{Part 1 from 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Pass it on}
Somedays I question why I walked into the kitchen? There must be some purpose. Your guess is as good as mine. But remembering song lyrics, word for word, from my camp days at Camp Cherith in Oscoda, Michigan–this is a superpower. Anyone share this power? Of course I totally have a song for you to remind you to “fan the flame.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
If you were a child in the 1970s, let’s see if you can remember this one.
It only takes a spark, to get a fire going,
and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
Do you know Pass It On? I picture Paul and Timothy sitting around a campfire singing, while Paul mentors Timothy with the wise words, “My son, you must always fan the flame.”
Besides reminiscing in song, I cling to this favorite passage as a lifeline on the days I need encouragement; just like Timothy needed encouragement in his calling from Paul. Timothy and me, two kids who grew up in the faith, prone to insecurity, not seeing the big picture and God’s sovereignty in directing our paths and purpose.
Had you told me just a few short years ago my story would point others to the hope and healing of Jesus, I would not have believed you–no way, no how. My flame was dimly lit. Dare I say, not even a spark. A bad attitude and depressed mood shouldn’t be fanned–just sayin’!
Spark Ignited
Shortly after I achieved my weight loss goals, I spent a weekend at a conference with this passage of scripture as the theme. I walked out of that conference with my soul on fire and a much deeper understanding of God’s overarching theme for believers.
I literally walked away from the conference with a packet of matches as a symbol. What happens when my match ignites in a matchbook? Oh, I get to share with you! Sparks, flames, a blazing bonfire of God’s love, power, and self-control. More on the spirit of love, power, and self-control next week, but this week my goal is in passing the flame to you.
Back to the song.
That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it.
You’ve spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.
Ready to Pass it on
Here’s some good news to share. He ignited my soul. The flame is hot and I must pass it on. It’s my reason for writing, and blogging, and speaking, and singing. The joy overflows and I invite you to come along yourself on your own joyful journey.
Jesus is ready to ignite your soul, too. Yes, you. He invites you to sit around this campfire with Him and allow Him to pass on this flame of passion. Of purpose. Of His plans for your life. There is so much joy, I promise.
Trust His Word! You are a unique child of God and He has a plan for you. What will you do with this spark? Is God lighting a little flame under you to get you to move? You may be in a season of waiting, but don’t miss it when He tells you to “Get Up!”
Share below how God is moving in your life right now–I’d love to see your flame.
Before you go, make sure to subscribe to The Joy Seeker Tribe. I’ll be back soon to share Part 2 of my love for this passage in 2 Timothy.
Be a Joy Seeker!
Christine
What I’m listening to this week (Pass It On, of course): Pass It On
Such truth that the flame has to be fanned – a campfire does not stay at its roaring state, you have to keep adding fuel. Yet, so many times we think we’ve done enough Bible reading, church attending, small group, volunteering/serving in the past that we’re good for a while – and then we end up wondering why we aren’t “warm” anymore?!?!
I love doing my daily Bible reading and chatting with God throughout the day – someday I hope I’m a bonfire for God! But I’ll just keep fanning until I get there!
Hi Jenn,
Thank you for reading and commenting! Such an excellent perspective on the warmth. Let’s not be chilly. Teehee!
You are more than a bonfire. You are a force to be reckoned with (think forest fire 😉 ) and I’m blessed to call you a friend and a mentor (you can be my Paul, okay?).
Blessings and Joy,
Christine
I am being reminded to trust His timing and to remember no matter what He is in control and that is good good news! Thank you for fanning the flame. It spreads like wildfire!
Hi Christina,
Thanks for reading and commenting! He absolutely is a good, good Father with good, good news. His timing is everything.
Blessings and Joy,
Christine
Hey, I love the song Pass It On!
For your encouragement, I keep my matchbox in my purse as a reminder to pray for the names I put in there. As it turns out one of the names is my coworker, who was not my coworker at the time! I must be influencing her at times. She’s a tough nut tho! LOL!
And I was blessed by the other person when she shared her heart about how the love my hubby & I share had rubbed off on my son-and she was able to learn to love herself because of his influence & love for her!! I still cry when I think of her! She is very dear to me!
Well, thought you’d like to hear my ‘fan the flame’ story!!!
Hah, isn’t that funny about the song. Now I can’t get it out of my head.
I LOVE that you still have the matchbook and pray for those two names. Keep praying for the tough nut, you are fanning a good flame there, my friend. That other person…what a beautiful story. God is so good.
I still have it around here somewhere, but I definitely know the two names I pray for all the time.
I am so thankful you shared your “fan the flame” story with me. Thank you, dear friend. I hope to see you soon.
Blessings and Joy,
Christine
Right now in the midst of putting my life to words on paper (well Microsoft word LOL) I have been drawn to reading about others life stories. Reading others stories keeps me motivated to keep writing mine.
Hi Teresa,
YESSSSSSS!!! Success stories are my number one motivator, too, to reach my personal goals. Good way to “fan the flame” for your own bonfire.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Blessings and Joy,
Christine