Don't Quench the Spirit

"Do not quench the Spirit." {1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV}

I've read a lot of articles talking about God speaking in a 'small, still voice.' I never understood what that meant—until I got burned—several times.

I'll share one of them.

I was working at a Christian drug and alcohol treatment program as a drug counselor. I had asked the program Director for a letter of recommendation. He told me to go ahead and write the recommendation letter myself and that he would sign it.

To type the letter, I needed some a blank letterhead from the program.

As I drove to the program—I knew the Director would not be there—I experienced an impression, which I recognize, in retrospect, was from the Holy Spirit—that I was about to make a mistake.

I ignored the impression and continued with my mission for the day.

When I got to the program, I asked the Assistant Director, who didn't know me well, for the letterhead—he refused. I was unnecessarily embarrassed.

This is the least negatively consequential example I can remember.

Another example, which I won't share, resulted in consequences which continue to this day.

Always be alert for impressions from the Holy Spirit. Don't ignore them. Pray about these impressions. Get wise counsel, if necessary.

And, if you conclude that the impression is from from God, act accordingly.

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