Father, I am sorry it has taken me a while to get here this morning. I do enjoy our time together, and I greatly benefit from it. I am by no means in tip-top spiritual shape, and I surely need these morning “spiritual” calisthenics. Thank You, Father, for Your patience. Help me to be more disciplined and diligent.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (<<click here to read the passage)
The New Living Translation translates this verse to read “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” Many other translations use the word “quench” instead of stifle. At least in my mind, Lord, “quench” helps me think further down the line.
Holy Spirit, You are often associated with fire in the Bible (i.e., Pentecost), and although You are inextinguishable, I can put up barriers that interfere with my perception of Your will. I can (and do) obscure Your light.
Mathew Henry’s Concise Commentary puts it quite clearly: The Holy Spirit works as fire, “by enlightening, enlivening and purifying the souls of men. As fire is put out by taking away fuel, and as it is quenched by pouring water, or putting a great deal of earth upon it; so we must be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, minding only earthly things.”
This short passage and Henry’s commentary on it speak volumes, but Lord, help me to see some of the big issues in my life that should be addressed.
“taking away fuel” – if I miss our time together each morning, I am missing an opportunity to add more fuel to the fire – good, solid “hard wood” that will burn for hours – keeping me focused on You.
“pouring water” – “indulging carnal lusts and affections” – I quench Your influence and work in my life by obstructing my contact with You. You are always ready and willing to help me and interact with me. I am the one who does things that separate us. I “pour water” on our relationship when I do other things contrary to your will.
By “minding only earthly things,” I am “putting a great deal of earth” upon what you are trying to do in my life – once again quenching You.
“Earthly things”: many, out of necessity, control my life – work, taking care of home and body, maintaining vehicles. But many things are non-essentials that are fine in moderation but can take too much time if I’m not careful – TV, games on my phone, Facebook, to name a few.
Lord, help me to fuel the fire. Help me do the things that expose me to the things that keep the warmth of Your love radiating into my life. Holy Spirit, purify me with the fire of Your presence. Amen
(August 5th, 2015, Wed, 6:43 am)
August 31st, 2026, Mon, 9:54 am
