It Is Cold Outside, But Is It Inside?

This weather never ceases to amaze us.  The jokes about weather in the south going from cold to hot to rainy to sunny (all in one day) are definitely based on truth.  However, I have been cold lately.  Have you?

It led me to think about a concept we often use relating to being on fire.  It does not refer to temperature but to something deep in us.  It is referring to burning enthusiasm, being eager, and being zealous.  To “light a fire under” someone means that you want to motivate them to get things done.

Spiritually, we need to be “on fire” too.  We need to be zealous for God.  We need to be eager to grow and make a difference for Him.

It is a concept we see God desiring of everyone and demanding of His followers.

In Old Testament days you can see examples of many who were “on fire” – zealous for God.  David, Elijah, Hezekiah, and Josiah are just a few examples.  And because of their eagerness to live for God, God used the in mighty ways.

Then came John the Baptist.  When he referred to what Jesus was about to do, he told everyone that he baptized people with water, but Jesus was going to baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)

When Jesus began His church, He kept the imagery going.  The Holy Spirit invaded our world to dwell the hearts of Christians, and as Acts 2 tells us, He entered “like flames of fire.”

God wants, demands, and deserves us to be passionate for Him.  If you are not, it is because you are either cold or lukewarm.  Those who are cold cannot be passionate for God because they do not have the Holy Spirit through salvation.  Those who are lukewarm are not passionate for God because though they have asked Jesus to save them, they have allowed other things to take control of their heart.

I urge you to be “on fire.”  And for some, that means you must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  He is the only way to be saved.  Get in a good church and find out how – now – please.

For many of us, we need to stoke the fire.

Pray.  Talk to God, and listen to Him.

Read and meditate on God’s Word.  It is His message to us.

Serve God.  Life is not about what WE want or can get.  Life is about what we can do for Him.

Fellowship.  Build relationships with other Christians who can build you up.

Worship.  Actually worship.  Do not just go through the motions.

Share the hope.  Many do not know the hope that Jesus gives.

It may be cold outside, but I am urging us all to be “on fire.”

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question.  I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS.  He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads.  He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.

Feature Photo Created by Andy Oldham using Flatai