key #3 - Take Care of What's Important to Him “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Are you aligned with what God calls important—or just what feels convenient? “Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.” - Ephesians 5:1 TPT 

In this podcast, Pastor Justin unpacks how we must always hunger for fire because only the hungry are filled and you're only full of what you hunger for.Support the show

Be Filled with The Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18).  Pastor Ron Laney, Pleasant Grove Church, Carthage, MS.  www.PleasantGrove.info   Pastor Ron's Message Notes - Be Filled with The Spirit

As part of our Encounter series, this week's sermon explores what it means to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit.Drawing from both Old and New Testament imagery—fire, water, and wind—we're invited to desire more of God's presence, not just as a concept, but as a person to be known. Through Scripture and personal testimony, this message unpacks how the Spirit empowers, purifies, and brings life—helping us to flourish and transform the world around us.Whether you've walked with Jesus for years or are just exploring faith, this is a powerful invitation to be filled again.

Senior Pastor Jason Edwards continued our Ephesians sermon series with his message, "Be Filled with the Spirit."

What prayer does Paul offer on behalf of people he has never met? He desires for them to be characterized by their relationship with Christ and to walk in a manner fitting for those who claim to be followers of Christ.

Empowered: The Journey of Living in the Spirit Drink. Be Filled. Repeat. John 7:37-39 & Ephesians 5:15-20 How Do We Drink? Hebrews 10:22-25 We draw near to God with sincerity and with faith that He hears us. We get our hearts and bodies washed up regularly with confession and forgiveness. We hold on to hope in Gods faithfulness even when life looks hopeless. We thoughtfully encourage one another towards love and good deeds. We keep meeting together for prayer and the study of Gods Word. Philippians 4:8-9 Meditate and focus on things that are true, pure and right. Watch other mature believers and imitate the actions that reflect the life and heart of Jesus What Does It Mean To Be Filled? Ephesians 5:15-20 As wine influences a persons perception in many ways, live under the influence of Holy Spirit. Under the influence of Holy Spirit, we will receive the wisdom we need to address the tension and evil of our days. Under the influence of Holy Spirit, we will understand the will of God. UndertheinfluenceofHolySpirit,wewillbeledtoapplyScriptureandsongs with regularity in our lives. Have you ever sensed a nudging from Holy Spirit to do something, like calling a person out of the blue, or writing an encouraging note? Share your experience with a friend. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt divine protection, peace, provision, or a boldness to do something unusual? Did you recognize that to be the work of Holy Spirit in your life? Is there a way that you want to draw closer to God in obedience and experience Holy Spirit more frequently in your life? Express your hearts desire in prayer to God.

273 – Year in Review for The Bible Speaks to You Podcast2024 has completed it's designated rounds!I hope your year has been full of spiritual growth and progress. And I hope you'll take some time to reflect on the the things you have to be grateful for and the lessons you've learned this year.This week's episode shares some of the highlights from the podcast this past year.Want to listen to an entire episode?Here are links to all episodes mentioned this week:232 – You Don't Need Someone Else's Permission to Do what God Has Called You to Do235 – How to Be Filled with the Fullness of God239 – God Is Always with You, No Matter What243 – The Secret to Spiritual Restoration245 – How to Be Joyful No Matter what Happens248 – That's Not the Jesus I Believe In254 – God Already Knows What You Need256 – The Biblical Cure for Loneliness261 – The Best Motive for Prayer that Heals262 – Redeeming and Healing the Past264 – Finding Peace During Political Turmoil265 – Trusting God No Matter What HappensAll blessing for the New Year!Show notes:Full transcript of the clips from each of these episodes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/273Text me your questions or comments.Support the showIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify__________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here

