Quench Not the Holy Ghost

The Apostle Paul commands the church of Thessalonica, as well as all Believers in Christ to quench not the Holy Spirit. Other translations say, "Do not put out the Spirit's fire." "Quench not the manifestation of the Spirit." "Do not stifle the voice of utterances of the Spirit."

I want to share some ways to guard against resisting or outright ignoring the third person of the Trinity, known as the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all Believers in Christ. (I Cor. 6:19, Romans 8:9) First, pray purging prayers like, "oh Father burn out of my heart and soul any hindrances in the walk with You. Spirit of burning come and cleanse me, create in me a clean heart of God, renew a right spirit within me. (Isaiah 4:4, Psalm 51:10) Spirit of God show me any lies or false beliefs that I have about You or myself.

Pray Psalm 139:23 & 24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Remember that knowing, believing and acting on the truth will make you free, not just warm fuzzy feelings that make you feel good about yourself. Pray sincere prayers of surrender and availability with a posture of listening like the prophet Samuel, I Samuel 3:10, "Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' and Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant hears'."

Where God guides He provides all you need, inside and out. Be a new mind skin, that's right...mind skin! Be open and flexible to new thoughts, directions and instructions that you have not considered before. Don't resist the Spirit because it is something new, uncomfortable or out of the box! Second, in order for you to experience all that the Holy Spirit has for you, attend a church, various gatherings and prayer meetings where the Holy Spirit is recognized, welcomed, wanted and honored. You will be greatly limited and robbed in places that do not desire the Spirit's leading, power, anointing and gifts. Do not sit in judgement of your Pastor or spiritual leaders. If you need to shift, do it with honor and seek the Spirit's leading where He is planting you. You are not called to change your Pastor's vision, belief system or practices of the church. He or she is leading.

Saints the hour is late, we cannot afford to spray the fire extinguishing foam on the Holy Spirit's moving or chain Him to a corner in our gatherings. I am not afraid that the Spirit of God will mess up my meeting, but I am terrified that I will mess up His.

Shalom,

Pastor Michael