Keep the Fire Burning

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, suddenly stopped coming to church. After a few weeks, the Pastor decided to visit. The Pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for his Pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the Pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and lifeless.

The Pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave, he slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the Pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

A pearl to string: Oh my goodness that story brought tears to my eyes.  I don't want to see anybody out there on their own flickering then turning cold and lifeless.  We all need that flame of love to light our way.  If you are lonely and blue go join others and help somebody.... love one another.... care for each other.  One of the sweetest ministries' our church does is drawing in the homeless to serve the community around them. Their countenance just beams.... yes! A thousand times yes!  Each person on earth is in God's plan for His love. And we can give that love  to one another.

We live in a world today which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen.  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  ~ Matthew 5:16

Spread His love and keep your fire burning

You are loved,

               Lyndi