Energy
Have you ever seen dead men walking? Oh, they have a heart beat, they talk, eat, and look human, but one thing is lacking. Look into their eyes. Their pupils are empty -- no focus, no goal, and no vision. The fire has gone out.
It is easy for the fire to go out. One need but forget his purpose in life. Forget the objective. Forget the Creator and His intention for man.
Slump. Slump. Slump down to the level where life is all about self -- about feelings, opinions, desires, ambition for pleasure, and associates who also have lowered their standards lower than existentialism, e.g., "I exist; therefore, I am." Down, down and down goes the fire until remaining embers do not have enough heat to create smoke.
The fire goes out when self-righteousness sets in: when I am the only one who is right; when work becomes the god by which I worship; when time alone in prayer is something that used to be; when loneliness and a cryptic tone drive away those who would help, love and be true friends; when the sky becomes lead gray and laughter is no longer welcome.
Ah, I have seen dead men walking. It is a sad, pitiful, and painful experience to look into the eyes of those who build their coffin while they live.
Lest I weary you with such talk, let me hasten to share about the fire. The fire gets a person out of bed before the alarm goes off. The fire needs no prodding from others. The fire is not dependent upon applause, certificates, medals, and awards.
The fire in the bosom that makes the eyes gleam with hope is a thing of itself. It consumes. It drives. It is the essence of compulsion.
Find a person with the fire, and you will find a person who makes discretionary choices. Fire demands choices. Some things are good but not productive. Many things are profitable, but they are not substance that fuels the fire. The fire must have measured pace, consistent fuel, and results that add energy.
I have seen ministers run low and allow the fire to go out. They focus on the negative. They allow their bodies and minds to be taxed until ministry is viewed by how they feel. They feel the pain of the briars and thorns of ministry. Too many bad days pile up without sunshine. It is heart-breaking to see a minister run low, to let the fire die down, to lose focus, or to quit.
When the Israelites came out of Egypt, God sent a fire to the altar. He told the Israelites to keep the fire burning, and never let it go out. For about 400 years sacrifices were offered from the coals of that fire.
Fire in the bosom burns best when we do what we are called to do, when we do what is natural to our calling in Christ, and when we fulfill the purpose for which God made us.
Laila and I have two goats. They are normal goats: cantankerous, eat anything, including poison oak, flowers, and Weeping Cherry Tree. They have jumped the fence, crawled under the fence, and gotten out in ways I do not know. They never leave when they get out. One night Laila and I were having dinner, heard a noise, and looked up to see Herman and Geraldine with their noses to the door looking in.
Josh and I built a ramp about seven feet high. We piled stacks of straw like stair-steps to the ramp. We were not even through before the goats were running up the steps, butting, playing, leaping off, and enjoying themselves. Their nature is what it is. They are goats. They like high places. They like butting. Better watch your rearview mirror getting out of the lot.
If I could give you a gift today, it would be the gift of fire in your bosom. Fire that would be natural to you -- as God made you. I'd give you fire that would burn with a passion compelling you to smile, be cheerful, be an encourager, lend a helping hand, dream a dream.
Dream. The problem with most dreams is that they are so small a person can live the dream, it seems, without any help from anyone. A real dream is a dream that will demand every fiber of your body and moral being's total commitment. A real dream will need the help of friends, true friends. A real dream will be so big, so wonderful that it will never be realized without God's hand in your life.
So, what is your dream? Have you and God talked about this lately. Have you ever marveled over the fact that you know that you are doing what God has called you to do?
The beginning place is time alone with God. Remember that when Jesus came out of the wilderness from fasting and praying, He went in the power of the Spirit.
Energy, I say, energy -- God energy, fire, consuming fire…My wish for you,
Pastor Bare
Leviticus 6:13 & Proverbs 29:18
P.S. Don't be caught walking dead.