February 13th, 2026 HRBC Devotion
Day 5: Filled and Empowered
Bible Verse
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.'
- Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.'
- Ephesians 5:18
There's a profound difference between owning a car and having gas in the tank. You might have the most beautiful, well-designed vehicle in the world, but without fuel, it's not going anywhere. Similarly, there's a crucial distinction between having the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Every believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling within them from the moment of salvation. But being filled with the Spirit means living under His control and guidance, allowing Him to empower and direct our lives. It's the difference between spiritual deflation and spiritual vitality.
When we're spiritually disengaged, we're like deflated balloons - we go through the motions, but we lack power, joy, and resilience. We settle for mediocrity in our spiritual lives, conducting church work through human effort alone. But when we're filled with the Spirit, we have the supernatural ability to bounce back from difficulties, to love unconditionally, and to serve with joy.
The church at Antioch operated in the fullness of the Spirit. They didn't just check boxes or maintain religious routines. They were empowered to worship authentically, listen attentively, and send sacrificially. Their ministry flowed from divine empowerment, not human effort. Being filled with the Spirit isn't a one-time experience but a daily choice to surrender control to God. It means asking Him to fill every area of our lives - our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes. When we live this way, we discover the abundant life Jesus promised, marked by purpose, power, and unshakeable joy.
When we're spiritually disengaged, we're like deflated balloons - we go through the motions, but we lack power, joy, and resilience. We settle for mediocrity in our spiritual lives, conducting church work through human effort alone. But when we're filled with the Spirit, we have the supernatural ability to bounce back from difficulties, to love unconditionally, and to serve with joy.
The church at Antioch operated in the fullness of the Spirit. They didn't just check boxes or maintain religious routines. They were empowered to worship authentically, listen attentively, and send sacrificially. Their ministry flowed from divine empowerment, not human effort. Being filled with the Spirit isn't a one-time experience but a daily choice to surrender control to God. It means asking Him to fill every area of our lives - our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes. When we live this way, we discover the abundant life Jesus promised, marked by purpose, power, and unshakeable joy.
Reflection Question:
In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and allow the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you?
In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and allow the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you?
Quote:
My friends, there is a difference in having the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Dr. Gregory Batchelor
My friends, there is a difference in having the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Dr. Gregory Batchelor
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I don't want to settle for spiritual mediocrity. Fill me afresh today with Your power and presence. Help me surrender every area of my life to Your control so that I might live with divine empowerment rather than human effort alone. Amen.
Holy Spirit, I don't want to settle for spiritual mediocrity. Fill me afresh today with Your power and presence. Help me surrender every area of my life to Your control so that I might live with divine empowerment rather than human effort alone. Amen.
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