My heart is on fire. Is your heart on fire for Him and for His glory?

sermonindex Nov 19, 2005

My heart is on fire. Is your heart on fire for Him and for His glory?-In the power of this new enthusiasm, the disciples of Jesus went forth as burning and shining lights. The spirit of cold obedience was kindled into a passion for righteousness, and the slavish sense of duty burst into an eager flame of devotion. An all-pervasive zeal possessed them, a burning desire for God, and a yearning pity for mankind. Pentecost put passion, fervor, and abandon into their lives, not rant nor noise, but the white heat of holy enthusiasm. It made them heroic and absolutely dead to the opinions of men. It made them willing, even eager, to be counted fools or fanatics for Christ. It is the transition from formalism to fervor that marks the miracle of Pentecost in this aspect. " I have no further desire," said the Little Flower of Carmel, " except to love Jesus even unto folly." The Lord of love rejoiced to hear her say it. So few say it (and mean it).-Fenelon's inquiry is a word we should heed: "What would a king say to the subject, or a master to the servant, who was afraid of seeming over-zealous in his service, and was ashamed of being publicly known as faithful? How much rather will the King of Kings judge us who do the like? There is but one way of loving God, which knows no bargaining with Him, but accepts His every inspiration with a free and generous heart . . . He cannot suffer the cowardly souls which say to themselves 'Thus far will I go, but no further' . . . Woe to the timid, cowardly souls who are divided between God and the world! They will and they will not; they are torn asunder both by passion and remorse; they fear both the judgment of God and that of man; they are frightened of what is evil and ashamed of what is good." - J.I.Brice (Pentacost-On Fire For Jesus)this is from chanin's xanga blog, it really blessed me! Oh for a heart on fire for Jesus... Lord consume me.http://www.xanga.com/More_of_Him

sermonindex Nov 21, 2005

'Thus far will I go, but no further' . . . Woe to the timid, cowardly souls who are divided between God and the world! They will and they will not; they are torn asunder both by passion and remorse; they fear both the judgment of God and that of man; they are frightened of what is evil and ashamed of what is good." - J.I.Brice (Pentacost-On Fire For Jesus)This quote really hit me. Oh for the people of God to be in love with the "things" of God and not vacelating between 2 opions! Why do we hold on? Why not go all the way? "they are frightened of what is evil and ashamed of what is good" :-o Lord help us.

moreofHim Nov 21, 2005

Greg, thank you for posting this. I wanted to post something from Arielle's xanga because I think it continues this wonderful thought about 'hearts on fire'. I am so blessed to be living in a home where there is more than just one person who's heart is on fire for the Lord. As you can see from her thoughtful writing, I am in wonderful company :-) and we can spur each other on for the Lord.In Him, Chanin++++how i need Jesus.i do not want to breath one more breath without Him. i do not want to take one more step without Him guiding my every way. i do not want another word to come from my lips without His guidance. i desire nothing more than to be with Him in His sweet presence as He speaks so gently.i cannot go on without Him continually changing me and growing me in my faith. He has said:"be holy as I am holy." (1 peter 1:16)yet, i see how infinately far i am from such a place. i am far from not caring what the world thinks about me. i am far beyond measure of what He, the Sovereign King, really deserves from me!however, in Him:there is hope.it is the hope that is in Christ that keeps me moving. moving towards all that He has for me and all that is in this journey He has written for my life. it is this beautiful Hope that can free me from my sins and pride. it is this Hope whom all can come to and lay down their desires, burdens, and their old ways. and and it is this Hope...it is Jesus, who can satisfy my every need.there is joy."You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and wine abound." psalm 4:7there is His joy that allows His children to be a bright light in a dark world. it is His joy that fills me with a sense of being and knowing my Savior personally. as a Child of Him, i am called to be a "city on a hill" and He has given His joy that i might do such a thing.there is love."give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever." psalm 106:1what greater love do we have than Christ Himself? when all of the world fails, i know that the love of Christ will never leave me. has He ever left one of His children on His own? think of the shepard who had a flock of 100 sheep. one had gone astray and yet, the shepard left the 99 sheep to go and save the one that was missing. it is this kind of precious love that the Lord gives to His children. there is peace."and the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." philippians 4:7the peace of Jesus is more favorable than all wordly pleasures. even in the worst of times, His peace comforts like no other. when the world around us seems to be a complete mess, sitting at His feet brings me to the place where i know i am supposed to be. the place where i know that He will still and quiet my soul. Lord, change me and allow me to die to my old ways. satisfy me and be Lord of all in my life. i put away my hypocritical ways and press on to find a true and simple faith in You. "as the deer panteth for the water, so my south longeth after Thee." psalm 42:1... so my soul longeth after Thee.www.xanga.com/humble1