"Begin Full of the Spirit
Often during conversations about spiritual matters, we hear the question, 'When were you filled with the Holy Spirit?' or 'Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit?' I wonder what would happen if you were to ask someone, 'Are you full of the Holy Spirit?'
In Ephesians 5:18, the word translated 'filled' isn't really in the past tense at all. It is rather a continuous present - to be continually full of the Holy Spirit. Being continually full is the difference between my being consistently the image of Jesus in the situations that confront me, or my being simply a reactor to my environment and situations.
The reactor bounces along from one experience to another, never takes a decisive stand, but manages to stay on the right side of most issues so that [their] "testimony" isn't harmed. [They] may look back at a time when [they] were filled with the Spirit, but has never translated that into the present tense of everyday life. People who aren't full usually crumble under the least amount of pressure.
Jesus Christ intends for us to wield the same influence that He Himself would have if He were in our situation. For that purpose He sent the very same Spirit to us that indwelt and empowered Him while He was here. He doesn't intend that we duck under the influence of the Spirit periodically to 'get the glory' or 'the victory' or some other every-so-often religious experience.
The Holy Spirit comes into our lives to live in uninterrupted, supernatural power. He intends to give us the divine ability to handle every situation as a leader, not a reactor. As a born again, Spirit-filled [child] of God, you should set the pace, you take the lead, you shape the thinking.
Jesus intended to live through you through the Holy Spirit when He saved you and gave you His gift. He intends for you to be FULL of the Holy Spirit. Walk in the Spirit and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.... you'll inherit the heart of God.
My prayer for you is that you will be full, not just filled.
Ron Mehl"