TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
1 John 2:15-17
Galatians 2:20-3:3

“No good thing will he withhold…”

THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE (III)

When we were children, electricity had not come to our home. Each evening we took out our oil lamps, trimmed the wicks and filled the oil, in readiness for the night. How brightly they shone, lighting up every room in the house! This was our daily exercise, to “keep the home fires burning.”

So it is with Holy Spirit filling. It is a daily business, a daily filling of the “oil of the Spirit.” Holy Spirit filling is not a “once-for-all” thing, but it is a daily discipline, a struggle, a battle. There are other contenders clamouring to occupy our heart chambers and displace the Holy Spirit. To open the door and admit them means to drive the Spirit out. Sadly, our flesh is all too willing to let in some of its allies and accomplices. Against these enemies of the Spirit we must ever be vigilant and on guard.

What is it that we need to fight against daily? The first enemy is SELF; that proud, inconsiderate, selfish, aggressive, pushy self. He likes to take up chamber number one of my heart. Next, I see the CARNAL LUST – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. These strive to take up chamber number two. Then I see the WORLD and MAMMON knocking on chamber number three, with material attractions, temporal pleasures, money and wealth. Lastly, come the CARES OF LIFE, those legitimate and pressing demands that daily surround me, seeking an entry into chamber number four.

I cannot be filled with any of these things and expect Holy Spirit filling as well. My heart has only four chambers. The room is just so much, and all of it must be reserved for God’s Spirit. This is my daily struggle. It is a hard fight. Some days I win, some days I lose. But the Lord gives the strength. By His grace we yield Him our whole heart, and He fills us – a day at a time.

THOUGHT: What does it mean if I have no struggle?
PRAYER: Lord, fill me daily and keep me burning for Thee.