Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "quench". We'll be looking at these two verses in the New Testament:

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. KJV

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. KJV

"Quench" in both of these verses is the Greek word "sbennumi". Strong's Concordance says: to extinguish. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says this: to suppress, stifle. We learned in Adult Bible Study this week that the "fiery darts" referred to in Ephesians are actually thoughts, ideas and suggestions! The only weapon that satan actually has is the lie. He has no authority over the life of a believer, so the only thing that he can do is to try to get us to BELIEVE something contrary to the Word of God. He does this by bringing those thoughts, ideas and suggestions, hoping that we will fall for them and receive them. Our weapon against his weapon is to quench (extinguish) his attacks by faith. That faith comes by hearing (and hearing and hearing) the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

In 1 Thessalonians the instruction is, first of all, to give thanks to the LORD in everything. (Not FOR everything, but IN everything). NOT being thankful can be one of the things that will 'quench' (suppress or stifle) Holy Spirit. He is a Gentleman and will not force Himself into our lives, but will fellowship with us when we make ourselves available to Him. The promise in Thessalonians of what we can expect if we don't suppress or stifle Holy Spirit, and His plans and purposes for our lives, is found in verse 23:

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. KJV

I love having the boldness and confidence that Holy Spirit is leading and that His plans are always GOOD ones (Jeremiah 29:11)! I can step out in the 'deep water' knowing that He's got me! I believe that we are going to see even more evidence of His favor and anointing in the coming months! Here is Hillsong United with a great 'stepping out in faith' song! "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!