/rēˈkindəl/
verb
relight (a fire)
revive (something that has been lost).
to start or stir up (something) again.
To visit this word we will look at the writing of Paul to Timothy. Paul encourages him, but also reminds him to:
“stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (AMP)
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit there is an inner flame, like fire. Yes, this is a metaphor, but it helps us to realize the power that dwells in us. No matter how young you may be in the Lord you have it. No matter how old you are, you need to continue to put that fire to use.
Paul shares with Timothy that he should not be afraid to use this gift. Did you notice the list in the last verse? It is (1) power, (2) love, (3) calm (4) well-balanced mind, and (5) disciplined, and, finally, one of (6) self-control.
When I look at this list, I realize how far I am from it, and how I need to wake up and rekindle what was given to me. What about you?
If you can’t tell, I love to write things to challenge us and not allow us to be satisfied with where we are. I apply what I say to my life too. I don’t just point a finger at you, I look at the three fingers pointing back at me.
THERE IS ANOTHER WRITING TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS WHERE JOHN TELLS THEM THE FOLLOWING:
“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. Revelation 2:2-5
Even though the word repent is in this passage, I want to focus on the instruction to “the love you had at first”. If the church of Ephesus returns to their first love, this means they have accomplished something to rekindle it. What can we do to rekindle the love we had with God when we first encountered Him?
· Reminisce about the first time you found Christ, and how you reacted, what you felt, how you have grown in your beliefs since then.
· Talk to God and focus on communication in your prayer life.
· Practicing gratitude. Tell Him what you are thankful for.
· Schedule a walk, prayer time, look at nature and see God.
· Read your Bible more, and learn more about Him, who He is…go over the names of God and use them in your prayer time.
As we move into the month of February, fall in love with Christ anew and rekindle your relationship with Him!
