Heavenly Father, I am stretched with all the things that are taking place in recent days and my mind seems far off, but I desperately want to share a word from You that would meet the needs of those far and near. Bless my meager offerings. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (<<click here to read the passage)
I like using the New Living Translation (NLT) for my devotions. I also use it regularly in my sermons. The NLT 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’re often associated with fire in the Bible (i.e., Pentecost) and although You are unquestionably inextinguishable, I can put up barriers that interfere with my perception of Your will. I can (and ashamedly do) obscure Your light.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible 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 Jesus, 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 day I am missing an opportunity to add more fuel to the fire – good solid “hardwood” 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 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 (and that includes church and blogging responsibilities for me), taking care of home and body, maintaining vehicles, etc. 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, and Facebook, to name a few.
Lord, help me to fuel the fire. Help me to do the things to expose myself 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
(Aug 5th, 2015, Wed, 6:43 am)
Dec 6th, 2022, Tues, 7:13 pm
Since entering the pastorate in the United Methodist Church, I have come to really appreciate the hymn “Nothing Between” – it fits well here. I discovered this rendition on YouTube – Neville Peter does a wonderful job!
♪♫♪ Nothing Between / I Surrender All ♫♪♫
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world’s or my fondest dream;
I have renounced sin and all of its pleasure;
Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
All my habits of life, though harmless they seem;
Must not my heart from Him ever sever;
He is my all, there’s nothing between.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
Nothing between, not even my trials,
Though this old world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self denial,
Triumph at last, with nothing between.
I surrender all…
“Nothing Between” – Words & Music: Charles A. Tindley, 1905
“I Surrender All” – Words: Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896
Music: Winfield S. Weeden, 1896
