With the spots where I waterfowl hunt being all frozen up now, I have been spending a little more time around the house. And it's on bitter cold days like those we had last week and now again this week that I am so glad we decided to convert our fireplace to a wood burning stove. We have spent many evenings huddled up by the stove, enjoying the unmatched heat that it produces. In fact, on several of these recent frigid evenings, I loaded up the stove before going to bed, and it kept the house so warm that our heat pump never came on the first time. Now that's a cost savings right there! But its those extended lengths of time, like during the workday, or overnight, that even when the stove is still warm the fire itself fades into embers. If caught in time, I can usually add another log or two and leave the door cracked to allow air to sweep over the embers, and the fire takes off again. Sometimes though if I close the stove doors too soon before enough air reaches the flames to get a sustained burn, it will occasionally snuff out. Other times, it may take off briskly, and warm the house for a considerable period of time. Either way, though, if the fire is left unattended for long enough it will go out completely. It is in these times where getting the fire going again, on top of a pile of burned out ashes, is the most difficult. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (HCSB)
Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
During several of my recent 'bouts' with the getting the fire rekindled in the stove, it reminded me how similar it is to the need to keep ourselves fueled and aflame spiritually, not allowing ourselves to get to the point where our flames go out. Sometimes our spiritual flames do indeed burn low, and they need directed attention to get them blazing again. For some, they lose their passion for God suddenly, through a major crisis or a significant life change. Others may recall losing their enthusiasm gradually as a result of spending less and less time on maintaining their spiritual health. Eventually, without attempts to reignite their spiritual passion, their lives will appear hardly any different from those of non-believers. Do either of these scenarios describe you? If so, be assured that you can get your spiritual fire back.
One of the first things to do is recall how reliant you are on God physically, spiritually and materially, and reflect on your many God-given blessings. Next, you should examine your life to determine what sins have entered into your life over time and taken the place of God's precedence. Recommitting to a regular, personal time with God through reading His word, meditation, and prayer is essential. You should also determine if you have been living for Jesus in your own strength, as following God is only capable through the work of the Holy Spirit. In addition, you should seek God's direction in how and what areas you can be of service to others.
Scripture advises us "Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame" (Romans 12:11, MSG). Put aside the distractions that stole your original affection, and as you seek after God, the flame you had for Christ initially should reignite in love for Him as the Holy Spirit moves across your spiritual sparks. So what are you willing to do today to rekindle your passion for God? - GE
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