Building a Fire
"I set myself on fire and people come and watch me burn".
- John Wesley
No one sets out to live a boring life. No one dreams of a meaningless existence floating along without any sense of expectancy. But the sad truth, as you have probably already seen for yourself, is the bulk of humanity lives very empty lives. They do the basic level of work and give the minimal amount of investment required; they live at the first floor level, only pursuing their own pleasure.
A shallow commitment always results in deep dissatisfaction.
This is a plight within our culture. Instead of stretching to see potential fulfilled, society settles for cheap distractions from reality, to numb the penalty of wandering. Never let that be said of you. Choose to live a big life.
We were created by the great genius of the universe, The Great I AM, our Father God. His design for humanity is sketched out and formulated to reflect the artistry, genius and passion of Himself. The blue prints of this dream are sealed within your spirit, ready to be released and lived out. Do not be hypnotized by the apathy of this culture, settling for whatever floats downstream. Instead, rise and stand as pioneers of this generation, pressing ahead and cutting through the mediocrity to find the glorious God we call Father.
In Christ, we are literally transformed into people of divine design. Our lives are intended to be powerful, living examples of what God is like. He is all powerful, full of wisdom and redeeming love. Everything He does brings a beautiful result. God’s plan for us is that we would walk through life bringing His healing and hope to every corner of our world. There are miracles waiting to be done and people on the brink of death looking for life. We are God’s messengers carrying the only plan that will save humanity: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In order to live on purpose and see great things happen, we have to draw close to God and let Him heal us - first. We have to let His Word transform our minds - first. In order to be an authentic representative of Christ it’s critical that we know Him personally and privately. Intimacy is not something that is common or public; it requires rare, private devotion. I have experienced this personally and found that only intimacy with Him provided the power to change my life.
Although I was “born again” at the age of sixteen, it wasn’t until I reached my forties that I recognized the urgency to saturate my life with His love and His Word. That’s when everything changed and my life was visibly transformed. The discipline of study, prayer and meditation gave tremendous hope and power. It began with the pursuit of gaining a deeper understanding of the simple truth - Jesus love me - dearly, deeply and completely. If you have never committed a season of your life to this single focus - I strongly suggest it!
Your destiny begins with your personal encounter with Christ.
When Paul was first converted and left his religious past behind him, he did not jump right into ministry; he took time to study, pray and learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This foundation made him the God-follower that we know him as today: an unshakeable messenger of Christ. Paul is not the only one God wants to use – He wants to use you and me. There is only one way to live such a heroic life, we have to be transformed by the Great Champion Himself – Jesus Christ.
Let God do great things in and through you! Follow Paul’s example of tenacity! Through study, fasting and prayer; ask God to confirm the things that I am telling you. Allow Him to convince you of the necessity of preparation; ask Him to open your heart to the significance of studying Him through His Word and pray constantly, keeping yourself alert to the urgency of the call.
Most people live far below their privileges because they are unaware of some of the basic truths that are the cornerstone to an extraordinary life. Do not be ignorant of the things that God has done or what He has given to you. “Be excellent at what is good”. Be fully persuaded by God Himself and you will have an authentic, passionate Christian life - a light to your world.
