You know, we may not have been in the room on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out with supernatural power, but the moment we put our faith in Christ, He invaded our hearts with the same power and might. At that moment a fire was lit in us just like those early believers. John the Baptist said that the One coming would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). Here’s the thing, though… it takes work to keep that fire burning. The apostle Paul said that we need to “fan the flames” (2 Timothy 1:6). I’ve sat around many campfires singing Kumbaya. I do know that it takes work to keep the fire going. The same is true of the fire in us. In fact, Paul tells us not to stifle the Holy Spirit. In other words, don’t let His fire go out.
Sadly, many Christians have done just that. They should be walking in the power of the Holy Spirit; instead, they are walking in their own strength. Let me offer you several ways we can fan that flame so our fires burn really hot…
Becoming students of the Word of God! Without the Word of God becoming a part of our daily life, that fire will quickly go out. We need to study it and apply it. The Word of God is our shield and protector. God’s Word needs to take precedence over every other book, resource, or voice. We can never hear God speaking without His Word.
Having a persistent prayer life! Sometimes our prayer life can be on the go… praying as we move throughout the day. That’s a good thing, but we also need to take time away from the busyness to be alone with Jesus. Jesus demonstrated this beautifully as He was forever going off to a solidary place to be with His Father.
These two are the most important ways to fan those flames. When these things have taken precedence, then everything else will fall into place. Here are a few more ways to fan the flame… Be intentional about living rightly! Hence, living the way God says, putting into practice the mandates in Scripture. The Holy Spirit responds to right living. Using our gifts! We were given gifts at salvation… gifts distributed to us by the Holy Spirit. So, obviously He works in and through us when we’re using what He gave us. These gifts are to be used to build up the body of Christ and to encourage other believers. We are to use them well. And as we use them, they get stronger and better. And lastly, Acknowledge Him in everything! Don’t go ahead of Him but ask Him before you do anything… ask Him to help you, guide you, give you discernment and wisdom. He doesn’t get acknowledged enough.
Let’s not stifle the Holy Spirit, but fan those flames. Let’s be fire-driven believers… burning with the power that’s inside us. Hope this encourages you today.