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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sizzle (05/02/13)
Step into God’s fire pot and melt as the refiner’s fire molds you into the man or woman God has prepared you to be. As a Christian, we need to sizzle with a passionate flame for God. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were not afraid of the fires of death. These men had great faith that the God whom they served would deliver them from that fiery furnace. They did not budge to worship a false god, but would have gone to their death proclaiming Jehovah Jireh as their provider.

Against all odds they chose not to bend their knee. But lo and behold, that fourth man came forth as the all-consuming fire. They were not burned yet they dazzled with the zeal of God. How would you feel walking out of that fire? Could you imagine the liberation of being empowered by El Shaddai not to burn alive in the flames? Praise the Lord. A golden testimony came out of that sizzling experience.

The Word also states that God does not like us lukewarm. He would rather us be hot or cold. I would hate to think I have been blinded and did not know whether I was hot or cold. A lukewarm Christian is one who lacks enthusiasm and motivation for God. That person has settled to ride the fence, going through the motions but not having any satisfying experience with Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground for the believer; you are either hot or cold. You have to walk through the fire for God.

A lukewarm Christian is one who hasn't spent time worshipping God, reading His word, praying and serving others. He hasn't spent time humbling his heart -- for that is where the true zeal is. Our Father in Heaven’s heartbeat is for us to be on-fire Christians. One who is dedicated to do what you need to do to glorify Jesus Christ. Take a leap of faith into the fire of God. You will walk away permanently changed all to the glory of God.

Matthew 6:24 (AMP) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).”

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” Romans 12:12 (AMP)

“He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” Hebrews 12:29 (AMP)
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This article has been read 697 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
dub W
05/11/13
Good sermon, well interpreted and documented. Thanks for posting.
lynn gipson 
05/11/13
Well written, thought provoking message, reminding us there is only one master in this world we are to serve. Thank you for sharing this piece.

God Bless, Lynn
C D Swanson 
05/11/13
A beautifully written and captivating devotional that serves a timely reminder of what is truly important overall.

God bless~
Vince Martella
05/12/13
A sizzling sermon! Well done - thanks for sharing.
Cinda Carter 
05/12/13
Your sermon sizzled and I can honestly say empowered by the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit. Great message.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
05/12/13
Thank you for this very encouraging essay. We do need fires lit under us - sometimes dynamite!
Christina Banks
05/13/13
Good points to consider.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/13/13
This is a great devotion. You really brought the characters to life for me. It Isn't easy to write in the second person (where you speak directly to the reader by using the word you) without coming of as preachy, but you managed to do just that. I think it's because your passion for God and desire to lead the reader to Him emanates from the page.

My only suggestion would be to go back and see how many passive verbs like is, have, are, was,etc you used. I call them pesky passives because they can weigh the reader down. Of course, there are times when you have to use one, but if you can replace them with action verbs, you should. For example: A lukewarm Christian refuses to spend time mediating and interacting with Jesus.
It's a little thing but could make a big difference.

This is a great devotion. Your choice of Scripture fits your message perfectly. In fact, this piece inspired me to commit Romans 12:12 to memory.
Bea Edwards 
05/15/13
An excellent admonishment and encouragement in one well written devotional!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/17/13
Congratulations on ranking 6 in your level and 23 overall! I'm so happy for you. Happy Dance!!