Friday, October 26, 2012

The Fire is Burning Again!


It’s been a while since I’ve posted on this blog.  I was reminded of that recently, and nudged by the Lord to get back at it!  Some times life brings great challenges.  For me these have included my sister being diagnosed with brain cancer, and my mother – a widow of 32 years – breaking her hip at the age of 85. 

In the midst of it all God is working and He has the big plan!  I’m so thankful for family, friends, and the family of God.  I’m thankful for the privilege to serve the Lord.  I’m grateful for the Lord’s faithfulness and for His awesome power.  While it has been a year of challenges, there have also been some wonderful celebrations.  Our first grandchild was born and we love her dearly.  Our third child (no longer a child!) graduated from college.  Another wedding is in the plans in the Aubrey family and in many ways life is good. 

Paul wrote to Timothy and said – ‘Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.’  2 Timothy 1:6.  Fires die down and sometimes fires blaze.  The saddest thing would be for a fire to go out unnecessarily or unintentionally.  This verse speaks of the responsibility of the person to keep ablaze the gift of God.  Spend time in the word, in prayer, serving the Lord, staying healthy and embracing and enjoying the Lord and the life He has given us!

I was reminded at the Southern Baptist Convention this year through the preaching of Pastor Don Wilton that as a pastor I need to fight like a soldier, run like an athlete and work like a farmer.  All three of those statements resonated profoundly with me.  I cherish the memory and embrace the challenge again today.  I encourage you to do the same.  I feel like my fire is burning again.  My prayer is that yours will also!

Bruce

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