Fan the Flame

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;

Each of us is a fire requiring a steady supply of fuel to keep our blaze aflame. The people in our lives are like clumps of wood. Each one brings their stick to our flame. Some are green and wet adding strain to the blaze. Others are like dry kindling springing life to the fire. At times we encounter the kerosene soaked wood. Like a Duraflame log they are guaranteed to add instant fuel, warmth, and even some flare.

Healthy relationships are essential to a hearty consistent blaze. Our spiritual flames struggle at times. We frustrate ourselves with the problem of smoldering embers. The issue is the clumps of wood we allow in the pit. Like charred spent wood some come into our tinder and stifle the spirit.

The Spirit of God within us is ablaze... and an all consuming fire! With zeal, God watches our protection of His fervor.

Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

To be healthy in spirit is to be healthy in those keepers of the flame. The spirit in our inner being measures each contributor. What helps our flame and what hinders it?

Two men have been like that Duraflame in my life. Dr. Bill Stone and Dr. Dewey Dunn are dear brothers in Christ that have served as my spiritual giants. Their constant encouragement and affirmation have enlivened my flame like oxygen enriched with hydrogen. They have fanned the flame of my spirit. For decades these men have used their gifts to enrich lives of countless men and women. Gods manifold plan that predestined me to be included in their life and work fills my heart with humility and gratitude. We all need a Bill & Dewey; an endless supply of tinder and spunk.

2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...

Seek those that enrich your life. Give in return by enriching the life of some other. Herein is the secret to an enduring flame.

Luke 24:32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Others come in... and leave footprints on our hearts...
and we are never ever the same."


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