Keeping the Home Fires Burning

I will be honest; it is not easy to write an inspiring devotional every week. It takes discipline. This week I did not feel like doing it. As I thought and prayed for something to write about, it came to me in the least expectant moment. I was starting a fire (or attempting to) in the wood burning stove in our garage because it's May and apparently that's when winter happens now. I am the WORST at trying to get a fire going and if I do, it's usually for a few short minutes, when everything burns hot for a few minutes and then just as quick as it came, it leaves. It's difficult to keep the fire burning.

There is no better feeling than catching the fire of God. You are at the top of your game, so excited to spread the good news. You are also the most targeted by Satan. The hotter you burn, the more you are wanted by the enemy. Life is busy. We come up with excuses. We are lazy, slip into old habits and before we know it, we can be out of fellowship with God just as quickly as we caught fire.

The good thing about fire is, as you are burning, it catches attention of others. Fire can spread quickly; you can spread it to this person, and they spread it to another and suddenly there is revival. That is a special thing.

I was letting my fire start to go out. That is dangerous territory. I knew that if I cut myself some "slack" this week, it would be downhill from there and not beneficial for myself or anyone who reads this weekly. (I hope there is still somebody still out there. Thanks for reading mom and friends' moms 😉) The devil tried to throw a cold, wet log on my fire this week but I'm stoking it up and adding more fuel to the fire.

I'm going to include some tips on how to keep your fire burning bright for Jesus.

1. You can't rely on your pastor solely. (or souly) Get in the word daily. Not just for a once- a -week check off the "to-do" list.

2. Find people who are also burning. Get encouraged.

3. Identify the people who are not burning. It is okay if they are not on fire or burning as bright, but don't let them be your only influence.

4. Discipline. Make your relationship with God a priority. It's not easy always to find the time but it is worth it.

5. Feed the fire. Stay engaged. Spread the love. Spread the glory. Spread the promise.

Fire is restoring. Growth comes from it. It is cleansing. It is exciting, beautiful, attention holding. The burning bush (Exodus 3) attracted Moses to the presence of God where he then was called to bring God's people out of Egypt. Something that stands out to me in this story is in Exodus 3:2. It says "There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

The bush was on fire but did not burn up. If you have caught the fire of God, you won't be burnt up. The devil is seeking whom he may devour at all times. He comes to kill, steal and destroy, (John 10:10) but God promises we will never be plucked out of His hand. (John 10:28)

He is the good shepherd. We are in His hand. He is providing, protecting, present. He is never changing. He is omnipotent, and omnipresent. If that isn't enough to make you want to tell others how exciting that is, then I don't know what will. Keep your fire burning because He is great. Keep it burning so others will see. You are a city on a hill, the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) Let that light shine so bright that others would see your good works and glorify God for them. (Matthew 5:16) He is coming back; keep your lamp lit. (Luke 12:35) Let that little light of yours shine.

The fire may be tasking to keep feeding and burning hot, but the reward is worth the work. I promise you. You must always be ready to stoke it up; you never know when that next cold snap is coming. Resting in that warmth is the best place to be.