Believers Who Had A Burning Heart for God
Luke 24:32a,And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way… After Jesus left Cleopas and his wife, they began to share their thoughts about their time with the risen Saviour. The time they spent with Christ stirred a flame in their souls. They said their hearts "burned" within them. Time spent with Christ changed them. By the way, it will change you, too. Spending time with the LORD will ignite passion in your heart. The question is this, "Do you really want to get to know Him and deepen your walk with God?" The consuming fire of God that burned in their hearts, fanned by the breath-winds of the Holy Spirit, spread into the hearts of other believers that were challenged and inspired by their dedicated lives. When we look through history, we can read about the lives of great Christians who had burning hearts for God. Ignatius, who was the bishop at the church of Antioch for nearly 40 years in the first century. Antioch was the place where believers were first called Christians. His heart was on fire for the Lord and devoted to Him. Because of his faithfulness to Jesus Christ, he was condemned and thrown to the lions in the Roman Colosseum because he refused to sacrifice to pagan practices. He told the authorities in response to their command, "I would rather die for Christ than rule the whole earth." Why would he say that? He had a burning heart for God. Polycarp was the bishop at Smyrna. He was a good friend of Ignatius and the Apostle John. In 155 A.D., during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, persecution broke out against Christians and Polycarp was arrested. He was told to recant his faith in Christ or be burned alive at the stake. His response was, "86 years have I served Him, and He hath done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my King who saved me?" Why would he be willing to face the fire? He had a burning heart for God. These two men were pastors, yet, you don't have to be a preacher to be on fire for God. I want to make that very clear. In fact, not all preachers have a burning heart for the Lord. That's sad, but it is true. To some men, the ministry, preaching, and serving God has become a drudgery. They are discouraged, depressed, disillusioned, defeated, and filled with doubt. The fire has been quenched within them. They need prayer and encouragement. When the fire of God burns in the heart and soul of a Christian, then the priorities of the person are dramatically changed from insignificant matters to important ones. God is given His rightful place of being number one in that person's life. When the fire of God blazes in the heart of a Christian, there is no telling what God will do with him or her. That which may seem impossible can become possible when God's fire burns in their heart and they are totally surrendered to Him. Never underestimate what God can do through you if you yield the control of your life to Him and let His Spirit fill you. Prayer: Father my heart has been challenged. As one needs to continue to add wood to a fire to keep the flames burning, I know I need to spend time with You in prayer and the Scriptures. Help me to be more passionate about my service to You. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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A Fresh Start to a New Year (Philippians 3:12-14)
Philippians 3:12-14, Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. New Year's Day marks a new beginning. Undoubtedly, you've made a list of things you'd like to do this year that you didn't do last year. If you’re like me setting goals is usually not the problem. In fact, most of us are good at it. Reaching our goals, however, is a different story. How often do we promise to do something and then let it slide into oblivion? Desire is the driving force of a man's soul. A man will live for the thing he desires. Paul understood that the Lord Jesus wanted to use him and he consistently pursued the Lord and His will for his life. Apprehended means to take eagerly, seize, possess, over take. Paul had a dissatisfaction with being average, or resting in what he had already done. “God’s got a purpose for your life!” Paul knew that the Lord had a purpose for his life and he was actively and consistently pursuing that purpose. The Lord Jesus has saved us to use us and be glorified through us. Are you seeking to apprehend that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of for you? In eternity, you will never regret that you served the Lord faithfully! Paul’s determination is seen in the words, this one thing I do. He was serious about not allowing the past hinder his present. One of the Christians biggest problems is right here—dwelling on the past. Paul wasted no time on the past. He was running the race for Christ. Paul would not focus on the past. He was looking ahead and determined to stay focused on Christ. You cannot run a race while looking backward. Life is full of ups and downs; times of encouragement and times of discouragement. Everyone can look back on their lives and wish that they could do some things over, things that they wish they could change, and things that they regret that ever happened. Too many Christians are still stuck in the past. We cannot be successful, nor victorious, in the Christian life if we are focused on the failures, disappointments and heartaches. The words reaching forth pictures a runner stretching out and reaching forward to the finish line. Paul was not just getting by; he was putting his all into the race. Paul’s goal in life was to accomplish the purpose for which the Lord Jesus had saved him. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer: Father, I dedicate myself to You anew. Cleanse me and strengthen me. Guide me, guard me, and give me wisdom to navigate the challenges that will arise. Fill me with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Bear fruit that remains through me and our church family. Help me to trust You in, for all things. Help me to rightly steward my mind, my marriage, my money, and my ministry in view of standing before You and giving an account one day soon. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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