Adding Fuel to the Fire

My husband recently purchased a fire pit for his backyard patio project. He cut up some wood and soon had a nice fire going while he lounged in his chair nearby. As I stood just inside the screen door, I commented that the woodsy smell of the smoke was lovely, reminiscent of our camping days. However, since it was probably still in the 90s outside our back door that evening, I told him perhaps we really didn't need any additional heat!

Fire is dangerous, yet we are drawn to it and even delight in it.

 

The writer of Hebrews (12:29) tells us that our God is consuming Fire.  As such, He burns with indignation against those who stir His anger (Isaiah 30:27) and against anything unholy that enters His presence.

 

Yet, also as Fire, He gives His people light in the darkness for protection and guidance. Exodus 13:21

 

As Fire, His Word has forceful power (Jeremiah 23:29) and is potent within believers to purify and also to reveal the quality of our walk with Him. Acts 2:3; 1 Corinthians 3:13

 

Our God is dangerous, yet we are drawn to the light of His Fire and delight in His beauty.

 

Nonetheless, Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 caution us that God's Fire in our lives can be quenched.  Commenting on that warning, Albert Barnes wrote, "Fire may be put out by pouring on water; or by covering it with any incombustible substance; or by neglecting to supply fuel. If it is to be made to burn, it must be nourished with proper care and attention. The Holy Spirit, in His influences on the soul, is here compared with fire that might be made to burn more intensely, or that might be extinguished." (Barnes NT Commentary)

 

Our prayers for our children are like pouring fuel on the Fire of God in their lives.

—We can pray they will delight in God's Fire.

—We can pray that His Fire will cast light on the darkness around them. 

—We can pray that His Fire will be their protection and guide.

—We can pray they will draw close enough that His Fire will purify them.

—We can pray, too, that they will reflect His glorious Fire to others, that they will be dazzlingly brilliant!

 

In fact, we can stop and pray right now from Romans 12:11 for each of our children:

 

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, I ask that my child, _______, never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; that s/he be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the You, her/his Lord. In the Name of Jesus, amen.

"Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor;

be aglow and burning with the Spirit,

serving the Lord."

Romans 12:11 AMP