During early morning prayer I heard the words, “Be filled with the Spirit,” in my spirit and sensed the Father showing me how utterly important it will be for all of His children to be full of His Holy Spirit in the times of which we are living.
As we draw nearer to the return of Jesus Christ, the world will continue to grow darker. This is not my assumption; it is clearly outlined in scripture. Here are just a few passages pointing to this truth.
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2) For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-2
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.... 1 Timothy 4:1-2
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. Luke 21:17
And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26) men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:25-26
The bible is filled with many warnings about the end times and the world’s condition before the end of the age. There be an increased distinction between those who are children of God, and followers of Jesus Christ and those who are children of the devil. It will be obvious.
We are to stand strong in the power of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-18) with the full armor of God, and to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). We are to be overcomers, fully surrendered to the will of God. We are not capable of doing this in our own strength.
This why Jesus said it was imperative for us to receive the Holy Spirit, and why Paul commanded the church at Ephesus to “be filled with the Spirit.” We will not have the ability or wisdom to endure until the end without the ongoing help of God’s Spirit.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an option. It is necessary for all who called to be God’s children (Acts 2:38-39). As the world continues to deteriorate and end time labor pains increase (See Matthew 24:8 & Romans 8:22) it will become increasingly vital for all believers to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts gives us a detailed history of the early church for the first 30 to 35 years. In it we see the importance and emphasis the apostles and believers placed on the infilling and empowering of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 2:17-18; 2:38-39; 8:15-17).
The Holy Spirit is explicitly mentioned at least fifty-two times in Acts and several more times indirectly. If the early church needed the power of the Holy Spirit, we need Him more.
In a 4x400 meter relay race the first runner must run with everything to give his team an edge over the competition. However, the last runner on the team has the greatest pressure to keep any lead the other runners have gained and to finish strong and win.
We are part of the Lord’s team. The early disciples ran and completed their race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Now it’s our turn to run and finish strong in all the Father has called us to do.
Being filled with the Spirit will give us the wind to run and not grow weary, the courage not to faint (Luke 18:1) and the strength to rise above the obstacles we will face in the coming days and years. It will help us to stay free from the cares of life that would distract us from our destiny and purpose in Christ.
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
If you have not been filled with the Holy Spirit in the same manner as the early disciples, it is imperative that you do so now. As we face troubles in life, it will not be another movie, football game, or other form entertainment to bring us through. It will be the strength, comfort, and fullness of the Holy Spirit.
When Paul admonished the believers at Ephesus to be filled with the Spirit, it was not a suggestion; it was a commandment of the Lord (Acts 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 14:37). Paul was only relating what He had learned from face-to-face encounters with Jesus Christ and direct revelation by the Spirit of God.
Ask the Father for the infilling of His Spirit today. Yield your spirit to Him and receive His fullness. Ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and believe Him to give you a new prayer language to enhance your communication with your heavenly Father (Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 1 Corinthians 14:18)
Pray to continually be filled with the Spirit of God while you work or play, while you go about your day. Give the Father permission to remind you daily of His indwelling Holy Spirit. The awareness of His abiding Presence and fellowship will greatly impact your fruitfulness and walk with the Lord.
Stay in close companionship with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, redeeming the time you have left on the earth.
Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." 15) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit…., Ephesian 5:14-18
I will cover this topic in depth in my new book entitled “He Speaks Mysteries” scheduled for release in early spring. Stay tuned for that announcement.
These are exciting times. All is not bad. Those that are listening to the Spirit of God will do exploits and overcome obstacles, while drawing nearer to the Lord in deep fellowship and surrender.
Throughout the world, many believers are experiencing revival and the outpouring of God’s grace in marvelous ways. Tens of thousands are being saved and baptized with water and the Holy Spirit. The glory of God is being revealed just as He promised (Isaiah 60:2).
It’s time for us all to jump in with both feet! Do not stand on the shoreline in hesitation or indifference. Decide to go deeper into the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1; Ezekiel 47:1-5). Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:7).
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ stir your hearts to be continually filled with the Spirit of God, and sensitive to His leading.
James Brown
CST 02/03/2025