Are You Fired Up For Jesus?

O. T. #1897 "Are You Fired Up For Jesus?"

March 9, 2021

Ezekiel 20-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Exekiel was exasperated and discouraged. No one wanted to listen to what he had to say. No matter how important our work or how significant our ministry, we have moments of discouragement. What has been discouraging you? Have you felt like giving up? Instead, continue doing what God has told you to do. He promises to reward the faithful (Mark 13:13). God's cure for discouragement may be another assignment. In serving others, we may find the renewal we need.(Life Application Study Bible)

Life simply is full of curves. Sometimes the curves threaten to overwhelm me in their sharpness. The greatest seat belt that helps to ensure my survival is that profound and simple truth: Jesus loves me. (by Marilyn Meberg, The Joyful Journey)

Each morning, slam the door on despair. If you don't, it will slip in and rob you. And you'll soon find a peace missing. (Day by Day with Charles Swindoll)

The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I love you for who you are, not for what you do. (Sarah Young writes as Jesus is speaking, in her devotional, Jesus Calling)

Here is a verse that came to me twice this past weekend, and I desperately needed it. Perhaps you can use it, too.

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

LET IT GROW

A fire is hot, burns, flames, and destroys. It also cleanses impurities.

In verses 45-49, we read of the fire of judgment that would release Judah. The Babylonians would come with a destructive fire in Judah and Jerusalem. Their forests were destroyed. I think it was because the Jews worshiped idols placed under trees. The land that once flowed with milk and honey does not have enough water there. However, God is not through with these people or with that land. The wicked people were destroyed and a remnant was saved and scattered. Hebrews 12:29 tells us that our God is a consuming fire.

So I looked up in Webster's Dictionary, fire has several meanings, of which can apply to us: to give life or spirit to, inspire; to fill with passion or enthusiasm-often used with "up"; to cause to start operating; to be filled with excitement or enthusiasm.

Are we fired up for Jesus? Does His love and faithfulness toward us inspire us? Are we allowing Jesus to fill us with passion or enthusiasm or excitement?

Fill us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

LET IT GO

May we not miss out on all Jesus has for us.

Fire us up, Jesus, so we share what good things You do for us and in us.

Keep us on fire for You, Jesus, and passionate about the kingdom work You have called us to do.