Listen to Ps Ray Menchaca as he teaches us on the importance of changing and allowing the Lord to transform our lives instead of us conforming to the things of the world.God didn't come just to make bad people good; He came to bring new life. God has the power to transform a hardened heart into one full of compassion, to replace a troubled mind with the mind of Christ, and to turn a selfish nature into a selfless one.To change, we first need to see ourselves through God's mercy, as Paul says in Romans 12:1-2: we are urged to live as a “living sacrifice,” transformed by a renewed mind. Real change begins when we understand God's deep, passionate love for us, as shown throughout Scripture. While we were still sinners, God sent Christ to die for us so we could receive the gift of eternal life. This unending love is the starting point of our transformation.Steps to Change:- In View of God's Mercy: Understand the depth of God's love and mercy toward us. Knowing we're loved beyond measure allows us to live with a new perspective.- Guard Your Mind: Focus on what aligns with God's truth, not the distractions of the world. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Colossians 3:2, bring every thought captive to Christ and keep your focus on heavenly things.- Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 tells us to protect our heart above all, as it is the source of life. Our heart's direction often determines our actions.- Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 5:18 calls us to be continually filled with the Spirit, allowing God's power to work within us daily.Real change comes by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. It takes time, prayer, and a continual turning of our hearts and minds toward God. So, are you willing to open your life to this transformation?

“The Fullness of the Spirit”Ephesians 5:181) The Defenition of Being Filled 2) The Demand to Be Filled3) The Design for Being FIlled    A. Thirst   B. Trust4) The Disaster of not Being Filled 

The post Ephesians 5: 15-21 (Be Filled with the Spirit) appeared first on The Inner Altar.

Ephesians 5:22–6:9I. Be Filled by the Spirit as Wives and Husbands – 5:22-33II. Be Filled by the Spirit as Children and Parents – 6:1-4III. Be Filled by the Spirit as Workers and Bosses – 6:5-9

The Five Ministries of the Holy Spirit, How to Be Filled, Spiritual Breathing, Death and Full Adoption,

Podcast: Light on Life Season Eleven Episode Twenty-Six. Being filled with the Holy Spirit via psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is the focus of our podcast and this post today. The Spirit of God has given utterance to many songs and hymns throughout the centuries. On the subject of hymns, Charles Spurgeon shared the following story from his life. “During one of many […] The post What Does It Mean to Be Spirit Filled? appeared first on emeryhorvath.com. Related posts: What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Spirit of God? What It Means to Have Your Life Filled with Jesus Christ

Would you like more direction or help navigating life’s situations? Or maybe you’re desiring more peace in your everyday life? The good news is that God has already given us the chance to receive all this and more from the Holy Spirit. Listen to the series, “Be Filled” and find out why having the Holy Spirit is the greatest benefit you could ever have.

