Embrace the Word – January 2023
Hello, Sparrow’s Song family! Happy New Year!
I love the New Year because so many of us are setting goals, strategically planning, and fixing our eyes on things to make us better. The truth is January 1st is not a phenomenon. There is nothing special about the day that causes you to change. If you want to change, you have to make it happen. It won’t just happen.
This time reminds me of Paul’s words to young Pastor Timothy. Paul reminded Timothy to, fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6)
“Fan into flame”. . . these words indicate action. Being on fire for God doesn’t just happen coincidentally. It takes a conscious effort to keep the fire burning.
It was the same for the Old Testament priest who attended the altar of sacrifice. Among the instructions given to the priest was, “A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out” (Leviticus 6:13). Today, we are a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9), and we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). It is just as essential to keep the fire burning on the altar of our hearts.
When a roaring fire has become smoldering, we must fan that smoldering fire into flames.
When a once infectious zeal has become lethargic, we must fan that fire into flames.
When a once enthusiastic faith becomes dull, we must fan that fire into flames.
When stuck in the same spiritual place for some time, we must fan that fire into flames.
We ALL face times like these when your flame, though still lit, seems more like a flicker. It is crucial to fan those flickers back into flames and be on fire for God. We must serve God with enthusiasm, vitality, and a burning passion to see His kingdom come on earth.
The Embrace the Word Theme this month is Ignite Faith; On Fire For God!
We are going to IGNITE our faith through God’s Word.
This Month we will focus on passages that will IGNITE our faith:
Be On Fire: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthews 5:16).
Be Bold and Unashamed: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Be Devoted: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Be Holy: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Be His: “Let your heart therefore be loyal to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day” 1 Kings 8:61.
Each week, we will dive into each of these IGNITE faith topics to see how God’s Word can set our hearts ablaze again. If your fire needs some fanning, or if you or a friend need a refresh or a jump start, join us as we Embrace the Word!
I also want to inspire us all to IGNITE our daily devotional time. Look for practical tips and strategies to IGNITE your daily devotional throughout January. Let’s start by doing a self-check! Check out the Devotional Time Self Assessment attached to this email. It is designed for us all to take an honest look at our devotional time and inform us of areas that need improvement.
Let’s go, and let our hearts be fully on fire for God! As always, I’d love to hear from YOU! Connect with me for prayer and encouragement or if you’d like to collaborate in ministry. You can join us in the Sparrow’s Song Facebook Group here, follow us on Instagram, or reply to this email address.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13