Tag Archives: Spiritual Gifts

Advent, Faith, Spiritual

Fan the flame of God’s gift

In this season of Advent, we remember the coming of Christ—His first arrival as a child and the promise of His return as King. This is a season of reflection, hope, and expectation. But it is also a season of action—a time to rekindle the fire of God’s purpose within us and fan the flame of God’s gift.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21, he said: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” In the same way, the Holy Spirit has planted a purpose, a calling, and gifts within you. Like Joseph, we must reject fear and embrace what God has conceived in us.

The Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy provide an urgent reminder: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you… For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 AMP). Paul recognized that fear and intimidation can weaken even the strongest believers, reducing their passion to mere embers. But he also knew the truth: God’s power and presence are always available to stir the fire within us.

Do Not Let the Flame Die

There are seasons in life when the flame of God’s calling feels weak—times when fear, weariness, and discouragement threaten to silence the gifts God has placed in us. Perhaps you feel like the embers of your faith are barely glowing. But hear this: The fire is not gone. It only needs to be stirred.

Paul’s instruction to “fan into flame” is both a command and a promise. You have a role to play in reviving the fire within you. Like a flame that requires oxygen and fuel, the gifts of God need to be nurtured with prayer, time in His Word, and faith-filled action. Advent calls us to this very work: to prepare our hearts, renew our strength, and reignite our passion for His purpose.

God’s Work in You Mirrors His Advent Promise

Advent teaches us that God works in ways we do not always see or understand. The child conceived in Mary was not an ordinary child, and the work He does within you is not ordinary either. As the angel declared, “Do not be afraid… for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In the same way, what God has begun in you is of Him.

God has given you gifts to share with the world, a light to shine in dark places. Jesus Himself says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). Your gifts are not small, and your calling is not insignificant. This world needs what God has placed within you.

Practical Steps to Fan the Flame

1. Return to the Word of God

God’s Word is the fuel for your spiritual fire. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 AMP). Spend time daily in Scripture, allowing His truth to renew your mind and ignite your faith.

2. Pray and Invite the Holy Spirit to Move

The Holy Spirit is the fire within you. Just as He filled the early church with boldness and power, He is ready to refresh and empower you. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 AMP).

3. Reject Fear and Discouragement

Fear is the enemy’s tool to silence your calling. Yet God has declared, “The righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1 AMP). Refuse to let intimidation steal your purpose. Declare His promises and walk in His strength.

4. Share Your Light with Others

The gifts God has given you are meant to bless others and glorify Him. Jesus calls us to action: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 AMP).

A Call to Action

Beloved, now is not the time to let your fire grow cold. The same Spirit who spoke to Joseph, who empowered Mary, and who filled Timothy with boldness, dwells within you. Fan into flame the gift of God. Blow upon the embers of your faith with prayer, surrender, and obedience. God has placed His light within you—do not let fear or weariness diminish it.

The Advent message is one of hope and preparation. Christ has come to bring life, light, and salvation, and He has called you to carry that light to the world. The gifts He has placed in you are not for you alone; they are for a world desperate for His truth and love.

A Prayer to Fan the Flame

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gifts You have placed within me. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear, doubt, or discouragement to weaken my passion for Your purpose. I ask You now to fan into flame the gifts You have given me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to walk boldly in Your calling. Let my life shine brightly for Your glory, reflecting the hope of Christ to those around me.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

A Decree for Advent

We decree that the gifts of God within us are stirred afresh. Fear is broken, boldness arises, and the fire of the Holy Spirit burns brightly in us.

This Advent, fan the flame. Christ has come, and He is coming again. Let your life burn for Him.

See Also

Spiritual

Are You Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace?

Beloved, have you considered how deeply God has equipped you for His purposes? Living in the fullness of God’s grace means recognizing the Scripture filled with testimonies of His power to transform, enrich, and empower His people. In 1 Corinthians 1:5-7, the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are “exceedingly enriched in Him, in all speech and in all knowledge” and that “you are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” This grace is not theoretical—it is active, practical, and transformative. The question remains: Are you using the gifts God has poured into your life?

God’s Power in Speech and Knowledge

When God called Moses, He reminded him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11). God is the One who empowers our speech and understanding. Just as He touched Daniel’s lips, enabling him to speak (Daniel 10:16), and opened Zechariah’s mouth to proclaim His glory (Luke 1:64), He has given you the ability to declare His truth boldly. This is part of living in the fullness of God’s grace. Will you speak as the Spirit leads, trusting His words to flow through you?

The early church understood this. At Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Peter, who once denied Christ in fear, stood boldly and proclaimed the gospel because the Spirit empowered him (Acts 4:31). Just as Joel prophesied, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17), God has poured His Spirit into you to proclaim His greatness. This is the essence of living in the fullness of God’s grace.

