Are You on Fire?
Are you on fire for God? Do you have a burning desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others?
Today’s walk through the Bible takes us to a song called “Fire of God” and a discussion of who the Holy Spirit is and what he does in our lives. I wrote this song a couple of years after finding a real relationship with Jesus, and I was 100% on fire for God! I was learning everything I could about the Bible, including reading the Believer’s Bible Commentary from cover to cover. I was sharing my testimony with anyone who would listen. I was eager to attend and serve in church so that together we could bring glory to our Savior. I even wrote and performed a 2-hour musical production that walked through the entire Bible using the songs that have been reprinted in our “Why Jesus?” section on this site. And for several years, I had the recurring dream.
My friends and I were on a huge pleasure boat with many others. Although the activities and events on the boat were great fun, we soon learned that there was something very dark and sinister about the boat and that all of us were doomed to destruction. My friends and I made our way to the top deck of the boat and discovered that there was a rescue ship that had pulled up next to our ill-fated boat. A beautiful white ramp extended from the saving ship to ours, and it promised not only to lead us to safety, but to something even better than the trappings of our current situation. Most importantly, someone had already paid the passenger fees for everyone who wanted to come on board! Before leaving, I wanted to let others know about this and encourage them to take the ramp to salvation. There were some travelers who gratefully accepted this gift and quickly got on board, but many rejected this awesome gift. The rejectors had different reasons. Some were so completely deceived that they saw nothing wrong with their current state. Some decided that even though the current boat was doomed, it was fun for now, and they would deal with the consequences later. Some felt that the rescue boat was too good to be true and decided to try to save themselves in some other way. Still others gave up hope entirely and threw themselves into the unforgiving waters below. The rescue boat was right there, and there was plenty of room for everyone, yet so many were rejecting it, and my heart broke for them.
Years later, I like to still believe that I am on fire for Jesus, but I have to admit that it can sometimes be challenging. Day-to-day tasks often distract from the bigger picture. Some less than positive experiences with a few “Christians” have taken a toll. Watching people reject the amazing gift that Jesus offers is heartbreaking. Seeing a world so hell-bent on deception, destruction, and denial of God certainly seems overwhelming. And perhaps most dangerous, feelings of apathy silently creep in as Satan whispers in my ear, “Give it up! You can’t win this war!”
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”
Matthew 24:3, 9b-13 (NLT)
[Jesus said,] “You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
I don’t want my love to grow cold. I want to be on fire for the One who gave everything to save me. I want to be on board the right ship, and I want to bring others with me. So when my fire is waning, I remind myself that I don’t have to win Satan’s stupid war, because Jesus already won! My job is not to save others, but to plant seeds for the Holy Spirit to grow and live a life that demonstrates Jesus to a dying world. My job is to love and serve God and others to the best of my ability. It is to free the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me for the Glory of God.
So when I’m feeling tired and ready to give up, I remind myself of these truths. I listen to worship music and praise my Lord. I think of the day when I come face to face with Jesus, fall at his feet and thank him for saving me. I study God’s Word. I pray to release the power of the Holy Spirit in me so that my flame will once again shine brightly.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
Are you on fire for Jesus, or has your flame gone cold? This week, I challenge all of us to so nurture that flame that we are completely consumed by it! As Christians, let’s wake up with a renewed energy to show a dying world the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. Let’s encourage others to accept passage on the amazing ship of salvation!
Dear God,
Forgive me when my flame for you grows cold or dim. Forgive me for times when I feel apathy for the lost. Give me a renewed fervor to love and to serve you and your children. Help me to see them as you see them and love them as you do. Help me to remember that you have already won the war; the victory is yours! Renew my strength and help me to soar for your glory! Amen
Songs of Victory
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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