DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT
1Thess5:19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [ Holy] Spirit; AMP
Years back, I was in a vigil with some brethren where we were having a nice time in the Holy Ghost. The flow was interesting and powerful but we switched over into the flesh when vulgar words and comedy was introduced into the service.
It was as If something left us in that meeting. I got hold of the microphone to tell the brethren where we missed it. We repented of our insensitivity that night.
Some churches have shut out the Holy Spirit in their services. They oscillate between the flesh and the spirit, holy and unholy. Often times, this happens because we mix entertainment with worship.
There's a common saying that liturgy leads to lethargy. Liturgy refers to our order of services. Whenever we are rigid about our order of services and do not allow the Holy Spirit to move, we maybe quenching Him.
Sometimes, being too time conscious may break certain flow of the Spirit. Sometimes in our church meetings, there could be an outburst of holy laughter, tongues and interpretation, prophecies, joyful singing and crying. All these may happen beyond the preacher's control. That's not the time to ring the closing bell.
I love the move of the Holy Ghost. We become more anointed and strengthened spiritually If only we can key into the flow of the Spirit and not interrupt it.
Apostle Paul knew that it was so easy to quench the Spirit but not always easy to get in the flow that was why he voiced his concern to the Thessalonian church. The same voice is speaking to the church today.
Father, I receive the grace to sensitive to the Spirit In Jesus name.