The Call to Excellence in Faith and Action

Paul challenges us to excel in every grace, including speech, knowledge, and love (2 Corinthians 8:7). These gifts are not for personal glory but to reflect the glory of God. Jeremiah understood this when God said, “If you return, I will restore you—before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19). God refines and empowers those who faithfully obey.

Isaiah declared, “Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:6). This is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who trust in Christ. When you open your mouth, God gives you “a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” (Luke 21:15). Will you trust Him to speak through you and embrace living in the fullness of God’s grace?

The Invitation to Walk in the Spirit

To live in God’s fullness, you must eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). Pray for opportunities to share His Word and for boldness to speak the truth. Paul himself prayed, “Pray also for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). When you align yourself with God’s will, He will open doors for His message to be shared (Colossians 4:3).

The psalmist said, “They will overflow [like a fountain] with the fame of Your abundant goodness and will sing aloud of Your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7). Beloved, this is your calling—to overflow with the goodness of God by living in the fullness of God’s grace, to speak boldly, and to act faithfully.

A Challenge to Act

Today, I challenge you to:

  1. Pray for boldness to use your gifts in speech and action.
  2. Meditate on God’s Word and seek His wisdom, just as the Spirit gave insight to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:27).
  3. Speak courageously, knowing that God’s power works through you (Acts 10:34).

God is faithful, and He has called you into fellowship with His Son (1 Corinthians 1:9). You lack nothing in Christ. So, step into His grace, trust His Spirit, and commit to living in the fullness of God’s grace and for His glory. The time is now to let His light shine through you. Will you rise to the challenge? Speak, act, and trust that He will sustain you to the end!

See Also

Faith

The Everlasting Blessing of God

Beloved, behold the immeasurable love of God, who gives richly to His children both in this life and the life to come. Even now, His blessings are poured out upon us, as His Word declares: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Through Christ, we have salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14), and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). He fills us with joy through the hope of His promises (Romans 15:13), clothes us in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), and adopts us as His beloved children, making us heirs with Christ (Romans 8:15-17). He has not left us empty-handed but has given spiritual gifts to serve Him (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), wisdom for the journey (James 1:5), and strength to endure trials (Isaiah 40:29), while providing for every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Yet these blessings are but a foretaste of what is to come!

For in the age to come, the fullness of His blessing will be revealed. “A thousand generations” of those who love Him will inherit His promises (Exodus 20:6). We shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2), and all that is broken will be made new (Revelation 21:5). He will dwell among us, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain, for He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:3-4). In His presence, we will experience fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) and eternal peace, for the Prince of Peace reigns forever (Isaiah 9:6-7). Faith will give way to sight (1 Corinthians 13:12), and we will reign with Christ in His glorious kingdom (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:5). He is preparing a home for us in the New Jerusalem, where His blessing and favor will shine upon us forevermore (John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:2).

Oh, children of God, lift your hearts to Him who blesses and keeps you. His favor is upon you and your children, and their children, as His faithfulness extends to all generations (Deuteronomy 7:9). Do not grow weary, for He is coming, and His reward is with Him (Revelation 22:12). Press into Him today, for His blessing is not just for this life but points to the eternal glory that awaits (Philippians 3:14). He is with you, before you, behind you, and all around you. Let us live as those who have been called by His name, eagerly awaiting the day when we will dwell in His unending favor and everlasting peace. To Him be the glory, both now and forevermore! Amen. (Romans 11:36).

See Also

Faith

The Golden Chain of Salvation

The “Golden Chain of Salvation,” as presented in Romans 8:29-30, outlines a profound sequence in God’s redemptive plan: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. This passage has sparked deep theological discussions within the Christian church, especially between Charismatic and Fundamentalist viewpoints. By exploring these perspectives and embracing the divine mysteries involved, we gain a richer understanding of salvation.

At the core of this passage is the affirmation that God is intimately involved in every aspect of our salvation. Understanding the original Greek terms used by the Apostle Paul adds depth to our comprehension.

Foreknowledge: God’s Timeless Insight and Human Free Will

“For those whom He foreknew…” (Romans 8:29)

The Greek word for “foreknew” is proginōskō (προγινώσκω), which implies an intimate, relational knowledge rather than mere foresight. Since God exists outside of time, He perceives all moments simultaneously. He sees our entire lives and knows all our free will decisions without causing them. This understanding aligns with the Arminian View of Simple Foreknowledge.

