Good Morning Pastor!
Six months ago today terrorist struck the World Trade Center in New York city. I am writing this in the exact time when the first tower was hit. America was changed forever. It brought a nation it grips with its own mortality. It drew people to the church. Suddenly pray and talking in public about God became commonplace. Historically, however, these kinds of spiritual resurrections are rare and short lived. Will America be spiritually changed and challenged for the long run? Only if the churches keep the revival fires burning.
As a pastor, I know it is difficult to keep the passion for God constant among your people. In reality, if you are preaching the gospel, the matter becomes an issue between God and each member of your congregation. Sometimes the fire of the Spirit may seem to be just a flicker and at other times it will be wildfire almost running out of control. I know some of you may be saying, “Wildfire, when was that?” But I assure you that if you continue to be faithful to your pulpit the wildfires will come. It may not sweep the entire congregation but it will burn in some and may likely start with one.
However, be careful. Some “mature Christians,” including pastors, have a tendency to squelch the person who the wildfires of God begin to burn. Someone once said, “When people become a new Christian they can be so wild and out of control we should lock them in a closet for six months until they mature.” How wrong could we be! It is that very spirit that the church so needs that brings life to the congregation and spreads the wildfire throughout the congregation. So why isn’t this happening in some churches? Because we are seeing very little if any conversions in our churches, including our youth groups and Sunday Schools.
So pastor, this morning be of good cheer. If you have someone who has been touched of God and is burning with passion for the Lord, encourage them, guide them, pray for them but don’t try to squelch their spirit. Remember, a little wild fire is always better than no fire!
In His Delight,
Lyn Sahr
Prov. 3:13
