KEEP THE FIRE BURNING JESUS
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7, 16-17, 19, 21, 24 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[19] Quench not the Spirit.
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Over the past few weeks at the church, we have had some of the best services we’ve had in a while. We have many who have been through some trials, sickness, and those who have really been going through some difficult times. However, what we have been able to witness is that the delivering Hand of God has brought them through the storm and now they see Jesus Christ in whole new light. Now they stand to testify and give God glory for HIS healing and the promise that HE would never leave them, Hallelujah! There has been tears, rejoicing and a sense of unity and love among God’s people and I know that pleases the Lord and HE has blessed us with HIS presence in our services. I believe we are right on the brink of something truly special and maybe even a great revival!
As we see in our text, the Holy Spirit is very sensitive to HIS environment and HE is completely quenched when holiness is disregarded on any level. There are times when we stifle the working of the Holy Spirit; a working that is HIS purpose to accomplish in us. Although HE is all-powerful, mighty and strong; HIS freedom to work through us is dependent upon us. HE is willing; always willing and anxious to be about the Father’s business so HE desires to do a work in us and through us so others can see and HE will be glorified. But, we must allow Jesus to do this work and maintain HIS freedom to continue show forth HIS presence on us. This working has a powerful effect on others and the church. We do this by guarding ourselves from sin, wrong attitudes, ulterior motives or selfish ambitions. The freedom Jesus gives is determined by our surrender and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
As a church we work together, coming together in unity in order to accomplish the Father’s will and plan. The Lord is looking for a church and some willing vessels that will allow the sweet Holy Spirit to take complete control. HE is searching for complete surrender of all of me, my thoughts, will, heart and actions. The more I surrender, the more freedom HE gives! Once the Holy Spirit has been given complete control of my life, then I must be ever vigilant, sober and watchful to keep the flood gate open. The workings of God can be shut down immediately at the first sign of broken fellowship. I must guard myself from anything that would offend HIM in any way. (Verse 21) admonishes us to “hold fast that which is good.” My Christian friend, if the sweet Holy Spirit has been at work in your life and in your church, (HOLD FAST) don’t let it go! Be on watch, let Jesus have HIS way!
Quenching the Holy Spirit is like going out and building a big fire and then just as soon as that fire reaches its peak, I come along and pour a big bucket of water on it. We know what happens when you pour water on a fire, it douses the flame immediately. In order for God’s manifested presence to be seen and felt by others, I must make it my highest concern to protect my walk in holiness in the freedom of the Holy Spirit to operate within me. I must be obedient to HIM on every level and keep myself fully aligned with the Word and will of God, close to Jesus in an attitude of prayer and fellowship. It’s my prayer for you today, if there is a fire burning down in your soul, and you know God is doing a work within; “Quench not the Spirit”, be sensitive and obedient to HIS moving in your life and KEEP THE FIRE BURNING FOR JESUS!!!
Bro. Lawrence Longworth
Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
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