  • Unified Perspective: Both Charismatics and Fundamentalists acknowledge that God’s foreknowledge doesn’t interfere with human freedom. We possess genuine free will, and God’s eternal nature allows Him to know our choices without predetermining them. This mystery bridges the gap between divine omniscience and human responsibility, emphasizing that God’s knowledge encompasses all time while respecting our free will.

Predestination: Harmonizing God’s Sovereignty and Human Freedom

“He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29)

“Predestined” comes from the Greek proorizō (προορίζω), meaning to determine or ordain beforehand. The concept of Compatibilism offers a way to understand this mystery.

  • Unified Perspective: Compatibilism asserts that God’s sovereignty and human free will are compatible. God ordains all that happens, but humans still act freely in accordance with their desires. Charismatics emphasize the transformative journey empowered by the Holy Spirit, where believers actively participate in becoming Christ-like. Fundamentalists focus on God’s sovereign plan, trusting that His purposes prevail. Together, they affirm that while God has a sovereign plan, our free choices play a real and meaningful role within that plan.

Calling: God’s Universal Invitation and Our Response

“And those whom He predestined, He also called…” (Romans 8:30)

The term “called” is translated from kaleō (καλέω), signifying an invitation or summons. This aligns with the concept of Universal Calling with Human Response.

  • Unified Perspective: God’s call goes out to all people through the Gospel, but it requires a personal response. The Holy Spirit convicts hearts, inviting individuals to accept or reject the message. Charismatics often experience this calling as a powerful encounter facilitated by the Holy Spirit, while Fundamentalists emphasize the importance of responding to God’s Word as presented in Scripture. Both agree that God’s grace enables us to respond, yet doesn’t coerce our decision, highlighting the mystery of how divine initiation and human response work together in salvation.

Justification: A Holistic Transformation Empowered by the Holy Spirit

“And those whom He called, He also justified…” (Romans 8:30)

“Justified” comes from the Greek dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to declare righteous. Embracing the Holistic Transformation (Charismatic Emphasis) provides insight into this mystery.

  • Unified Perspective: Justification initiates a holistic transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit. The lines between justification (being declared righteous) and sanctification (becoming holy) are fluid due to the experiential nature of faith. Charismatics emphasize the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers’ lives, while Fundamentalists uphold the importance of living out one’s declared righteousness through obedience and spiritual growth. Both perspectives recognize that faith is not merely a legal standing but a living, dynamic relationship that changes us from the inside out.

Glorification: Experiencing the ‘Already and Not Yet’ of God’s Kingdom

“And those whom He justified, He also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)

“Glorified” is derived from doxazō (δοξάζω), meaning to honor or bestow glory. The concept of Already and Not Yet (Inaugurated Eschatology) captures the essence of this mystery.

  • Unified Perspective: Believers experience aspects of glorification now—such as transformation into Christ’s image—while awaiting its fullness in the future. Charismatics often anticipate and experience glimpses of God’s glory through the Holy Spirit’s work, including spiritual gifts and personal transformation. Fundamentalists agree that while ultimate glorification awaits us in eternity, we are currently being renewed and prepared for that future reality. This shared understanding reflects the mystery of living in the tension between what God has already accomplished and what is yet to come.

Embracing Divine Mysteries and Unity in Christ

Throughout these steps, both Charismatic and Fundamentalist traditions share a deep commitment to the truths of Scripture, even as they approach certain doctrines differently. The major issues that arise—such as the nature of foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification—are rooted in divine mysteries that transcend human understanding.

  • Acknowledging Mysteries: Accepting that some aspects of God’s plan are beyond full human comprehension encourages humility and a reliance on God’s wisdom rather than our own.
  • Celebrating Unity: Despite differences, both perspectives are united in the core belief that salvation is a work of God that invites human participation. Recognizing this unity strengthens the body of Christ.
  • Pursuing Understanding: By engaging with these mysteries and exploring various theological insights, we deepen our faith and appreciation for God’s multifaceted work in our lives.

Conclusion: Walking Together in the Journey of Salvation

Contemplating the “Golden Chain of Salvation” invites us to embrace both the certainty of God’s sovereign work and the experiential reality of a relationship with Him. Understanding that God exists outside of time and knows our free will decisions offers profound insight into His foreknowledge and our responsibility.

The Charismatic emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s active role complements the Fundamentalist focus on the authority of Scripture and God’s unchanging nature. Together, they offer a more complete picture of salvation—a divine tapestry woven with threads of mystery, grace, and love.

As we reflect on these profound truths, may we be drawn into a deeper awe of God’s redemptive plan. Let us celebrate the unity we have in Christ, despite our different perspectives, and continue to seek understanding while embracing the mysteries that lead us to worship the One who orchestrates it all.

See Also