Saturday, February 18, 2006

Fired Up And Frozen

Brrr!

What a day. Traveling across town in the bitter cold, with the wind whipping around tiny specks of frozen rain, anxious to hear words of encouragement. Off we went, my hubby and me, to listen to a seminar on workplace ministry...we figured the weather would improve as we were nestled in our chairs listening to the message...but unfortunately, we were wrong.

The morning was interesting to say the least, and it was great as always to have time spent sitting next to my soulmate, but I have to tell you the whole dynamic of the day went far beyond the seminar to me. The words of the speaker were great, the content was fine, but the weather and the message seemed to be in a dance in my mind the whole time.

Here we were, listening to information that inspired, and a video clip at the end that stirred the heart of all who search for the heart of God...we were huddled with dozens of other listeners, and collectively we were fired up for God! Have you ever been fired up for God? It is a wonderful state that we all should experience on a daily basis. But just as that moment of inspiration was impacted by a return to the elements outside, sometimes the daily life of things seems to zap that energy out of our faith walk with a brisk whip of the wind.

With that in mind, picture the scene as we left the building, ready to hurry over to our son's basketball game. We went from the cozy room of inspiration out into the cold harsh weather. We were instantly changing from being fired up to frozen! That wind was still stirring up the flakes and drops as they fell to the earth, and we were clutching our coats, with our brisk paces to the car showing the world our dislike for the artic blast.

Once safely in the greenhouse of our car, with the engine humming and the heater running, I saw a glimpse of a side of spiritual warfare I had not ever really stopped to reflect on before.

Fired up and frozen.

How simple, yet, with frozen, tingling finger tips, it became so real. We were fired up for God, but frozen...how many times does our excitement and passion for ministry become frozen as a result of a blast from the enemy? How many times do we feel so intensely warm about the things of God, only to have some sort of discouragement or distraction come along and pop our bubble? We have to remember to put our spiritual jacket and gloves on, and we have to run for those greenhouse environments that will keep us warm and protect us from the cold blasts that will destroy us. We have to put on the armor of God, nestle safely under the protection of His wings, and cry out in praise that He is with us and will sustain us. It is only when HIS name is the only name on our lips that He is honored and receives praise.

Praise Him all people - and all nations - praise His holy name!

Much love in Christ,

JD

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