Luke 24:13-35
Almost every time I read Luke 24:13-35, my attention is drawn to verse 32 where Cleopas and his companion talk about how their hearts burned within them as they walked and talked with Jesus. So today, I decided to take a few minutes to really think about this "burning within" as it pertained to my own Christian walk. I asked myself things like, Have I truly felt that burning within for Christ? When have I felt that way? What caused my heart burn within me? And finally, What did I do as a result? This was a good exercise for me. The more things I recalled, the more encouraged, recharged and motivated for Christ I felt.
So would you take a few minutes and think about your heart burning for Christ and what that means for you? Then, let's consider together things we can do to fan the flame and increase our desire and actions for Christ. Tami W.
When I first met Christ many years ago, it was late at night, I was alone. I remember my heart was so full! My husband came home and I immediately told him that I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord. It brings mind Romans 10:9-10. My immediate response was like the women, to go tell someone, and the first person I saw was my husband. He was so happy he said, "We have to tell Mom," (His mother, a believer who had been praying for me.) So his response was the same! I believe "fanning the flame" for me, is telling others who Christ is, and what He has done in my life.
The more the flame is fed, the more intense it burns. In other words, the more we are in God's Word, times of prayer/fasting, serving Him when the opportunity arises - then, the more are hearts are filled with devotion & love for Him (and our hearts burn)
I felt the burning in my heart just recently after I studied with you and Mr. Kroll last week on the subject of the Holy Spirit. It was terrific and it just had my spirit burning within me. The word renewed my mind and kept me focused on the person of the Holy Spirt and what he does in our lives.
When we start to focus on other things other than the Lord and his word. We quench the Holy Spirit. I praise God for this ministry and the it's focus on the Word!
Tami, Good morning. Verse 32 also did it for me. This burning is something I cannot explain it makes me feel so excited that God really hears, He really listens to me someone who is a sinner and I think how awesome He is! All I can do when this happens is just to give Him praises and thanks.
Whenever I pray for God's guidance He always responds; up to Sunday, the sexton from Church came up to me and said, "Joan I would like both of us to visit at least once monthly persons who are shut in to read, sing and bring the Word to them" These persons are not necessarily the ones we now visit on Tuesdays (the priest and myself) but new persons. Since last week, I have been asking the Lord if there is anything else He wants me to do and for her to just come up to me and say that I believe it is a message from God. The irony is that this was what I really wanted to do so God has a time and place for everything.
Yesterday, I read two devotions from Dr. Kroll, " Borrowing or Inheriting" and "Finishing well brings more glory to God than beginning well". I was moved by these words in the "Borrowing or Inheriting" - "the wicked go through life thinking only of getting, but God's people go through life thinking of giving, of sharing with others and of sharing of mercy". Both of these devotions impacted on my life yesterday after receiving a really moving email from my nephew which brought tears to my eyes, I received the email before I read the devotions and had to share them with him telling him, his email to me was not by coincidence but was from God. Enjoy the Holy Land Tour and we look forward to seeing pictures when you return. God go with you all and we know He has you all covered.
I felt that burning in my heart for Christ as a single person, very active in my church, committing my whole life to Him. Then I got married to a man I met at church and over 16 years of marriage realized I had made a big mistake. He was not the committed Christian he had presented himself to everyone to be and he had some serious secret problems, culminating in leaving our marriage to pursue a life with an immoral woman and without Christ. A lot of things in me died over that period of time - my love and respect for my husband, my dreams; and other negative things were born - fear, inability to trust sometimes even God. But one thing was present through the whole ordeal. That flame within was beaten down and small, but still burning. Not a roaring fire, but a comforting glow. It was the one constant in my life, the one thing I knew would never change. Without it I believe I would have fallen into Satan's trap and followed my husband into a lifestyle I never wanted to lead. I was saved from the fire by the flame of hope, love and promise of renewal. Thank You Jesus.
I feel that burning because I know what he did for me. How much he suffered so I could have the forgiveness of sins. Not one of us would do what he did for us. Not one of us would allow our children to do that for someone.
I feel that burning every time I receive a letter from my World Vision sponsor child.
:) I never really thought about the flame before and I thought, gee I don't think I have that. But as I was reading comments and the scripture I did have that burning within. It is something I will have to be more consant to look for in my walk with The LORD.