during the California wildfires in Rough and Ready,
California, October 12, 2017.
California National Guard photo
• Five Minute Friday :: Spark Linkup
Related to fire and related to sparks, I originally wrote most of this about desert spirit's fire! for the worship bulletin I designed for the Day of Pentecost a while ago.
Since the dawn of creation, God's Spirit has been active throughout the history of planet earth. Humans once intended for God to reside in the Jerusalem Temple, but that space was too limited and confining. Forty days after the first Day of Resurrection, on the Day of Pentecost the indwelling Spirit of Life came to us with spectacular signs of fire and wind. Now God's Holy Spirit the Temple could not contain lives in each of us and has free range in the Church.
This is wildfire country. Southern California fire season now is year round. You probably know a spark sometimes grows into a multi-acre fire. The experts have gotten really skilled at uncovering and discovering the source of an initial spark that's resulted in devastatingly destructive conflagrations. I've lost track of how many named fires there typically are at any time in these here parts.
In summer 2002 as I explored a few dozen possible names for this blog, from the start I suspected desert would be a winner; fire was likely, too. I've written about there being no scriptural narrative or saga about the creation of fire, yet the Holy Spirit in an individual Christian's life and in the life of a Christian community often functions in ways similar to how fire works in nature and in industry.
This is fire country. In writing and teaching theology, I often mention how prescribed or controlled burns long have served to maintain overall forest health and to deter larger, more destructive blazes that otherwise would happen. You easily can make analogies to your own situation!
This is fire country. Finding plants growing from seeds that wouldn't have sprouted unless fire first seared them always moves and amazes me.
It starts with a spark.
The Holy Spirit often nudges us to do something, whether it's visiting a friend, beginning a new spiritual practice, participating in a particular ministry, doing something life-enhancing for friends or family. Those times usually start with only a small spark from the Spirit, because a wind-driven fire would overwhelm us.
"Sparks from the Spirit of Life" would make good journaling. Sometimes those sparks seem to come unbidden from nowhere. Many times we receive an inspired spark from a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. What's your most recent experience?
I have been sparked to begin a new Prayer Band. We had one when my sister lived in New York. After she moved away, it dissipated. I decided to begin again. I was always comfortable, making my twin, the leader and being second in command. But it’s time for me to pick up the torch. Praise God.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of journaling about the sparks the Holy Spirit uses to nudge us.
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