236 – If the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to your church, what would he say?First, imagine if you had lived back in the days of the early Christian Church. Paul may have come to your church to preach.And you may have received a letter from him later with some helpful ideas, prayers, and reminders of what he told you when he was there.Of course, he might also rebuke you for a couple of things your church was doing that wasn't faithful to Christ.Now, think of your church today.What would Paul say to your church? In this week's episode, I create an imaginary church in Franklin, Tennessee in the United States. I talk about some of it's strengths and some of its challenges, in particular, a couple of members who are real sticklers for the letter of the  law. Legalism is keeping this church from growing.I write a letter to this church, in the style of Paul, just to give an idea  of what he might have said.All this is to get you to think about what Paul would have said to your church.Do you want your church to grow?Here's a prayer project for you and your whole church. Please choose one of Paul's letters to a church and read it as if he had written it to your church. What can you learn about how to follow Jesus collectively as a church from this?Please contact me to let me know what you discover in this process.Show notes:For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes referred to, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/236.Previous episode mentioned:235: How to Be Filled with the Fullness of GodSupport the show_________________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing TogetherEphesians 5:15-21 (ESV)15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.Sermon OutlineHow do you make the best use of time? (vv15-17)1. Be Filled with the Spiritv18 “do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit” 2. Have Reverence for Christv21 “…out of reverence for Christ”v20 “giving thanks always and for everything”v19 “addressing one… making melody to the Lord with your heart”v21 “submitting to one another…”Prayer of ConfessionOur wise and compassionate Father, forgive us for our foolishness. We haven't made the best use of our time. We have wasted it, and we have filled our time with things that dishonor you. We haven't sought you fervently and haven't walked in the Spirit. We have not lived with reverence for Christ. We admit to sinful thoughts, words and actions. Forgive us. Remove all that is corrupt in us, and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We give thanks to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow do you fail to “make the most of the time”?Have you sought to be filled with the Holy Spirit? How? What have you done? What can you do?Are there any substances in your life (drugs, alcohol, etc.) that shape you? What do you need to do to exchange them for the Holy Spirit?How do you know if it is the Holy Spirit at work in you or some other spirit?What stirs reverence for Christ in you?How can you genuinely have a song of thanks in your heart? What can you do so that you are more thankful, even in challenging situations?Why is it important to keep reverence for Christ primary as you relate to other people? How does this create the best context for submitting to one another?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Joined Together, Growing TogetherEphesians 5:15-21 (ESV)15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.Sermon OutlineHow do you make the best use of time? (vv15-17)1. Be Filled with the Spiritv18 “do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit” 2. Have Reverence for Christv21 “…out of reverence for Christ”v20 “giving thanks always and for everything”v19 “addressing one… making melody to the Lord with your heart”v21 “submitting to one another…”Prayer of ConfessionOur wise and compassionate Father, forgive us for our foolishness. We haven't made the best use of our time. We have wasted it, and we have filled our time with things that dishonor you. We haven't sought you fervently and haven't walked in the Spirit. We have not lived with reverence for Christ. We admit to sinful thoughts, words and actions. Forgive us. Remove all that is corrupt in us, and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We give thanks to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow do you fail to “make the most of the time”?Have you sought to be filled with the Holy Spirit? How? What have you done? What can you do?Are there any substances in your life (drugs, alcohol, etc.) that shape you? What do you need to do to exchange them for the Holy Spirit?How do you know if it is the Holy Spirit at work in you or some other spirit?What stirs reverence for Christ in you?How can you genuinely have a song of thanks in your heart? What can you do so that you are more thankful, even in challenging situations?Why is it important to keep reverence for Christ primary as you relate to other people? How does this create the best context for submitting to one another?

Matthew Dowling, preaching minister at the Plymouth Church of Christ, preached a message titled "How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit" from Ephesians 5:18-20 and various scriptures. The January sermon series is "Your Spiritual How-To Manual." Here is a Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional: Day 1: Being Filled With the Holy Spirit Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:18 Devotional: Reflect on the imperative nature of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Consider how this divine influence can empower you to live out the extraordinary requirements of Christian living. Ask yourself, are you merely acknowledging your faith, or are you allowing it to carry you in a Spirit-led way? Reflection Question: How does your current spiritual life align with the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and what steps can you take to more fully embrace this divine guidance? Day 2: The Dynamics of True Worship Bible Reading: John 4:23-24 Devotional: Worship in spirit and truth transcends formality and engages our deepest reverence for God. Contemplate the difference between going through the motions of worship and engaging with God on a profound, spiritual level. Consider the balance of heart and mind in your worship experiences. Reflection Question: What can you do to deepen your worship practice to ensure it's not just emotionally charged or intellectually stimulating, but also spiritually nourishing and true? Day 3: Tapping into Spiritual Wealth Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:8 Devotional: God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is perfected in our weakness. Reflect on the story of Yates Pool as a metaphor for the untapped spiritual resources available to us. Ponder how you might be living beneath your spiritual privileges and how you can better access the richness of God's provision. Reflection Question: In what ways have you been living in spiritual poverty, and how can you begin to tap into the abundant spiritual resources God has provided for you? Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Word Bible Reading: Colossians 3:16 Devotional: Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly is crucial to a Spirit-filled life. Reflect on how daily engagement with Scripture can transform your actions and decisions. Consider the practice of self-emptying, making more room for the Spirit to fill and guide you. Reflection Question: How does daily immersion in God's Word impact your life, and what might you need to empty from your life to make more space for the Holy Spirit? Day 5: Fruits of a Spirit-Filled Life Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 Devotional: A life led by the Spirit bears fruit that is evident to all. Reflect on the fruits of the Spirit and how they manifest in your life. Consider the metaphor of Christians as gloves, designed to be filled and moved by the hand of God through the Holy Spirit. Reflection Question: Which fruits of the Spirit do you see blossoming in your life, and which do you need to cultivate more fully to embody a life of true worship and obedience? Closing Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, as we embark on this spiritual journey, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Transform our worship, enrich our lives with Your Word, and help us to live out the fruits of the Spirit. Guide us from mere form to a vibrant, spirit-infused existence, for Your glory and honor. Amen.

