February 06, 2012 Monday Message:

We’re looking at Paul’s instructions for Christian living:
•Always be joyful.
•Never stop praying.
•Be thankful in all circumstances (for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.)
•Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
•Do not scoff at prophecies.
•Test everything that is said.
•Hold on to what is good.
•Stay away from every kind of evil. (1 Thess. 5:16-20 NLT)

#4 may be the most important of all: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”

Remember Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus? He heard loud sounds, saw flashing lights from heaven, was knocked to the ground and left blind. The voice from heaven said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” That’s how God got Saul’s attention, and this incident is Saul’s only experience with Godly intervention, so far. Therefore Saul expects that everyone’s conversion will include a similar radical transformation experience, which accounts for Paul’s question for the Ephesians, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2 HCSB) In Paul’s mind, that’s the only way it happens!

Acts teaches that with the Holy Spirit, you can do anything; and without the Holy Spirit, nothing of significance will be accomplished. Of primary importance is the fact that Jesus himself asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be with us: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” (John 14:16 HCSB)

So don’t shut down that which Jesus intended to be a huge blessing. Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit. Don’t tie his hands, don’t constrain Him in any way, and don’t lock Him away in the Apostle’s Creed. In fact, be intentional about calling for the Holy Spirit. Pray to the Father to send our helper, our counselor, our advocate.

Come Holy Spirit, come now, come quickly.

Norton Lawellin