Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:18-19a “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit…”

The Cedar Waxwing is a beautiful social bird that loves her berries! She can often be seen with a flock, sitting in fruit trees. She will sometimes play with her food, plucking the berries out of mid air while she hovers. The problem comes when she indulges her appetite on berries that are overripe and fermented. Can birds get drunk? Recently in North Texas, these birds have become disoriented, crashing into windows!

Today’s verse contrasts being drunk, filled with wine, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Both states give up some measure of control. It is not unusual for a drunk person to sing. But he is also disoriented and sometimes crashing into things. The one filled with God’s Spirit also sings! But his songs are from the Spirit and express thankful praise to Him. It is not just lip service but is from the heart and directed both to others and to the Lord. Speaking and singing our praise is clear evidence that we are filled with Him.

When I am filled with Him than I am also filled with song. I know things are not right when I see only the negative and cannot see what is good in my life. How my attitude changes when I acknowledge and thank Him for all the blessings! His filling gives me even more impetus to praise HIm. Not only does it come naturally to my lips, but I will want to share that praise with others! There is a satisfaction being filled with Him that I do not experience any other way!

Thank you Lord, for how You fill me!