Am I Ignitable?

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 

I hope you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday! What a beautiful day to celebrate the most amazing sacrifice anyone ever made for us. My Redeemer lives!

Since I’m traveling this week, I decided to share some thoughts from previous post-Easter posts. Please read all the way to the end, as I’m also sharing a medical update from a young mother we’ve been praying for.  

Last week, Christians blogged, Facebooked, and tweeted Scripture, songs, poems, and thoughts on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. On Easter morning, we reverently and enthusiastically worshipped, then hurried to family dinners, afternoon egg hunts, and of course—after-dinner naps.  

Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday is easy. As the sun set on Easter, I wondered where our hearts would be Monday morning in the wake of leftover ham, half-eaten candy baskets, and wrinkled church clothes tossed in the laundry.  

Over two thousand years ago, on Easter Monday, Christ returned to work—His father’s work. He forgave Peter and then instructed him to “feed my sheep.” Among Jesus’ other activities was the Great Commission given to the eleven disciples.  

We are His disciples now—with the Bible and Holy Spirit to instruct us.  

"He makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. But flame is transient, often short lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul-short life? Make me thy fuel, Flame of God." Jim Elliot (martyred missionary) 

Celebrating Christ’s resurrection revitalized me, as I’m sure it did many Christians. Beyond that, it’s a reminder of my rebirth each time I enter into God’s presence. Yet, as I grow deeper in my spiritual journey, I’m cognizant of the necessary steps to stay aflame. 

If my flame gets diminished during dark moments, when I feel less enthusiasm or challenged beyond my human abilities, saturation with the Spirit’s oil through Bible study and prayer is the only hope for my flame burning brightly beyond Christian celebrations. 

As we go to the Lord in prayer this week for each other’s needs, consider the condition of your flame and how it impacts those around you. 

Please join me in prayer for Christians suffering persecution around the world. Their work (and our work) carries Christ’s resurrection and hope to the lost.

Though I don’t pray scripted prayers often, this simple one written by Jim Elliot has resonated with me through the years. Perhaps it will with you, too. 

"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." 

If you have a prayer need, I’ve love to hear from you. Please leave your requests in the comments section below. You may also comment anonymously, if you’d like, or e-mail me confidential requests. Several folks on our prayer list are battling cancer or dealing with family crises. Would you take a moment to lift them up in prayer? Thanks. 

We’ve been praying for Courtney, a young mother battling brain cancer. Last week she had her routine follow-up tests. Here’s the report from her family: 

Update from Duke: The preliminary results of the PET scan and MRI showed no active tumor... We will get final confirmation later today or tomorrow morning from radiologist. Once final report received, Courtney will get to go off one chemo and will be able to move Avastin to every 3 weeks instead of every 2 that it is now. The goal is to eliminate all chemo in 6 months provided all MRI's are still good! We are so thankful and excited for Courtney! She continues to amaze us all! Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts!!!

God bless,

Laura J

©Laura Hodges Poole