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Good Morning and a Blessed Sabbath to you all!

Today is brought to you by the letter “Q”

“Quench not the Spirit’s fire.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

OK, YOU try and find a good promise that starts with a word that begins with “Q!” This is the best I can do. But even a simple verse like this gives me a good reminder this morning of all that God has given me and how careful I need to be in taking care of His gift.

The Old Testament is primarily a sort of picture of God the Father; the Gospels are primarily a picture of God the Son; and the rest of the new testament is an illustration that is primarily focused on the role of God the Spirit. Given specifically at Pentecost and promised through out the rest of the story, it’s sort of God’s final gift to us. If you are a trinitarian like me then you will understand my illustration that basically God has invested ALL of Him- all three “parts,” if they’re really parts at all, Father Son and Holy Spirit, in me for my eternal salvation. He has no more to give! He’s given it all!

And what is my response to this great and final gift of the Holy Spirit? Paul suggests that I better be careful not to “quench” or “extinguish” that gift. Given as “tongues of fire” sometimes I live apart from His Spirit enough to appear like I’m carrying a fire extinguisher rather than His torch! God has given me His power, His guidance, His message, His assurance, ALL through His Spirit. Now, I just can’t risk putting that fire of His Spirit out by neglect or intentional misfocus.

Interestingly, the ONLY sin God cannot forgive, according to Matthew 12:31 is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” And WHAT is that? Blasphemy is “the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk." Basicallly it’s like intentionally rejecting, or extinguishing the presence of His Holy Spirit in my life. Any sin can be the unpardonable sin if I choose not to listen to the Spirit, who “job” includes convicting me of sin. If I extinguish His fire then what can He do? On the other hand, if I listen to His Spirit and accept His convicting power in my life, then there is NO SIN He can’t or won’t forgive. That’s a lot to play with when I’m living my life! No wonder Paul says, “Don’t quench the Spirit’s fire.” He’s the “last resort” God has to save me!

I need to consciously put the fire extinguisher away and let the Spirit burn deeply in my soul. Do your thing in my life God. Thank you for Your Spirit.

Have a great day letting God’s Spirit fill you,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love.” ÔÇò Billy Graham

My hymn starting with Q, well, almost starting with Q!

“There is a Quiet Place” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AUz9bXwvb8

PS The Well Worship Experience takes place every Sabbath morning at 10:15, Join us at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYi6Wl4BefTeUeKU9lALgpg

PPS Tune in to your favorite on line worship service this morning! I’m going with CVC. Hear Pastors Harold as we celebrate this Sabbath “together” Go to the College View Church Web page and you’ll find it! https://www.collegeviewchurch.org/

PPPS Remember you can text your prayer requests any time to 256 257 0149

PP..S Today in Quarantine,” presented daily (as in 7 days a week!) by associate young adult pastor Renae Cross at CVC. Join her by friending her on Facebook for the 15-30 minute interactive spiritual connection with God and your young adult friends. It all starts at 4pm each afternoon

PS Tonight at 6 pm "Hope Awakens." Join John Bradshaw, as he shares a message of hope in this troubled time. You can learn more about it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qpLI7rwkLY It's free but you do need to register to watch them. You can register at hopeawakens.com. Tonight the topic is "From Failure to Victory”