Fan Your Fire

In 2 Timothy 1:6-7 we read, “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 gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

We have our part to play in our spiritual well-being by practicing discipline in our lives and pursuing God. I am not perfect; I try being strong in body, mind, and spirit. God’s plan for our lives is a plan of excellence. But, like everyone, I have my own struggles. We all need to allow God to be the strength of our lives and to be reminded of the love of God. Don’t make an excuse for not seeking after God.

Life is a gift from God. Salvation is a gift from God. We have a great responsibility with the gifts which have been given to us. It seems our emotions and spirit can dwindle down just as a fire burns down. We need to move the coals around and add some fresh wood to bring the fire back into flames, as there are still hot coals under the ashes. At our home in Maine, my wife and I use a wood burning stove in the winter, so we know all about keeping a fire going. In the morning we empty the ash pan and add more wood.

How do we fan our fire back into flames spiritually? We need to have daily fellowship with God and to constantly be reminded of who we are in Christ Jesus. We have a great heritage in the Lord. There is no obstacle we cannot face with the strength of the Lord. I do all I can do with my own strength; remembering always that I also depend upon the provision of the Lord. All things belong to the Lord. All glory belongs to Him.

We are again reminded that God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Our enemy loves to ambush our minds. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are told to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. God has given us every tool to wage warfare against evil. We need to discipline ourselves and sharpen our weapons.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms...so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

We need to be in prayer asking the Lord for direction, provision, and protection—always being thankful for every good and perfect gift He has given us. Each of us should be faithful to the task which God has led us to do. It is a privilege and pleasure to know God and to serve Him.

We enjoy sitting by a small fire while camping. The fire gives light and warmth. We can hear, smell, see, and feel the fire and flames. Allow people to see a beautiful fire burning inside of you.~Charlie DeTellis