Matthew Dowling, preaching minister at the Plymouth Church of Christ, preached a message titled "How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit" from Ephesians 5:18-20 and various scriptures. The January sermon series is "Your Spiritual How-To Manual." Here is a Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional: Day 1: Being Filled With the Holy Spirit Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:18 Devotional: Reflect on the imperative nature of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Consider how this divine influence can empower you to live out the extraordinary requirements of Christian living. Ask yourself, are you merely acknowledging your faith, or are you allowing it to carry you in a Spirit-led way? Reflection Question: How does your current spiritual life align with the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and what steps can you take to more fully embrace this divine guidance? Day 2: The Dynamics of True Worship Bible Reading: John 4:23-24 Devotional: Worship in spirit and truth transcends formality and engages our deepest reverence for God. Contemplate the difference between going through the motions of worship and engaging with God on a profound, spiritual level. Consider the balance of heart and mind in your worship experiences. Reflection Question: What can you do to deepen your worship practice to ensure it's not just emotionally charged or intellectually stimulating, but also spiritually nourishing and true? Day 3: Tapping into Spiritual Wealth Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:8 Devotional: God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is perfected in our weakness. Reflect on the story of Yates Pool as a metaphor for the untapped spiritual resources available to us. Ponder how you might be living beneath your spiritual privileges and how you can better access the richness of God's provision. Reflection Question: In what ways have you been living in spiritual poverty, and how can you begin to tap into the abundant spiritual resources God has provided for you? Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Word Bible Reading: Colossians 3:16 Devotional: Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly is crucial to a Spirit-filled life. Reflect on how daily engagement with Scripture can transform your actions and decisions. Consider the practice of self-emptying, making more room for the Spirit to fill and guide you. Reflection Question: How does daily immersion in God's Word impact your life, and what might you need to empty from your life to make more space for the Holy Spirit? Day 5: Fruits of a Spirit-Filled Life Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 Devotional: A life led by the Spirit bears fruit that is evident to all. Reflect on the fruits of the Spirit and how they manifest in your life. Consider the metaphor of Christians as gloves, designed to be filled and moved by the hand of God through the Holy Spirit. Reflection Question: Which fruits of the Spirit do you see blossoming in your life, and which do you need to cultivate more fully to embody a life of true worship and obedience? Closing Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, as we embark on this spiritual journey, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Transform our worship, enrich our lives with Your Word, and help us to live out the fruits of the Spirit. Guide us from mere form to a vibrant, spirit-infused existence, for Your glory and honor. Amen.

“Be Filled” by Melanie Bertoglio. The post Be Filled appeared first on Christian Ministries Church.

