The same is true for our spiritual lives. If we don’t get (or keep) our spiritual fire going it affects every other aspect of our lives - our motivation level, our relationships, our home life, and our ability to do our jobs effectively.

My mental picture is that each stick represents each of our lives. You are one stick, I am another, your friend is another. Together, we form the tinder bundle.

After being reminded again in the message that we are each responsible for our own spiritual growth and efforts toward becoming white-hot, this leads me back to the idea of the small group involvement, the next-step partnership and the serving opportunities that are out there for each of us to move our “sticks” closer to the fire bundle.

As each of us steps up to act on the 7 steps for fire starters we metaphorically move our “stick” or life closer to the fire bundle. As that fire bundle grows with the individual heat that each of us is generating for God, the flame grows and intensifies. The closer we get together, the more of us gathered, the closer we get to the white-hot level God is calling us toward. Together we can draw one another a long and keep each other burning at that level.

Community-it’s God’s plan for us to reach that white hot level.

The only thing I would like to add, is regarding the intensity of a fire as it spreads. Not only do the flames get larger, but the reach and scope of the fire grows as well. I look at it like this, as we each work to raise the intensity of our internal fire, our smaller sparks can rub off onto another individual causing them to begin to light up as well. It’s almost like the idea of “pay it forward”. As we do unto others, we are spreading love, and encouraging others to do the same. The little acts of service to others are not only honoring God, but they can also serve to start a fire and spreading of love in one another.

I notice it in the little things. Yesterday there was a woman behind me in line at the grocery store. Something was urging me to help her with her things. As I helped her place her items on the cashier belt, I could see her light up. I soon noticed that the cashier was more chearful than I had seen her with the previous customers, and the woman herself was smiling and began chatting with the woman behind her. That little “urging” caused everyone around to be just a little more pleasant.

Just think of what a difference we could all make as we share little bits of love with everyone in our lives. Our small sparks could spark someone else, who might then be prompted to “pay it forward”. What a fire we could spread as we practice small acts of service to one another. Now just imagine the impact we will have as we start to spread that White Hot fire we are working towards. Myself, I am so excited about the possibility. How about you?

Anyway, in regards to question 9, If I had to describe a church full of white hot Christians I would say the things that attracted Tom and I to Cypress to begin with: a church that serves the Lord our God, loves without judgement, and will be there for you no matter what storm rolls your way.

I feel the most important thing for us to do as Christians to ignite others are: Pray for those far or new to Christ, live by example, and as indicated in the Leadership conference to motivate them by giving them a vision they can die for!