A Zeal For The Lord

II Corinthians 9:2 “Your zeal has stirred up most of them.”

 
     Recently I heard the expression used about someone that they are “on fire for the Lord.” Pondering this thought and desiring a specific answer, I posted the following question to my Facebook friends: What does it mean to be “on fire for the Lord?”
 I received two responses that I believe are worth sharing.  In this day and age of spiritual dryness, may you find fresh encouragement from the following :
 
“Men ablaze are invincible. Hell trembles when men kindle.” –Samuel Chadwick
“I think most people mean zealous when they use this phrase. The root word for zealous means to boil, be hot or glow. Of course, the motive for being zealous is important. Too many people are busy doing the “things of the Lord” because they covet the praise of men.”
 
“We have lately read of forests on fire. What a sight! Hear how the mighty trees are crashing in the flame! What can stand against it! The fire sets the mountains on blaze. What a smoke blackens the skies– it grows dark at noon!……As hill after hill offers up its sacrifice, the timid imagine that the great Day of the Lord has come. If we could see a spiritual conflagration of equal grandeur it were a consummation devoutly to be wished! O God, send us Your Holy Spirit in this fashion–give us both the breath of spiritual life and the fire of unconquerable zeal–till nation after nation shall yield to the sway of Jesus!” C H Spurgeon
 
Following these wonderful quotes, I pursued the matter further by posing another question:  What specific way/ways does this “Fire” manifest itself in living our everyday lives?  I received the following three responses :
 
“Wake up in the morning thinking, “Wow, the Lord has given me another day.” and “I wonder what the Lord, my Shepherd, wants me to do today?” Then reaching for the Word, asking, “Can you speak to me through your Word today, Lord?’ Then, in everything you do in Word or deed for the rest of the day, do it all in the name of the Lord. From brushing your teeth to drinking your coffee, pray without ceasing, communing with the Lord. Be curious every step of the day, “Is there someone I can tell about our wonderful Jesus at this moment?” Treasure the Lord Jesus above all else laying up treasure in Heaven: As you proceed through the day, forget what lies behind. With Jesus as your redeemer, live in joy remembering your sins are forgiven and you are created to worship. Forgive others continually and immediately, remembering you have been forgiven. Never ever think, “I’ve done enough for the Lord, it’s Me time.”
 
“To be on fire for Christ in one way means to be in intimate fellowship with our Lord. The church at Ephesus had faith, patience, good works, and discernment, but they had left their first love.  The church at Laodica was charged with being lukewarm, not hot, because they were not supping with Christ. I understand that to mean close, intimate, very personal continued communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord. That comes by the ministry of the Holy Ghost. So it is vital that we do not grieve, nor quench the Spirit.  I find this to be an ongoing part of the Christian warfare.”
 
“I think of it as having Him before all other thoughts, rejoicing in Him throughout the day, living, breathing, walking in thanksgiving to Him, Praising Him outloud, pointing others to Him, praying continually and continually surrendering to Him.‎…and of course reading His word every day!”
 
The Better Way: A Zeal For The Lord Comes From A Daily Personal Relationship With Him.
 
Read also: Spiritual Dryness
 
 
 
 
 

About Gail Slawson

I am a 74 year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. After 54 years of marriage, my husband and I have been richly blessed with 4 wonderful children and their wonderful mates and 19 precious grandchildren, five of whom are already with the Lord and 5 great-grandchildren. My husband and I are busy retirees and reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where we serve the Lord Jesus Christ through Bible Studies, as mentors in our church and telling others about Him "as we go." Mark 16:15
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