“be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is a present continuous action and requires a believer to be (a) daily yielded to God, (b) daily in repentance with confession with godly sorrow, (c) daily allowing the word of God to richly indwell the inner man. Being controlled by the Holy Spirit empowers a believer (a) daily in spiritual battle (Spirit versus flesh) and, (b) daily in living out the person and character and conduct of Christ and in being obedient to the will of God.

Giving God His Due
In these tough economic times, giving to God is often the first thing we cut from our budget in order to stretch our income further. But do we really understand the biblical principles behind this issue, and the consequences of keeping what rightfully belongs to God? During these hard times, may we continue to demonstrate our faith by giving God His due.