Streams in my desert: Fire of the Spirit - fire is a protective element. The eastern shepherd would surround his fold at night with a wall of fire, keeping the wild beasts out and the sheep safe within. The fire of the Spirit deflects a thousand temptations. He loves you too much to leave you unguarded. So welcome his help. He will purify, refine, energize, and protect. When the fire of the Spirit seems to flicker, what can we do? One of the most practical answers has to do with the importance of the church. The church is far from perfect. Even so, the church is the campfire that God uses to keep us kindled. “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together . . . but encouraging one another…”

Monday, August 18, 2025

Fire of the Spirit - fire is a protective element. The eastern shepherd would surround his fold at night with a wall of fire, keeping the wild beasts out and the sheep safe within. The fire of the Spirit deflects a thousand temptations. He loves you too much to leave you unguarded. So welcome his help. He will purify, refine, energize, and protect. When the fire of the Spirit seems to flicker, what can we do? One of the most practical answers has to do with the importance of the church. The church is far from perfect. Even so, the church is the campfire that God uses to keep us kindled. “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together . . . but encouraging one another…”

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another …” - (Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV).

When the fire of the Spirit seems to flicker, what can we do?

One of the most practical answers has to do with the importance of the church.

The church is far from perfect.

Even so, the church is the campfire that God uses to keep us kindled.

Fire is a protective element.

The eastern shepherd would surround his fold at night with a wall of fire, keeping the wild beasts out and the sheep safe within.

The fire of the Spirit deflects a thousand temptations.

He loves you too much to leave you unguarded.

So welcome his help.

He will purify, refine, energize, and protect.

Max Lucado

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.

As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.

maxlucado.com

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