What’s the difference between a match and a forest fire? They both:

• provide light
• give off heat
• consist of flame
• are a source of energy
• result in the same chemical reaction

The difference is that a match burns…but a forest fire consumes. So it is in our relationship with God. We can simply burn with a small light of love for our Creator -or- we can be consumed by an all-encompassing passion for Him. Both bring life…but the later brings life more abundantly.

I don’t know about you…but, I don’t want God to be a match in my life. I want Him to be a forest fire. I want Him to consume me in every possible way. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the only way to live.

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29 (NKJV)

Have you ever watched a child playing. They get so excited about the smallest things. And, they have such a knack for seeing hidden potential in the mundane. An old used box suddenly becomes a ship at sea or a race car. An overturned bucket is a drum. A dowel is the world’s fastest racing horse. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is useless. Nothing is old.

Imagine if we still viewed the world through the eyes of a child. Maybe we wouldn’t need 3 presses of the snooze button to get us to church on Sunday mornings. Maybe the people we see as nuisances or hindrances could instead be seen as untapped potential and friends in the making. Maybe our faith wouldn’t feel old but, instead, be made fresh with every passing moment. Maybe that’s what Jesus meant when he said,

“I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (GW)

Sometimes I think growing up is overrated. Yes, it is a natural part of life. It is inevitable. But, just because age is a necessary process, that does not mean that we are required to lose the innocence and wonder that we once had. Growing up does not mean we have to become jaded and cynical. It would seem to me, that growing up in our faith requires that we move backwards…the more we grow…the more like children we become. Think about that one.

I’ve been blogging for a while…but, quite honestly, have never really had a great focus for my blog. So…I stopped, prayed, sought wise council, meditated…and came to the conclusion that sometimes you just gotta start over. Sometimes you need something fresh, something new to stir the fires.

Isn’t it great to know that God gives us that freedom. We may spend years wandering aimlessly, with little to no focus. But, if we will just stop, seek His face and hear His voice…he will give us something fresh, something new that will stir up the flame of passion in our lives. He never gives up on us. If we will come to Him, He will wipe away our past and bring us back into focus.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)