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes Christians who are filled with the Spirit overflow In Ephesians 5:17, Paul commands that Christians "Be Filled with the Holy Spirit." He goes on to describe three results ("overflows") of that filling – worship, thanksgiving, and practicing submission in relationships Definition - "Submission is a voluntary act of coming under another person in order to lift them up in love" Paul's description from Phil 2 - “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3–4 ESV) Jesus is the supreme example of practicing submission – on the Cross he voluntarily made himself less and came under unworthy sinners in order to lift us up into God's love and salvation Jesus remains king even though he practices submission. If we are in positions of authority, we can still practice submission without compromising our position (as a boss, parent, etc.) If we lack authority in a relationship and are expected to submit (to a boss, parent, etc.), we can still choose to do so out of reverence for Christ (5:21) which is a much stronger motivation Practicing submission requires wisdom and godly discernment. It does not mean submitting to harmful behavior from another person Practicing submission cannot happen in our own strength – it is the result of first being filled by the Holy Spirit! Sermon Application What is the command in Ephesians 5:17-21? What are the results? Can you think of a person who treats you with submission and service? Why must we be filled with the Holy Spirit before trying to practice submission in our relationships? Can you think of some examples where submission is not an appropriate way to treat another person? Describe how a person in a position of authority can still demonstrate submission toward someone below them? For the Christian, why is the motivation of serving Christ greater than the motivation of pleasing the boss or bettering one's reputation?

Episode #175 of 15 Minutes and a Big Idea. A Podcast by The Mended Collective. We examine Philippians 1:10-11 Big Idea: Test What is Best 3 Supporting Ideas: 1) Discern what is Excellent 2) Be Blameless 3) Be Filled with Fruit Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/15bigidea/?view_public_for=110691360592088 The Mended Collective: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlUSkU2N0UEy4Bq1HgpFEQ Email: 15bigideapodcast@gmail.com Theme Music: "Advertime" by Rafael Krux

Ephesians 5:18-21(Be Filled with Spirit) - Nate Crew by CityLight Church

Be Filled with the Transforming Power and Fruit of the Holy Spirit.In this short episode, we practice receiving the Fruit of the Spirit.Pray along with me, and let me know what you think..~ Coach Tom_______________________You can connect with Coach Tom at:https://greaterformation.com/Email: Tom@GreaterFormation.com P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document.  It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead.  Click Here2. Join my FaceBook Group, "Greater Focus and Fruitfulness" for more teaching, training and community. Click Here3. Work with me:I can help you Clarify, Plan, and take Bold Steps into Your Future. Book a Free 45-Minute Strategy Session with me: Click Here 

04/16/23 - BE in 2023: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:15-21)   Today's Verses Eph. 5:15-16 Eph. 5:17 Eph. 5:18 John 14:26 Acts 4:31 Acts 1:8 Eph. 5:18 Gal. 2:20 Rom. 8:14 Eph. 3:20

Presence and Power #2 | How to be filled with the Holy Spirit | March 26, 2023Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37-39 (NIV) “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:15-18 (NIV) “Be Filled” Present tense: Passive voice: Imperative: Spiritual Breathing“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV) ASSIGNMENT: Practice Spiritual Breathing 1. EXHALE: Confess Sin “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) 2. INHALE: Surrender to the Holy Spirit Reflection Questions:1) What was one thing from the sermon that stuck out to you? Why? 2) Where in your life are thirsty? Feeling dry? Wanting more? Where do you need a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit? 3) How would you define what it means to be filled with the Spirit? Paul compares it being drunk on wine. (Ephesians 5:18) Explain the connection to wine. How is that similar and different? 4) How does sin in our life affect our ability to be filled with the Holy Spirit? 5) How have you experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit in your life? John 16:7-8 6) Why is confession and repentance of sin important to experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit? 7) Explain the idea of Spiritual Breathing? What do we exhale? What do we inhale? How do we do that practically? 8) What areas of your life do you need to surrender or “resurrender” to the control and power of the Holy Spirit? 9) Are there areas of your life that you are “grieving” or “quenching” the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thes. 5:19 10) Are you growing in your awareness of the Holy Spirit and when He is speaking? Why or Why not? Share an example. Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/giveDownload our app: https://journeyweb.net/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeyweb.net/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeyweb.net/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page:

Pastor Josh Hall continues this series, CHOOSE JOY, from the book of Philippians. In this message, entitled "Joyous," he examines Paul's prayer for the Philippians and identifies 2 primary aspects: 1.   Gratitude - vv. 3 - 8      Paul's gratitude is:      1) With Direction      2) With Determination      3) Intentional      4) With Persistence      5) With Confidence 2.  Prayer - vv. 9 - 11      Paul prays that the Philippian believers would:      1) Be Filled with Love      2) Grow in Knowledge      3) Have Discernment      4) Be Pure and Blameless      5) Bear Fruit      6) Give Glory and Praise to God

Pastor Doug Link explores the meaning of “being filled with the Holy Spirit.” The post Be Filled with the Spirit appeared first on Grace Church of Tallahassee.

