Stoke that Fire!

There are many things I have learned this winter regarding warmth, fire, wood, and kindling. One of them is the idea of stoking the fire. I had heard the term and knew it involved moving things around with the poker that comes in the fireplace utensil kit.

I did not know, however, the importance of the stoking to keep the fire going. There can be nice hot coals under a smoldering log and, without the proper air flow, there are no flames and not a whole lot of heat. The poker is now my favorite tool--- I use it to make seemingly barely lit logs that have been on the fire for a while turn into a heap of beautiful coals. I bust those logs up with the poker and pile up the coals in the middle of the stove. I can then place a new log on the coals. I leave the stove door cracked to get some good air flow. Within seconds, the new log will burst into flames. I then close the door and let it burn until it too seems to be out and then poke again.

There are days when I feel like the old burnt log. I am smoldering but not really hot. I feel suffocated by the meanness and manipulation that surrounds us. I need a good poke to keep me alive. Then I can become aware of my purpose and can get some air to fuel my fire. I am thankful that the Word of God is that poker in my life. He reminds me of His truths and of His unchanging character. People around us are filled with ill intent and hopeless self-pity and blame, but He does not change like shifting shadows. I am encouraged to not let my fire burn out. Life is hard and people are cruel, but there is a steadfastness in God alone, and He is the flame that keeps the fire going.

So, I will keep the fire burning in my home on this very cold Colorado morning, and I will trust the Lord to keep the fire of faith in my heart. Stoking is a necessary part of the process. May we stir each other up for good in our day to day lives. Keep the fire going. This world is a cold place.

Isaiah 6:5-7 " "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said," See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sins atoned for."