When I hear the words fill-up my first thought goes to a car, a gas pump, and a costly experience. The more I pump the more it cost. God has a priceless fill-up to elevate us to His knowledge and to enlighten us to His will. In addition to raising us to a level of fellowship and understanding that are higher than any standards operating in this world (Colossians 1: 9-10).
Before we came to know Christ we operated on a lower level of standards; not understanding that as we ask for more of Him, God is asking for more of us. So, He gives us what we need to give Him and what He requires of us, and that is the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit gives an intelligence that allows us to understand things that are not naturally understood. The Holy Spirit is not only the revealer of Christ, but He is the revealer of all truth (John 16:13).
Without the fullness of the Holy Spirit God has placed within us we are just empty vessels. An empty vessel is one that realizes that it can do nothing on its own and therefore relies on God’s provision of grace. God can work miracles through our emptiness – as long as faith is ready to receive His filling. His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). To experience a deeper dimension of God’s presence in your life, your soul must hunger and thirst for God in the same way a deer pants for the safety and sustenance of water (Psalm 42:1-2).
To be “filled with the fullness of God” means that God is in control; Influencing your feelings, desires, thoughts, hopes, relationships, words, actions, calendar, check book, etc. While there are many things you can be filled up with, however, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit......
· When there is sorrow in your heart, you are filled to the brim with joy.
· When tragedy comes your way, you are filled with peace.
· When you think you can't go on, you are filled with endurance.
· When you are weary, you are filled with strength.
It is hard to go very far on an empty tank. One must regularly visit the filling station. The difference between an empty vessel and a full vessel is a visit to the source. God has made every spiritual gift available to us. And Jesus has already paid the price.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20.
Be Blessed!
Pastor Charles Gamble
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