Podcast: Light on Life Season Nine Episode Fifty-Two. Being filled with the Holy Spirit via psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is the focus of our podcast and this post today. The Spirit of God has given utterance to many songs and hymns throughout the centuries. On the subject of hymns, Charles Spurgeon shared the following story from his life. “During one of many […] The post What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Spirit of God? appeared first on emeryhorvath.com. Related posts: What It Means to Have Your Life Filled with Jesus Christ The Big Scoop on Magnifying God Why You Shouldn’t Let the Enemy Torment You about the Unpardonable Sin

Romans 15:22-33 - Be Filled with Christ   |  Romans: Counting on Christ  |   Ryan Tew, Mission Minister  |  Preached 11-06-22 10:45am  Tag: Gospel, Romans, Counting, Paul, Christ, Serve, Map, Travel, Mission, Peace, Generosity, Service, Prayer, Pray, Give, Go, Hydes, Cambodia, Ferry, Journey, Spain, Missionary, Evangelism

Romans 15:22-33 - Be Filled with Christ   |  Romans: Counting on Christ  |   Ryan Tew, Mission Minister  |  Preached 11-06-22 10:45am  Tag: Gospel, Romans, Counting, Paul, Christ, Serve, Map, Travel, Mission, Peace, Generosity, Service, Prayer, Pray, Give, Go, Hydes, Cambodia, Ferry, Journey, Spain, Missionary, Evangelism

May fear and worry be slid from me where the stars wash over us and sing Be Filled. This is Everyday Sanctuary. Your place to breathe deep and seek. Created by Pastor Abigail @everydaysanctuaryfaith We are Listener Supported @ www.patreon.com/everydaysanctuary, offering 8 curated tiers www.everydaysanctuary.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/everydaysanctuary/support

Pastor Seth Wetter teaches us, to Live ready for the Return of Jesus Christ. Be Filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit. From the Book of Deuteronomy, the 28th Chapter. On October 2nd, 2022 God's Word is Truth!

The post ANOINTED – BE FILLED appeared first on GATEWAYFAMILY.

Pastor Seth Wetter teaches us, to Listen to Jesus. Be Filled with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and do the good you ought to. From the Book of Deuteronomy, the 22nd Chapter. On August 7th, 2022 God's Word is Truth!

Episode #124 of 15 Minutes and a Big Idea. A Podcast by The Mended Collective. We examine Part 2 of Ephesians 3:14-19. Big Idea: Understanding is Body Work 3 Supporting Ideas: 1) We Need Each Other 2) Christ's Love Surpasses Knowledge 3) Be Filled with God's Fullness Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/15bigidea/?view_public_for=110691360592088 The Mended Collective: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlUSkU2N0UEy4Bq1HgpFEQ Email: 15bigideapodcast@gmail.com Theme Music: "Advertime" by Rafael Krux

How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit | Pastor Michael Mattis Let us know what you think or send us your questions by visiting the site, or simply commenting below. We're glad you're here! Scripture & Literature References: John 14: 15-31 ----------------------------------------­------------------------------- CONNECT: Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ ----------------------------------------­-------------------------------

In this podcast, Pastor Rachelle releases an urgent warning to the Church to live alert and ready for the return of Jesus! Don't grow weary, don't get complacent, stay oily and endure to the end. Make sure you make it to the feast!Support the show (https://freedomhousetomball.churchcenter.com/giving)