“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 1 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)

Ask any Boy Scout who has been camping and he’ll tell you: just because a fire isn’t aflame doesn’t mean it is completely out.  Buried deep beneath the ashes and burnt timber you may just find hot embers, glowing red and ready to flame up again.  All that campfire fire needs is some fresh kindling and a good stirring.

The same is true with our souls.  How is your spiritual walk these days?  Has life thrown a wet blanket over your soul and left you feeling damp and cold?  Remember this: if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, that means the Holy Spirit lives within you.  And the Spirit is a fire that cannot be extinguished.

Today, if you are feeling a little spiritually stale, I want to encourage you to stir those coals until they burst into flame.  No need to struggle through life alone.  “God gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control.”  Let His fire burn deep and strong within you, burning away the chaff from your life.  Remember all the Lord has done – and continues to do – for you.  And celebrate God, not merely for what He has done for you, but for Who He Is – the Great I AM, the Creator and Sustainer Who is great beyond our comprehension!