20070131
A single spark
Ever notice how, in the right conditions, a single spark can light a really serious fire? That works fine, in August, when there's been no rain for six weeks, with plenty of 'fuel' to spread to. But what happens to that same spark in the middle of a parking lot? It quickly dies out. I've also noticed that when I am trying to start a nice fire in my fire place it takes a little more preperation. I need to 'prime' the chimney (warm it up), then I need to make sure I use more easily igniteable kindling/paper, and allow it to get the logs ready. The logs take longer to catch when I've just brought them in from outside where it's cold. But once the fire's been going it is fairly easy to get new logs to catch because the embers are warm and sustainable.
In many ways I feel like a single match. My 'fire' does not seem to be contagious. More than anything it seems that I am just not ready to be caught up in such things. Only God knows the future but I am eager to move myself closer to such a fire that my own desires for God would be sustainable - even to become warmer. Then, and only when I am ready from God's perspective, to be used to start other 'fires'.
updates: New stories posted.
Verse for today:
Matthew 5:13-16, ESV
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
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3 comments:
Just the fact that you are making yourself available means that you have God's attention. Just keep your hands and heart open before him. We do not live in a vaccuum, so be encouraged that every day, if we are his children, our circle of influence is definitely a ministry. It sounds cliche, but it is so true. I have met with old high school acquaintances, not friends, just acquantances, who have told me how I influenced them positively in high school, and I had NO clue. If only I had been a better representation of Christ! We just do not know how God weaves our lives into others' for this very reason. Keep feeding your flame with the Philippians 4:8 emphases. Hang in there.
I agree with Linda. I also know that a match cannot stay lit unless it's around something else that can hold a flame. It would be like you trying to light up one coal in your grill. It has to be near other coals in order to stay lit.
Fan the flame and search for those who can help keep you "lit" and who you can help keep lit as well. Then others will see the "BLAZE that is burning" from your match...
Blessings.
Susan
Well - I know God has not brought us together in a local church - there are times when I feel the "warmth" of fellow believers here on-line.
Thank you for the encouragement. :) \o/
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