The enemy may come against your family in many different ways. The Holy Spirit will give the wisdom you need to be successful in protecting your family with spiritual fire.
“I have made Fire!”
That’s probably my favorite line and scene from the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks. If you are familiar with the movie you know it’s a crucial moment. He is ecstatic. He dances around the huge blaze because he knows fire is a vital part of his survival.
Fire is also a vital part of our spiritual survival as well as the survival of our families.
Of course I’m not talking about physical fire. We have gas and electricity at the push of a button that helps take care of our physical needs. I’m talking about SPIRITUAL FIRE! Far too many families fall away from God and suffer the consequences because they lack Fire.
Some reason why we need fire?
- Gives off warmth in cold environments
- Provides a way to purify water
- Helps keep pest and dangerous animals at a distance
- Can be a signal for help
- Necessary for cooking food
- Brings comfort
Five important spiritual applications from these survival necessities.
1. Keeping warm in cold environments
I’m quite sure we all realize that we live in a very cold world spiritually speaking. We need to make sure that our homes are the opposite. Our family needs to have a place where they are safe and warm. A place where love is the prevailing characteristic. A home that has a fire and zeal for God is a home where the fruits of His spirit exist and thrive, especially love.
2. Giving you a way to purify water
One of the most dangerous threats to survival in the wilderness is parasites. Those small creatures can sneak into our lives unobserved and wreak havoc. Our enemy loves to send in his parasites that feed off our weaknesses and stir up trouble. These little annoyances can cause great damage.
A fire for God will lead us to His Word which purifies the mind and gives discernment in hearing God’s voice.
Spiritual fire will help us get rid of the impurities that plague us and our families.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
3. Keeping pests and animals away
From mosquitoes to lions a fire protects and keeps at bay those things that seek to annoy, discourage and even destroy us. A bright fire not only scares “critters” but it allows us to see them so that we can be alert to possible dangers. I’ve read that in lion country travelers will build a protective hedge around their camp and keep a large fire burning in the center of the area.
We need to make sure to keep our spiritual fire burning bright and pray a hedge around our family.
The Bible says that Satan is like a prowling lion looking for someone to devour.
A roaring fire in our hearts and homes will protect our marriages and our children.
4. Cooking Food
The Lord’s Prayer says, “Give us this day our daily bread”. This bread is both spiritual and physical food. Often Christians fill up on spiritual junk food instead of the spiritual food we need to be healthy. Things like TV, movies, video games and even secular music may not be harmful to our spiritual health when used with moderation. We must, however, make sure we are consuming good food.
Bible reading and meditation, Bible teaching, prayer and praise are the foods that will help us be our spiritually speaking.
A good fire will help in the preparation, consumption and desire for good spiritual food.
5. Comfort
Lastly, a healthy fire for the Lord and His will should provide a place that is Holy Spirit friendly. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter.
If our hearts and homes are havens for His presence, we should immediately feel His peace and comfort as we enter our home.
How awesome would it be for our children to know that in a world full of stress, home is a place of peace, comfort and love.
Wrapping Up
All this talk of fire has made my eyes watery and I’m sweating. I know it’s not the smoke but the knowledge that my home fire isn’t burning like it should be. I take full responsibility. As the man of the house I should be the spiritual leader, the fire starter and tender. If you are looking for someone who is perfect and has this fatherhood thing completely figured out then I’m not your guy. But if you are looking for a friend to learn with you and hopefully encourage you then come along with me.
Let’s burn for our God together for His glory and for our families.
David
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