On Fire!

I had a much needed getaway this weekend, the family and I enjoying some camping with my beloved parents. When I asked Dad last week what we were planning on doing, he straight-faced looked at me, and said, we're doing nothing. You're gonna relax. So I did.

The kids talked Grandpa in taking their bikes, so they did lots of riding around the grounds, and despite some less than ideal swimming weather, the ventured the cold pool multiple times. That said, it was a concerted effort on my part to actually shut my brain off. Not an easy task... at least not for me.

Of course, late Saturday evening, my brain kicked back in to gear, as I started to think what God might have in store for this post. Of course, as I lost myself gazing into the fire, God delivered.

Fire is amazing. Controllable, yet dangerous when it is out of control. Hard to get started. Sometimes stubborn to quench. It's longevity depends on the attentiveness of it's caretaker. Yet some observations came to light in the final moments before calling it a night.

Fire is still hot, even as it dies down. It's intensity can still have a positive effect.
At any stage of its' existence, fire demands respect. It is not meant to be handled by just anyone. Furthermore, at any point, anyone can experience the environment and comment on the "goodness" of the fire.

But for the one who has spent significant time with it, they've witnessed it's surges and declines, the time it has been affected by the wind and the weather and how it respond; how it handles being moved around by its' caretaker.

Are you picking up on the analogies between the fire and the pastor? Some will recognize immediately when the fire is approaching burning out and an intervention is required; late-comers may not realize the fire is nearing the end, yet are still impressed that it is productive and effective in fulfilling it's purpose.

How is the your pastor doing?

Let's pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that the fan of faith would be flamed and even rekindled, where necessary. May the fire burn strong within them. Pray that they would not be adversely affected by outside elements that would stand against them to extinguish them. Pray that God would continue to divinely place people in their lives that would act as caretakers, helping to ensure their longevity and effectiveness in ministry. May they not be dissuaded, detoured or derailed, but stay the course in fulfilling their calling and purpose; that many who enter their campsite would feel the warm embrace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

On fire for God.
Providing an environment whereby all who enter
May enjoy and witness the presence of God.
That the faith of all pastors would burn ever so strong.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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