Everything But The Matches

An evening of marshmallow s’more making was in store. The logs had been placed in perfect form with the kindling resting in the center and the medium sized sticks following suit. The family had all taken preventative measures for any potential mosquito attacks. Not a cloud of thunder was to be seen for miles. Endless stars began to twinkle in the open sky above while the lawn chairs rested around the brick fire pit.

With everyone waiting in anticipation, the fire was ready to be lit except, there was one flaw in their plan, no one had brought a single box of matches or a lighter. There was no way to ignite the fire.

Living a Christian life can be a lot like leaving the matches behind. We can set up everything the right way by having our preferred translated bible, completing our good works, and giving our money away, but if we don’t have a relationship with Jesus to ignite the fire of our hearts, then all of our preparations are for an external appearance only.

Shortly before Jesus had ascended into heaven, he assembled together with his inner circle commanding “them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ –Acts 1:4-5   

Jesus knew that his friends needed something more than just memories and promises from the past. They needed a fire to be ignited within so they could go forth to spread the good news of the gospel.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  –Acts 2: 1-4

Without the Holy Spirit inside of us, we are unable to light the fire that God so desires to burn within us.

Do you desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Does your Christian walk need to receive a new baptism in the Holy Spirit?

When you allow God to be the flame upon your heart, your life begins to have purpose and meaning.  Is God calling you to be ignited from within to fulfill a divine purpose?