FIRE WITH THE WORD

09/23/2023

"That is why I remind you to [a]fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]." 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

You are God's message on the earth. But the question is, what message are you communicating? Many want to complain about the darkness in the world when the truth remains: if those who have been called light would just shine, there would be less darkness because it's easier to turn on the light than to curse the darkness. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The purpose of your shining is to bring glory to God. 

Saints, being aglow with the Spirit is non-negotiable. It is required for productive and effective living. It also should never be subjected to human feelings or wisdom. For example, you should never forsake spending time in communion with Jesus because you are feeling a certain way. Remember that your life is a place of God's glory; it's an altar from which incense goes up into heaven. And it's not a mere cliche. Your words and actions send continuous praise to God. Paul, the apostle, said, "Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord" ( Romans 12:11 AMP).  

You are the solution to darkness. You have the answer to any problem. John Wesley once said, "Light yourself on fire with passion, and people will come from miles to watch you burn." Religion has, for years, tried to make being on fire for God optional. It says you don't have to live right, pray in the Spirit, walk in love, or be accountable to spiritual authority. It encourages you to do whatever you think or feel is good. Yet, such teaching must be avoided if you want to fulfill God's plan for your life! It will never produce smoke, nonetheless fire. The world needs people who are ablaze for God. Until that's in place, everything else is a waste of time and resources. Revelation 3:16 says, "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." And if He does, it means you have no part with Him.  

If your desire is to showcase God's glory, you must be completely aligned with God's Word. Become an addict of the Word, giving priority to the Word every day. It is the Word in your spirit that allows you to linger in communion with the Holy Spirit. The Word of God in your spirit serves as the inspiration for a consistent and effective prayer life.

I'll show you a mystery. Your spirit is the fireplace, the Word of God is the combustible material, and prayer is the amplifier. When your Spirit mingles with the Word, a fire is ignited, and the fire gets bigger with the more of God's Word that you ingest. Prayer serves as a regulator; it increases the intensity of the fire. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet said, "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak anymore in his name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." In chapter five and verse fourteen, the Lord said to Jeremiah, "Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of hosts: "Because you have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall consume them." 

Saints, prayer alone will not suffice. Your prayers must be mixed with the Word in your heart for there to be a fire. The more of the Word that is embedded in your spirit when praying, the greater the fire. If you pray without the Word, the fire will not burn for long. But praying in the Spirit from the reservoir of the Word in you will cause you to burn with great intensity. Only then can others see the glory of God on you as God has desired. 

It's time to arise and be on fire with the Word.

God bless you.

Faith Filled Confession:

Christ is magnified in me. I radiate His glory everywhere that I go. The flesh and its desires are crucified; I daily put my body under subjection that Christ may be seen in me and through me. And because I live in the Spirit, I also, walk by the Spirit of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ONE YEAR READING PLAN: Song of Solomon 4-5; 2 Corinthians 13