Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Fired Up!



“Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire.” (l Thessalonians 5:19 GWT)

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor.” (Romans 12:11 NIV)

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I can’t resist the challenge of a really hot chili pepper.  I love all varieties, and enthusiastically wait to get “fired up” when I indulge in them; they have the ability to speed up my metabolism by releasing endorphins all through my body!  Just like I wait with anticipation on the effects of a chili pepper, God waits for red-hot, enthusiastic followers who love Him more than anything to do His will. Being fired up is also an expression used to describe our spiritual fervor; if there’s anything that catches people’s attention, it’s the enthusiasm we have when we act and speak about our great love for Him! To be on fire is to burn with zeal for God with a desire to please and serve Him.  We are all expected to be zealously on fire for Him serving with all of our heart in our service and in the witness of our faith.

In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul’s words to Timothy are: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

We are challenged in our spiritual life to keep up our fervor and not to put out the spirit’s fire. Believers need to stay hot, not lukewarm or cold, and we can never compromise or overlook anything. God gives all of us gifts to use to build Him up and do His work, and when we use the gifts He has given us He will give us all the power we need. When Paul tells us not to put out the Spirit’s fire, he is telling us that we shouldn’t ignore or put aside the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives. Whatever our hands find to do, we must be determined not to rest until the job is done, and give eagerly according to our ability and even beyond our ability! 

“Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it. (Ecclesiastes 9:9-10) 

It’s important in my daily walk to surround myself with people, places and things that keep me filled with a desire to please and serve Him cheerfully and vigorously, and for others to see the character of enthusiasm working in me. I know I can’t kindle a fire in anyone else’s heart unless the fire is burning in my own! We need to make up our minds to keep a fiery zeal for God always in our hearts and resist the devil by refusing to submit to any negative thoughts that could suppress our enthusiasm!


…Following Tracy on Winsome Wednesday…


8 comments:

  1. Denise,

    The flame shines so brightly through people who are on fire for God, there is just something different about them and people take notice and then they want what they have. It is Jesus, it is all Jesus.

    Blessings to you Denise.

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  2. I love that you like things hot! Arizona is known for its great Mexican food you know. And there's lots of hot pepper items on the menus.

    As for spiritual fire, I agree. In Revelation, there's a warning to the seven churches. The church in Laodicea was warned about becoming lukewarm.

    I know each day I need to remind myself of Romans 12:2. It can be all too easy to conform and compromise making excuses. But I don't want to do that. Thanks for reminding me and to focus my thoughts and mind on Jesus.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  3. Sis I say good for you on those peppers I use to when I was younger but I am finding out now I can't do it no more.

    Your post today is lovely it comes across very well and easy for your readers to understand God's word. May you continue to let Him use you in every way...

    God is the source of everything and we as His children must live the life.and what I mean by that is not just say the word but live those words..amen

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  4. Very good post Denise! I love this...God waits for red-hot, enthusiastic followers who love Him more than anything to do His will. That is very well said! Great encouragement for me today!

    Hugs...Chelle

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  5. I like you post! And we can fan the fire by mediating on Gods infinite love for us...

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  6. Hi Denise - this post is just the kick in the behind I need. I need to get my fires burning again. My lack lustre day to day existence is not good enough. Thanks for the encouragement to get my fires for Christ burning.
    Thank you too for linking up my friend. I love seeing you there :)
    God bless
    Tracy

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  7. Second time this week I have been urged to make the decision to be on fire for Christ. I think I need to pay attention.

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  8. No, I would hate to quench the Spirit's fire. Especially this day and age where I believe we are close to a near revival in the USA. Blessings to you Denise.

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