Fire In The Hole!!
By Pamela Blattner
“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
Luke 3:16 (KJV)
We’ve just celebrated July 4th, Independence Day in America, and a time for fireworks. We actually had to have a weeklong celebration in our household because Grandma loves them so much!!
In the neighborhood where my kids grew up, traditions of launching bottle rockets back and forth between each other’s yards was great fun. We’d frequently hear the “grownups” in the backyards yelling “Fire in the Hole” before each firework was lit. My girlfriends and I watched our “manly men” become boys once again for a day with their kids and grandkids. Each celebration would end up with a bonfire and s’mores and kids wrapped in blankets.
As we consider this past week of celebrating Independence Day, we can also remember to have the “fire of God” within us! Before I knew Jesus as my personal Savior, I remember our pastor Stuart Briscoe encouraging us to be "on fire for the Lord" during the 4th. At the time, I didn’t know what it meant, but now I know: When you have the Holy Spirit within you, you have the “fire and power” of the Lord God Almighty! The ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential if we want to serve God. Every child of God is called to serve. When we were saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and began our walk with Him, His Holy Spirit began enabling us to do what He particularly calls each of us to do.
When we serve in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can get tired but won’t burn out. God provides the fire in our heart, but it is our job to keep flaming it through reading His Word and prayer. It is not just a privilege to learn the Scriptures, but a tool for wisdom that God has given us. The Spirit uses them to put His fire and power within us to serve! The Scriptures were recorded for a reason…they bring revival to tired hearts! The fireworks won’t display their beauty without being ignited. Let’s remember the light He gives to us through His Spirit as we remember those fireworks illuminating the darkness.
GOING DEEPER:
1. The God who has saved us from the penalty of sin now intends to change us--to remove the sinful habits and selfish attitudes in our lives so that we can become more like His Son, Jesus Christ. List some steps that would begin to move you toward that goal Jesus has for your life today…and then ask Him which one He wants to do in you today!
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 2:9-10; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 8:28-29
Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and three grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Prayer Ministry, Rock the Lakes, and Touched Twice Ministry.
