Tending the fire, drawing others to Jesus’ light
I was re-reading my piece called, “Perpetual Fire” this morning and it spoke to me afresh. I hope these excerpts from it will speak to you as well. It also convicted me to keep seeking the Lord and His love to refuel me so I can love the way He has called me to love. I certainly do not have the patience, kindness, loving, gentle, sacrificial and understanding ways in myself! But He always does. So, here’s the reminder based on the beach fire that I got to build and enjoy in Ketchikan a few summers ago.
p. 86
“Some fires are built to purify
like the silversmith’s
used to refine precious metal,
to heat to the perfect temperature,
and to pour off the dross…
to heat again,
and again,
until the Master’s face is reflected therein.
Our love for God and for each other is that way.
“Above all keep fervent in your love for one another,” Peter exhorts. (1 Peter 4":7-8)
Keep extending your love, don’t let it shrink to nothing!
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
give preference to one another,
not lagging behind in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:9-10)
“Fervent in spirit”—Zeo—HOT,
glowing like coals
not allowing your zeal from Him to grow cold!
Keep that fervent love stoked,
fueled by time in the Holy one’s Presence,
knowing that the Father has said, “You will seek Me and find Me,
when you search for Me with all your heart.
And I will be found by you.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13a)
p. 88
“The Word of the Lord
fuels our fervent love and devotion.
Jesus’ solid Presence shelters us from the harsh winds
and storms that try to snuff out the fire within us.
He is the One who covers and fuels us
as we nestle and burn bright next to Him.
May we become that perpetual beach fire
inviting the world’s lost and broken
to come sit at His feet.”
**Scriptures are from New American Standard Bible 1995
