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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

INCENDIARY Vol 9 No 22

June 29, 2010

Dear Friend,

I love it that missionary Jim Elliott wrote in his diary, “Am I ignitable?” upon reading Hebrews 1:7,* “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.”

 

The true passion of Christian faith is not that which catches fire by means of our own enthusiasm, pep, energy and vigor.

 

It is the gift of Jesus of whom John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

 

So we look to the Lord for the fire of his Spirit to fill our lives and shape our own spirit. We are indeed ignitable!

 

Elton Trueblood made this point perfectly when he titled a book The Incendiary Fellowship in which he penned the poem “Baptism by Fire.”

 

Thou, whose purpose is to kindle: 

Now ignite us with Thy fire;

While the earth awaits Thy burning

With Thy passion us inspire.

Overcome our sinful calmness,

Rouse us with redemptive shame;

Baptize with Thy fiery Spirit,

Crown our lives with tongues of flame.

           

When you are outside on these warm summer days, may they remind you to open yourself to the fire of God’s presence!

 

With joy - E. Stanley Ott                    

Copyright 2010 E. Stanley Ott           

*Scripture from the NRSV