FAN INTO FLAME

"Fan into flame the gift which is in you."

―2 Timothy 1:6, NIV

Residents of our county woke up this morning to the news of a string of five fires that broke out during the night. The causes of the fires are under investigation. Officials say that there is a possibility that all the fires are connected and are calling them “very suspicious.” The intent of those who ignited the fires was to destroy.

A string of fires also broke out among a group of writers this past weekend. It is obvious that all of the fires are connected. The cause of a sudden burst of flames among so many was the Write2Ignite Conference in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. At times, the heat was intense but the intention of the event organizers was not to destroy. It was to build up those who desire to ignite fires in the hearts of future generations. 

God’s Word instructs us to “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). That is exactly what this conference did in me and in the hearts of many who attended. The endless hours and selfless efforts of those who ignited these fires are to be commended. Their dedication and love for God and the spread of his Word is “very suspicious.” In fact, now that all of the evidence is in, I’d say they are liable.
 
Thank you, Write2Ignite organizers and presenters! May God be your very great reward.

Now it's your turn. Who in your life has fanned the flame of the gift within you? 

Please leave a response.

Tee Word of the Day: Socie-tee

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 

value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests 

but each of you to the interests of the others."

―Philippians 2:3-4, NIV

Several years ago, my daughter received a T-shirt for her birthday that read, “It’s all about me, me, me. Get over it!” I never let her wear the shirt as the sentiment sadly reflects the entitlement mentality that is rampant in society today.

In contrast, the text above speaks of exchanging a selfish life for a selfless life. Although this concept may be foreign to many, Christ modeled it well during his brief time on earth. As we choose to walk in harmony with his example by placing the interests of others above our own, his joy will become food for our souls.

Be the hands and feet of Christ today and choose to live a selfless life. Someone you know needs his loving touch.

Table Talk

“Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."

―Luke 14:15, NIV

In my generation and even more in generations prior, the table was the centerpiece of family life. Has conversation around the table in the twenty-first century taken second place to cyberspace? We think: How rude. Yet, if we take a serious look at our own table etiquette from Jesus’s vantage point, we might be a little slower to judge others who have detached themselves from table talk.

Let’s examine our own table life this week and see if our behavior at the Lord’s table is any different.

Table Talk

Day 1: Wake-Up Call

 http://t.co/kURL5TfvUZ

Day 2: Please Be Seated
http://ow.ly/uC367

Day 3: Let's Say Grace

http://t.co/d3fGcjb5Xr

Day 4: Our Daily Bread

http://t.co/qA8M8iijAu

Day 5: Taste and See
http://t.co/1Qm8X8Y2ft

SUNDAY SOLACE: What a Difference a Day Makes

"You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" 
―Psalm 30:11, HCSB 

When my special needs daughter was little, she always got up in the morning and looked out the window to see if the sun was shining. 

I thought of her as, "My sunshine girl." 

She still is.

She loved the musical, ANNIE.

She still does.

When I was sad, she could always lift me up.

She still can.

She would pat me softly on the shoulder and say, "Don't worry, Mommy. It'll be alright. The sun'll come out tomorrow."

It always did. 

May your day be filled with sunshine. And if not today, look outside tomorrow. 

Perhaps . . . the sun'll come out.

It still does!

"But for you who revere my name, 

the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays."

―Malachi 4:2, NIV