OUR DAILY BREAD : KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

[cimi]

August 12
Sunday

READ:
Romans 12:9-21
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[Be] fervent in spirit.
__Romans 12:11
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Modern furnaces have taken the work out of keeping warm in cold climates. We simply set the timer on the thermostat, and the house is warm when we get up in the morning. But in former days, fire was carefully tended and fuel supplies were closely monitored. Running out could be deadly.

The same is true spiritually. If we think our "spiritual fire" can be ignited as easily as a modern furnace, we risk losing our fervor for the Lord.

In ancient Israel, the priests were instructed not to let the fire on the altar go out (Lev. 6:9,12_13). This riquired a lot of work, not the least of which was collecting firewood in a land not known for its dense forests. Some scholars see the fire on the altar as a symbol for the flame of our devotion for the Lord. Spiritual passion is not something to be treated lightly or taken for granted. It will grow cold if we fail to keep it supplied with fuel.

The apostle Paul addressed the subject of spiritual fervor in his letter to the Romans (12:1-2,11). To keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our fuel supply with hope, patience, steadfast prayer, generosity, hospitality, and humility (vv.11-16). __Julie Ackerman Link
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~O God, my heart is the altar~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~And my love for you is the flame;~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~I'll keep the fire burning for You, Lord,~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~And I will rejoice in Your name. __Hess~~~~~~~~~~~
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Our love for Jesus is the key to spiritual passion.

***************Today's Bible Reading __ Romans 12:9-21**********

9 Let love be without
hypocrisy. Abhor what is
evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly
love, in honor giving
preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord; 12 rejoicing in
hope, patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in
prayer; 13 distributing to the
needs of the saints, given to
hospitality.
14 Bless those who
persecute you; bless and
do not curse. 15 Rejoice
with those who rejoice, and
weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind
toward one another, Do
not set your mind on high
things, but associate with
the humble. Do not be wise
in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good
things in the sight of all
men. 18 If it is possible, as
much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge
yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is
written, "Vengeance is
Mine, I will repay," says the
Lord. 20 Therefore "If your
enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a
drink; for in so doing you
will heap coals of fire on
his head."
21 Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with
good.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Paul wrote, "I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you
through the laying on of my hands" (2 Tim. 1:6). The term translated
"stir up" literally means "keep at full flame." God the Holy Spirit
empowers our spiritual gifts through use, not neglect (1 Peter 4:11).
As we serve in His anointing and strength, we bless others and
ourselves. __HDF

[Mackenaw]

19 Beloved, do not avenge
yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is
written, "Vengeance is
Mine, I will repay," says the
Lord.

...but rather give place to wrath... hmmmmm, give place to wrath. Where is this place? THERE!!! The place of provision from God, on bended knee, in the blessed name of Jesus. His provision is forgiveness born out of love from Love Himself, Jesus. Wooooooohooooooo!

I hear music. Take me to the river, wash me in the water ...

I'z be liken this'n.

God's blessings to you,
Sister Mack

[cimi]

I was thinking the same thing myself. About the "give place to wrath", bit.