The Fire in the Center

Last night was one of those special fall evenings! It was our annual church fall hog-roast! God provided a lovely evening, crisp, still and with a soft sunset after a day of glorious sun!

As we gathered around the huge crackling fire, many of us sitting on bales of straw, we experienced the warmth and joy that was created by the ambient setting; the combination of warmth and friends.

At the center of that gathering was the large, bright fire. It emanated warmth, light and a sense of welcome. It was what drew us all, from the chilly night to the inner circle where love and encouragement could be found. It created the place for worship, where we could lift our voices together in harmonious praise, accented by the crackling sounds as the "sparks flew upward".

And as I pondered this all....I had to think of the fire of Jesus' love.

It is what should be at our center. It draws us in, lights our way, warms our soul and creates space for fellowship and interpreting our life around us.

I am musing about the words of that beautiful song that we sang together last evening, Light the Fire (lyrics by Bill Maxwell)...

I stand to praise You,

But I fall to my knees.

My spirit is willing,

But my flesh is so weak.

Light the fire (echo)

In my soul,

(In my weary soul)

Fan the flame, (echo)

Make me whole.

(Make my spirit whole)

Lord, You know

(Oh Lord You know)

Just where I've been,

(Where I've been)

So light the fire in my heart again.

I feel Your arms around me,

As the power of Your healing begins.

You breathe new life right through me,

Like a mighty rushing wind.

So light the fire in my heart again,

Light the fire in my heart again,

Light the fire in my heart again.

So, even as this song implies, may each of us have the fire of Christ's love burning bright within us. May we pour the fuel of His Word upon it, that it might create a steady, fervent and warming glow! May it keep us aligned and shining bright....that others may see and know, the source of...

the fire in our center!