"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." (2 Tim. 1:6)
My Dad was the first to bring our text to my attention many years ago. I remember once sharing it with a Romanian Follower of Jesus back during the communist era. It lit up his life.
The Baptism, "in the Holy Spirit and fire," is in you and me as Followers of Jesus. But that Baptism only strengthens us daily if we, "fan into flame," His glorious Baptism. "Fan into flame," I interpret to mean what Jude says, "praying in the Holy Ghost." In my hours of deepest need, deepest helplessness, deepest not-knowing-what-to-do, it was the glorious, "flame," of the Holy Spirit which sustained me. It is nonetheless true to this moment.
Do not be surprised or discouraged if the thoughts come to you, "What is really going on here?" The Enemy of our souls does not want you and me to walk in the Baptism, "in the Holy Spirit and fire." He wants us to sit around a "fire" of embers, resting in past victories, yet barely keeping our head above water. Beware greatly of a "theology" which lies to you, a theology which says, "Don't worry about all of that. You are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit." This is a "do-nothing" theology.
I encourage you today to notice that no one else can, "fan...the gift of God," for you and me. This is the reason the Holy Spirit tells us again and again, "....I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I never assume to have the fullness of Your Words, nor the full understanding of them. I pray for more. Amen.
************************
Washington, DC: January 29 & 30
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
