Changi Chapel

Paul reminds Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (1 Tim. 1:6). What a cool metaphor to mediate on.

I picture you and me sitting down by a campfire and the fire seems to be burning out. I take a stick and simply move the wood around and perhaps put another log on top. In just a few moments, the fire begins to burn brightly again spreading so rapidly that we have to push our chairs back because of the heat and flames.

That’s what our words can do for others. They can stoke the fire of his gifts within us to burn more brightly so that all can see his glory.

So here’s the challenge. When you witness the display of God’s grace and gifting in someone’s life, tell them. Point it out to them. Encourage them. And be specific.

You never know how God could use your words as a way of stoking the fire of someone’s life to make a significant impact for Christ’s kingdom.

Are you eager to "stoke someone’s fire" to make them more useful for the Kingdom, today?

Doug Wolter
Desiring God Ministries,
Minneapolis, MN

© Doug Wolter

In Memory of Mike Whelan, Detroit, Michigan:

On the 2nd August at about 8.40 pm, Mike went to be with the Lord. His death was not a sudden accident – Mike had a heart problem since he was a child and miraculously lived through all these years. So when he went in for his heart surgery on 2nd August he was clear that it was not guaranteed that he will come through successfully. Mike prepared for this day for the last 3 months – when I was at his home a few weeks ago, he calmly talked and prayed with me about his preparedness to be with the Lord, should He chose to take him home.

I will miss Mike for several reasons – he was a dear brother and friend. He also was my computer geek. He helped maintain the "Think It Over Today" website and was the go to guy for all my computer questions. He was smart, sharp and had little or no tolerance for nonsense. He was a Zone 1 (for those who know what that means!) who often was ahead of his time. His passion for Career Transitions ministry in Detroit was real and authentic – I first met him as a client who was keen to "stoke the fire" within him – and enjoyed working with him ever since.

Mike, we will miss you – but rejoice you are now with the Lord for evermore!

John B. Samuel
Seattle, WA