By Pastor Dave Holland
“I have come to bring fire on the earth.” Luke 12:49
Jimmy Morrison and the Doors sang in the 60s, “Come on, baby, light my fire, Come on, baby, light my fire. Try to set the night on fire, yeah,” but they had no idea what they were talking about. Only Jesus can set your soul on fire.
In the late ‘90s, I had just finished an exhausting building project at the church I pastored in Massachusetts. While I preached, I felt like I was sucking water out of a muddy well. I was dry bones on the inside.
I heard about a revival going on in Toronto, Canada, loosely referred to as “The Blessing.” So, my prayer group of burned-out pastors and I drove 10 hours to check it out.
We arrived at the Airport Vineyard Church in time for worship led by a young man in shorts, a tee-shirt and a ball cap. I inwardly protested—I drove six hundred miles for this? They take worship so casually.
The preacher gave a brief message and prayed. He said “Amen,” and the worship team began to play music softly. As if on cue, everyone started stacking the thousands of chairs to the sides of the room. Bewildered, we followed their example, wondering what would happen next. Lines formed, and prayer teams emerged to pray for each person. Unsure of what to do, I knelt on the steps of the stage and prayed.
The worship team, led by the young man in the ball cap, sang, “I have made You too small in my eyes, O Lord, forgive me, forgive me; and I have believed in a lie, that you were unable to help me. But now, O Lord, I see my wrong, heal my heart and show Yourself strong; And in my eyes and with my song, O Lord be magnified.”
The young man I formerly disdained now sang with the voice of God speaking to my heart. The Lord tenderly reminded me, “Wake up to the God who loves you more than you can imagine. He is restoring you in your innermost being.”
Jesus relit the fire in my soul.
The Lord wants to ignite a fire in our hearts, and this fire burns up the impurities, inciting thanksgiving toward God. The flame of our witness will burn bright.
Those who want more of God’s fullness must examine themselves. If God stepped into our home or church and looked at our lives, what would He see? Is there anything we need to adjust, remove or restore? Have we lost our first love for Him? The King stands before us now, longing for us to catch fresh fire from heaven.
Pray with me, “Oh Lord, heal my heart and show Yourself strong. Forgive me. You are bigger, greater, and more gracious than I imagined. I believe You will restore me and rekindle passion within me. Help me catch the fresh fire of Your Spirit. In the name of the Father I pray, amen.”
This is Day 23 from a 40-day devotional based on the Gospel of Luke Dave is currently writing. It is the third book in the Daily Jesus Series. You can get copies of his books from his website, DaveHolland.org or at Amazon.com. Dave Holland pastored churches for 38 years before retiring in Destin. Pastor Dave is available to preach and teach in churches and conferences. Contact him at DavidvHolland54@gmail.com.
Views: 0
