Tag: Holy Spirit

Fanning the Flame part 2: MT episode 22

Two weeks ago, we had looked at Paul’s words of encouragement to Timothy, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6) I want to share a way in which we can do this and that is to put yourself in a position to be successful. Let me explain it this way.

When I was young man my two friends Chris, Kenny and I came up with an idea to begin camping.  It was not May or August when the urge hit us to set up a tent, but rather February.  We set the date for our first campout on a night when the temperature was to be in the teens. 

We had the site cleared and a fire ring in place with a small collection of “wood” for the fire.  With all the ambition and excitement in the world we took our snacks and sleeping bags and began our first night of roughing it.

A book could be written about the numerous adventures we had that night.  For today, one stands out and it was the fire.

In our inexperience, we had not gathered the proper amount of wood.  We had a nice large stack of what would be defined as twigs.  They produced enough heat to keep us warm, but only for a few minutes at a time. 

By 1030PM our wood supply was gone.  Which prompted a constant search for more wood and in the dark of night.  More twigs for temporary heat. What was needed was something big to supply a lasting fire.

We had to restart and fan the flame of that fire many times.  We were not prepared! 

With that in mind, if you want to grow in this faith, you must be thoughtful and be deliberate and prepared.  Put yourself in a position to succeed.  How is this accomplished?  Humble submission.

Often, we can get started in a daily time with God but then lose focus.  The flame dies out.  Our fire is weak with twigs. In my experience, humbly acknowledging that I need help to be consistent is key.  This comes by just admitting this in prayer.  God will supply.

Growing in your faith can only come by daily feeding.  Fanning this faith into a flame (as our text states) is by God’s Spirit, within us.   Seek help to consistently spend time in prayer and reading.  Otherwise, you will be constantly in search of twigs and reviving a smoldering, smokey faith.

S.D.G.

Eleven Days: MT episode 10

Earlier today I came across a stirring sentence in Dt. 1:2. So that you may be aware of the context, let me explain that this is the beginning of Moses giving the law a second time.  Why is he giving it a second time? 

The Hebrew people had been wandering in the desert for 40 years.  The reason they had been wandering is their lack of faith.  After the Lord had, by His own power, miraculously delivered them from Egypt in a very mighty way, they failed to believe that He could do that again.

So, they wandered in the desert.  They went from here to there and ultimately just went in circles.

So, chapter 1 verse 1 says that they are now about to enter Canaan, then verse two adds this detail, “It is 11 days’ journey from Mt. Horeb to Kadesh-barnea.” 

At first reading this I laughed and then sighed because I saw myself in it.  This was a reality check passage.  They spent 40 years making an 11-day journey. 

I began to think about my own life. 

Seriously, think about this.  In a few moments I will be done speaking and I encourage you to meditate on this question: in your life have there been any 11-day journeys that took or is taking 40 years? 

Now, please understand that I am not talking about a literal 40 years.  In my case it was close to that.  It is not a negative for me to ponder my own faithlessness, but rather a joyful reality that a great burden has been lifted.  There is a realization that I can do ALL things through Christ, who gives me strength.

I encourage you to look at your life.  Consider how God has delivered you. And then ponder in what ways are you being faithless? In what ways is this faithlessness making an 11-day journey much longer?  This will serve as a starting point of prayer that you become less, and Christ becomes more.

SDG