How can I be filled with the Spirit when I am already full?
John 20:22 - And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Romans 8:11, 14 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you... For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Often I find myself crying out for more of God. The question is, "How can I have more if I'm already full?" It isn't simply a matter of making more room. I am at capacity. The Spirit is fully in me. So, what am I really asking?
I am asking for the ability, from the Spirit, to empty myself of my own desires and passions. While that may sound disheartening, it is exactly the opposite. It is the only way to have full life!
While filled to capacity with the Spirit, I am still hanging on to my old way of thinking. I'm still holding on to my old way of functioning. This causes great conflict and disharmony. I cannot hold on to my old ways, ideas and passions while simultaneously asking to be led by the Spirit. I cannot serve two masters.
The solution is simple, but can be painful and unsettling. Give it all away. Give every passion, every dream, every desire, and every ambition to Jesus. Lay them all at His cross. Absolutely and completely let go!
Then, ask Him to return to you the passion and desires that He intended for you from the moment He created you. Ask Him to return the dreams that are in complete harmony with the identity He has given you as your Creator. Ask Him to return your ambition but only for those things that He wants you to accomplish.
Total surrender leads to total life. It isn't about getting more of the Spirit; it is about living more IN the Spirit. That is where you will find your true identity and the only place you will find total fulfillment.
John 20:22 - And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Romans 8:11, 14 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you... For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Often I find myself crying out for more of God. The question is, "How can I have more if I'm already full?" It isn't simply a matter of making more room. I am at capacity. The Spirit is fully in me. So, what am I really asking?
I am asking for the ability, from the Spirit, to empty myself of my own desires and passions. While that may sound disheartening, it is exactly the opposite. It is the only way to have full life!
While filled to capacity with the Spirit, I am still hanging on to my old way of thinking. I'm still holding on to my old way of functioning. This causes great conflict and disharmony. I cannot hold on to my old ways, ideas and passions while simultaneously asking to be led by the Spirit. I cannot serve two masters.
The solution is simple, but can be painful and unsettling. Give it all away. Give every passion, every dream, every desire, and every ambition to Jesus. Lay them all at His cross. Absolutely and completely let go!
Then, ask Him to return to you the passion and desires that He intended for you from the moment He created you. Ask Him to return the dreams that are in complete harmony with the identity He has given you as your Creator. Ask Him to return your ambition but only for those things that He wants you to accomplish.
Total surrender leads to total life. It isn't about getting more of the Spirit; it is about living more IN the Spirit. That is where you will find your true identity and the only place you will find total fulfillment.
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