Fire

There are places in the United States that periodically experience wildfires. When the fuel and conditions are suitable, a wildfire can consume many thousands acres of grass and forest land quickly, not to mention homes and business structures. The area in the aftermath of a wildfire is forever changed. Residents are a different challenge; they are driven by motivation. When people are advised to evacuate to save their lives, even past history of those around them may not be sufficient to motivate them to flee and save their lives. Such consuming fires are dangerous and can easily overpower individuals as can evil events when the conditions are appropriate. However, there is an even greater power available to guide people along their unique individual spiritual journey. A goal that should be common to all Christians is to use our lives and our words to lead others to Jesus; however, motivation must exist. The first element in this goal is encourage people so they realize they have a need greater than themselves. When a person arrives at this point, the Holy Spirit can influence them to realize their need and motivate them to seek Jesus' gift of salvation. This goal should be followed as much as opportunities present themselves - at times, this can spread like wildfire, energized by the Holy Spirit. Concerning the early Christians, Paul told Timothy, “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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Tim. 1:6-7 (NIV). There are times when the Holy Spirit wants to use our position and our talents to minister to others. Since the Holy Spirit personally resides within Christians, they can be empowered by Him when they are open to acting on His guidance, as best they can. If we will allow Him, the Holy Spirit will lead, guide, enable, and bless us along our journey. With His help, each Christian should not be timid. The Spirit's influence is clearly seen in the release of spiritual power: the practice of loving fellowship and care, and the self-disciplined discipleship of Jesus' followers. Christians should not be timid, rather they should be bold in those areas in which the Holy Spirit motivates us.