MAINTAIN THE SPIRIT'S FIRE

07/21/2024

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire" (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

David expressed his longing for God's presence with deep passion in Psalm 42:1 when he said, “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God!” This heartfelt yearning for God’s manifested presence is truly inspiring. David's cravings for God were not just fleeting emotions; they were unquenchable desires that permeated his entire being. Psalm 63:1 captures this beautifully: “God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water." David's passion extended beyond his spirit; he said, “...my body faints for You...” This level of longing is akin to an addict experiencing withdrawal symptoms. David’s intense desire for God’s presence was driven by his longing to witness God’s power and glory, as he mentioned in Psalm 63:2: “To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” His desire to see God's power manifest consumed him entirely.

To see God's will fulfilled in our lives, we must maintain fervency—an unquenchable fire for God, a glow of His divine presence evident to our world. The Apostle Paul calls this being on fire with the Spirit (Romans 12:11).

Saints, the Holy Spirit does not want to be unnoticeable in your life. He desires for you to express the grace and love of God and the beauty of Christ's abiding victory to your world. The Father calls for your fervency, which John refers to as your first love (Revelation 2:4). Jesus saw this in John and described him as “a burning and a shining light...” (John 5:35). Being cold or lukewarm about the things of God is far removed from what the Father requires.

Paul exhorts us, “Do not put out the Spirit's fire” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Why? Because if you do, the things of this world will start to make sense to you. And the world you are meant to illuminate with the glory and love of the Father will instead dominate you with its influence and lust.

Saints, you must maintain that glow of the Spirit you had when you first got saved—that passion that drove you to church, that hunger to study the Word, and that desire to tell others about Jesus. That was the fire of the Spirit burning in your soul. Hallelujah!

Now, you must fan that flame of God's Spirit within you. You do this by staying full of God's Word, maintaining a consistent life of prayer (especially by praying in the spirit), and walking in love. These three simple practices will keep you on fire for God. The Holy Spirit is also here to help you. So, yield to Him and burn, shining His light to your world! Amen.

Faith-Filled Confession

Heavenly Father, the world offers me nothing; all I need is in You. I am nothing without You. Thank You for filling my life with peace, joy, and love. I am satisfied in You today.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 34-35; Acts 22