Stir it Up!

I just LOVE the way that Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to pen these words to a young pastor:

"...fan into flames the gift of God... " "...make full use of..." or in the KJV "...stir up the gift..."  

In 2 Tim 1:6 we are urged and compelled to do something to initiate the process of developing and using our "inner fire" or "gift".  In this particular passage of scripture the reference is to a gift imparted through the laying on of hands during what we would call an ordination, but the principle applies in so many other areas.

Let's take writing for example, if we are honest muses don't really exist.  There are certain events, and people that may inspire us, or moments of creativity can at times descend like a curtain in our minds and we pen some of the most beautiful things we've ever written.  But if we wait for those moments, we will be like the man at the pool of Bethesda, in our condition a long time.  If we indeed have been born again, we have the One who troubles the water on the inside of us.  We have no business waiting poolside any longer.  

Frankly, if you've nothing important to say, by all means, continue to wait for whatever it is you are waiting for.  However, if you feel like Jeremiah, and you've become weary of holding back and His Word is as a fire shut up in your bones, then you must write. 

The Apostle Paul admits unabashedly "for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (1 Cor 9:16)".  In the Message bible it reads "I'm compelled to do it, and doomed if I don't!"  Now that is PASSION!  That is an inner fire that was fanned into flames.  

We have got to get the Word out.  Now I enjoy preaching from a pulpit.  In fact if you are a pastor or have a ministry and you desire a guest speaker, let me know.  But I am willing to get His message out by any means necessary.   Be it blogging, tweeting, evangelizing at the playground...woe is me, if I preach not the gospel!

We can no longer allow imaginary walls to keep us from pursuing our passions.  It is up to us to stir up the gift.  It is up to us to run head on into the unknown until we find inspiration.  We can't wait for mythological creatures to stir it up for us.  

Go stir it up!



{E.W. Kenyon communicates this very point so poignantly and powerfully in his tiny book "Sign Posts on the Road to Success"  It is a must read for every Christian.  I read it, and re-read it. I read it to my children.  It is the perfect "kick in the pants" I need at times to get going when I require a little extra impetus.} 

To Write or Not to Write?

I meet so many people who say, "One day I'll write a book...", yet they never do. They decide this based on some womderful insight they have into a common human condition or an amazing experience they had.  Well, I say to most of them..."Go for it!"  And I say to you "Go for it!" 
I know that we are moving toward a paperless society.  We do e-statements, e-bills, and e-mail.  Hey, I am even blogging instead of journalling in a notebook.  However, there is something about the printed word that is here to stay.  There is a passion within the human soul to discover other worlds, viewpoints and processes written in pen or pencil on... you guessed it; paper.
So if you are at those crossroads and are considering writing something, anything; write it.
Then, once you've written it, get it out there.  Anyone who knows me, knows that it doesn't take long for me to look for a way to help someone get the Word out.  Jesus said "..."This Good News about the kingdom will be spread throughout the world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come."(Matt 24:14 God's Word)  Well, there are places that won't let missionaries in, and there is also a profound lack of laborers willing to go.  Yet a book, mini book, tract, pamplet, e-book, blog, etc can get in there and get the message out.
You don't have to be the Pope or Joel Osteen, we each have a unique relationship with the Lord as Christians, and from those insights we gain from being with Him, studying His Word and living by faith, we can write it down and get it out.




Check out Everything in Writing to help you get started.  http://everythinginwriting.webs.com/

Impetus

There are times when words come so freely and my pen moves smoothly across the pages.  It seems at those times that I am unable to put the pen down until every last thought has been captured in ink.  Afterward, I review what I've written and only minor revisions are needed.
This however, is not something that happens on a daily basis.  In fact, the daily basis, is more of a discipline than feeling that overwhelming inspiration and free flowing creativity.  
So now I must delve deep and find out where is my impetus?  What is it that is going to motivate me day in and day out to join the pen to the paper?
Alas! No answer comes easily.
So what about you...what motivates you to write?