Fireplace Therapy

As winter quickly approaches, the aroma from burning fireplaces float in the air. A scent that signifies that old man winter is quickly approaching. As the fall work winds down, that is one of the things I look forward too as the evenings become cold and long. I’m not sure what there is about it, but crackling wood and dancing flames are magically calming. Mesmerized by the sensation of the fire as the flames jump like they are alive. But it doesn’t seem like the relaxation lasts very long before the fire needs tended too. The fire dies down and I must add another log or “fan the flames” to keep the fire going. The longer I wait, the harder it is to get the flames roaring again. 

Fan The Flames

Is your fire burning hot? Or do your flames need fanned? I know I need to add another log quite often. At times the flames for my Lord are dancing, then before you know it, I need my flames fanned. Paul addressed this with Timothy as he encouraged him to keep his faith strengthened, “I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you.” (2 Timothy 1:6). We all need reminded to fan the flames of our spiritual fire. When our spiritual gifts to serve God are running hot, we still need to keep adding fuel to the fire. If the fire goes out, then it takes tinder, kindling, and more wood to get the fire going again. “For lack of wood the fire goes out,” (Proverbs 26:20). 

Rebuilding The Fire

Without consistent attention, just like the fire in my fireplace, it slowly turns to a heap of ashes. Ashes of worldly desires that consume my time of self-centered passions that only serve me. Ashes of excuses, negative thoughts, or anger. The ashes just keep building up and need carried away. Each of us have these ashes that build up in our lives. But God is there to help us warm the cold places in our hearts. To get that fire burning again. If your fire went out or needs ignited once again, there are steps to take to get that fire going.

Begin by adding “tinder” that ignites quickly, by sitting in Jesus’ presence (Psalm 16:11) and listening to what His plans for you are. Next you need to add “kindling” that will catch on fire from the tinder. Add the kindling of His word, simple acts of kindness and prayer (John 14:13-14). Add in worship and praise to raise the heat even more (Hebrews 12:29). Finally, add the logs to your flame. Growing your fire through a relationship with Jesus. Logs of Bible study, fellowship, and acts of service. Jesus lives in our hearts and is there to help fan the flames into a blazing display of service to Him. Not only on a cold winter night, but all year long we need to sit near this flame. Absorbing His presence, and becoming mesmerized by the confident expectation of eternal life with Him.

Lord, help me keep my fire burning hot for You through all my trials and temptations. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:6
Proverbs 26:20
Psalm 16:11
John 14:13-14
Hebrews 12:29