Seasoned Wood Makes All The Difference
Over the past several weeks, the weather has been cold enough to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a crackling fire in the fireplace. For me, there is such a wonderful sense of comfort and security when we have the opportunity to share a fire in the fireplace together.
If you know how to start a good fire, then you know that seasoned wood makes all of the difference. Once I picked up some wood that had not been seasoned or dried out. It was terribly difficult to get burning and, once it was burning, it took extra kindling to keep it going.
This analogy came to me as I thought about the difference between freshly cut wood and seasoned wood. If I wish to withstand the fires that come against me in life, then I must remain filled with life, the life of Christ. Should I allow myself to dry out, it will become much easier for me to be overcome with flames of distraction, discouragement, and defeat.
All of us experience difficult moments, trials, tests, and tribulations. There is one thing which will determine how you come out on the other side of those experiences. That one thing is determined by your answer to the question. “Are you abiding in Christ?”
The more you know Christ, the more you should desire to know Him. The more of His life that is in you, the more of His life you should strive to obtain. If more of your day is consumed with worry, distraction, and the cares of life than with your Savior, your spiritual life is well on its way to dryness; you increase your chances of becoming good firewood for the trials of life and spiritual attacks.
Allow me to be straightforward. Stir up within yourself now the strongest desire ever to be closer to your Savior. Make yourself faithfully read the God’s Word. Discipline yourself to continual prayer with your Father. Fall in love with Jesus again. As you do, those things which have been burdensome will become lighter. Life challenges will more easily be overcome. The Word of God will flow more powerfully from your life.
If you are going to follow the example of so many others during this time of year and make a resolution, then make one that will change your life and the lives of all who know you. Resolve to walk more closely with your God. It will fireproof your life.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Gary
