Don’t Drift
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Hebrews 2:1
Author: Lori Casto
Throw off Everything
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
In All Things
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Titus 2:7-8
Stand Firm
Ephesians 6:11-13 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
The Beginning
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (NIV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. NKJV
You Must Continue
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17
No Fear
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:6-7
The Good Fight
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
Even There
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
Quenching The Spirit
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
One of my prayers moving into 2025 is that I allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct. I don’t want it to be Lori. If I’m making a move forward, I want it to be Spirit-lead and anointed.
So, when I arrived at these words in my reading this morning, “Do not quench the Spirit,” I have to stop and ask myself:
- What does it really mean to quench the spirit? Having a fire and throwing water on it. Extinguish, blow out. Stop the Holy Spirit from being able to move
- What could I be doing or not doing in my own life daily to quench The Spirit?
- What could I be doing at church or before church to quench the Spirit?
- Quench- throw water on it, put out or put an end
If I want The Holy Spirit to move, I need to examine my part in His movement.
Beside & All Around
Beside.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 ESV
All around.
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125:2 ESV
Before & Behind
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand, or whenever you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.
Isaiah 45:2
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12