Fan the Flame!!!

I came upon something today, that I'd written quite a while ago.  However, I believe it is quite appropriate for sharing today with all that we see going on in the world in this time and season.  I pray that it blesses and inspires you in some way.

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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 God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God."  Many of us have seen the smoldering ashes of a dying fire.  A fire that may have once burned with intensity and brightness, now only a dim glowing light with a spark here and there.  Yet, however small and dim it may be, it doesn't take much to set it ablaze once again.

As I have been meditating on this passage of scripture for the past several days, a couple more passages come to mind.  In Matthew 24:12 Jesus warns that in the last days the love of many will grow cold because of the increase of wickedness.  Also, in Revelation 3:15-16 Jesus, speaking to the church says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

I have no doubt that we are living in the last days.  God is moving mightily in the hearts of His people, calling us higher, drawing us closer.  Many of us have allowed the distractions and cares of the world to hinder and, at times, stop us from living each and every day with a sense of eternal purpose and destiny.

As the conductor of a train gives the final boarding call and the sound of the trains' whistle fills the air, so the call of the Spirit resounds throughout the earth.  "All aboard that's coming aboard!"  Yet, there are still so many souls to be reached.

Dr. Paul Osteen shared such a powerful message on Wednesday evening about "A Passionate God."  He went on to share three parables from Luke 15 that Jesus told, conveying just how valuable one soul is to God...to heaven...and should be to us.

Each and every day is an opportunity for us to share Jesus with someone.  Remember, this is not our home.  You and I are citizens of heaven...ambassadors for Christ in the earth.  If you have lost your zeal and feel like the things of the world are putting out your fire...FAN THE FLAME!!!