March 28, 2026
- djohnstoncc
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”
Ephesians 5:18-19 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This next section of Ephesians is the "engine room" of the Christian life. Paul gives us a contrast between two types of "influences." He uses the example of being under the influence of wine to describe what it looks like to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
When someone is "drunk with wine," the alcohol begins to control their speech, their walk, and their decision-making. Paul says: "Don't let a substance control you; let a Person control you."
1. The Command: "Be Filled"
In the original Greek, this is a "present continuous" command. It literally reads: "Keep on being filled."
* Reality: We are not like a gas tank that gets filled once at a gas station (salvation) and stays full forever. Because we "leak" through the stress, trials, and distractions of life, we need a daily—sometimes hourly—refilling of the Spirit.
The Choice: Being filled isn't a passive event; it’s an active surrender. It’s checking your "spiritual fuel gauge" and realizing you can’t run on your own fumes today.
2. The Influence: Changing Your "Walk"
Just as intoxication changes how a person moves, being Spirit-filled changes your "walk" (the way you live).
Old Influence: Reacting in anger, living in "shadows," and chasing "foolish" distractions.
Spirit Influence: Walking in "goodness, righteousness, and truth." When the Spirit is the primary influence you find yourself reacting with grace where you used to react with grit.
3. The Evidence: A Song in the Heart
How do you know if you are "under the influence" of the Spirit? Paul gives us a surprising sign: Joyful Expression.
He mentions "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."
This isn't just about Sunday morning worship; it’s about a "melody in the heart" that persists even when the circumstances are difficult. A Spirit-filled person has an internal soundtrack of gratitude that drowns out the noise of the "evil days."
The "Fill-Up" Audit
Most of us don't run out of "fuel" all at once; we just slowly drift toward "E." Yesterday evening I found myself with a sour attitude. I had no idea where it came from. I had to do a check-up on my spiritual tank. Here is my suggestion:
The Check: Are you feeling irritable, anxious, or "spiritually groggy"? Those are the warning lights on your dashboard.
The Move: Stop a moment and pray a simple "Breath Prayer." Inhale deeply and say, "Lord, I empty myself of my own strength." Exhale and say, "Holy Spirit, fill me afresh for this hour."
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I recognize today that I cannot live the 'wise life' on my own power. I am leaking. I’ve been running on the fumes of my own effort. Right now, I ask for a fresh infilling. Control my thoughts, my words, and my steps. Put a song of thanksgiving in my heart that carries me through the day. Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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