Hosanna Restoration Church

It is interesting to consider the emotions, or lack of emotions that the simple statement, “filled with the Spirit,” produces. To some people it really means nothing. It is just so many words that they can take or leave. To others it is a statement to fight over! Either for or against. In some it will produce a longing, and rejoicing. While in others it will stir memories…for some good, for others bad. What makes this such a troublesome grouping of words? I would say it is the subject. The Holy Spirit! He has always been in the middle of controversy.

Even as I read the scripture at the Lord’s direction, a stirring of emotions was produced. I understand that I need more and more, and that He(the Holy Spirit) is the one that I must depend on to draw me closer to God and empower me for service. I also know the controversy that surrounds the subject.

I feel bad for those who could care less about the subject. They simply do not understand that the Holy Spirit is a person, that He is God who God sent to lead us to all truth. I find it very unfortunate, actually tragic that some take an almost violent stance against any present day ministry of the Holy Spirit. Still others will get caught up in judgment of those with different beliefs. Some have had bad experiences at the hands of people on both sides of the issue and just do not want to hear anything about the Holy Spirit at all. Tragically, some have even turned their backs on God all together over the subject of the Holy Spirit.

I would be lying if I were to say that I have not been through a good share of the above attitudes. When I did not know God, I had no opinion of the Holy Spirit. When I was first saved I did not know there was such a thing as being filled with the Spirit, and then I had one of those folks approach me with the attitude that I was not even saved if I had not experienced speaking in tongues.(To him, that was the filling of the Holy Spirit…problem was he had no fruit) That made me think I had no need of the gifts or the Holy Spirit if that was what He was about! Ultimately, however, God changed that. Then a misguided passion for the Holy Spirit, moved into a less than healthy attitude toward those that opposed the gifts. Then a better understanding made me resent those that abused people with the gifts. Well, praise God He is patient and continues to work with me to get me in line. Notice, I said He continues. I certainly do not have everything figured out!

I do know that we all need to be filled. If we cannot simply accept the fact because the Word of God tells us to be filled, then the controversy the subject causes, should at least catch our attention. It is like the enemy is saying, “don’t go in there, stay away from that door.” If he cannot keep us away, then he tries to cause us one form of grief or another to discourage us from keeping going.

We need to put on our armor and stand against the schemes of the devil. We need to overcome the controversy from all sides and give the complete control to God. If we do that, He is waiting to lead us further and further into “all truth” as He has promised. As we begin a new year, let’s make it our goal to get really full of the Holy Spirit and then just stay at the pump!