How to Start a Fire or Quench One

Thinking ‘about’ God versus conversing ‘with’ God. 

When you wake up in the morning, how long does it take for your crusty eyed soul to consciously remember you are a follower of Christ and to be thankful for that fact…if you are? Next, how long does it take you to move from that, to actively talking ‘with’ God? I don’t mean mumbling out loud, “Lord, I need some coffee.” I’m not talking about talking ‘at’ God. I mean conversing ‘with’ God. Not praying without the realization that someone is listening. Not working your way down a list. Not saying, “Oh Lord Jesus it’s a fire.” (youtube that). I’m talking about actually conversing with God and knowing He is listening. You may have never done that, or you do it all the time. Either way, making the connection and keeping the connection is the point. If we are to ‘pray without ceasing’, how do we do that? What does it look like? “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19. 

God, Jesus, and the Spirit are mentioned here. One way the Trinity talks is through the Spirit. He is your communicator. (Note: All three parts of the Trinity hear all you think/say and know all you do…always. They are never apart, and never surprised.) Do you begin talking with God when you wake? Do you converse with Him throughout your day? I don’t…not all day. I forget, and I think I’m in charge. We can quench the Spirit like we quench a fire. The conversation ceases. Too much of the time I am about my business and getting things done. I forget to invite Him into it. I know He is there. I just forget and get focused on the physical acts of accomplishment – that is like water on a fire. The conversation ceases. So, how do we begin the conversation with Him and then stay connected as best we can? Here are three things that help me.

One
before you go to sleep each night, ask Him to wake you in the morning and remind you of His presence. If you forget that, put a note by your bed, alarm clock, coffee pot, mirror. You may want to write, ‘Hey (your name), remember you are His 

Two
Once you do remember, invite Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26. One of the Spirit’s jobs is to remind us. But we forget to listen. We miss the reminder. Again, note that all three parts of the trinity are mentioned.

Three
Don’t beat yourself up when it’s late in the morning and you realize you have not conversed with God. At that moment, re-kindle the flame. Invite Him to speak to you and to guide you. Honestly apologize to Him for running off without Him in mind.

You would think that I could take my advice. I forget to remember. The day gets full. The needs of others get stacked up. The to-do list seems to get longer. My focus gets on me, not Him. At that point, I have to re-kindle the flame. He is glad that I do. He will be glad you do too.