John Wesley encouraged his fellow worker like this: “Catch on fire for God and people will come for miles to see you burn.” This statement has encouraged workers in the Kingdom of God throughout the years. Yes, we are called to burn out for God with our flames visible around us.

We, who are waiting to celebrate Children’s Day, have a duty to shine brighter and sculpt the young minds who are the next generation leaders. Big fires flare up in the wind, but little ones are blown out unless they

are carried in under cover. When individuals shine, the family, Church and ultimately the nation will shine for the Lord.

We must first be on fire for the Lord in order to have a thirst for souls. The flame on the Altar should not be extinguished (Leviticus 6:9) In this case, two things happen in our lives. This helps us to live a Holy life, burning and casting away all our impurities in our lives. This encourages others under our influence to also burn for Him. Preaching about Holiness, love, truth, and forgiveness without practising in our lives is the main reason that our flames are not visible. “A holy minister is an awesome weapon in the hand of God” - Robert Murray. It is essential that we all need to live a life of Holiness as His disciples. The Israelites, after returning from war, always purified all kinds of metals which were looted from the enemies with fire, and after a clean wash with water, they would use them. So it is necessary that the Almighty God needs to purify us with fire and refine us in order to use us. Let us place ourselves in His hands for such cleansing.

A caption displayed by Bro. Navaneethar was captivating and made many think deeply. Why are you lying inside a box instead of burning out for the Lord? We are not called to be drenched, useless matchsticks in a box, but to be fresh matchsticks that help others shine. God wants us to burn and shine for Him. In Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. God cautions us to live and burn out for Him. Let us try to live a life which can influence us through our words and deeds and help those who are not living as embers to burn and shine for Him. May the Lord grant us the ability to burn brightly for Him so that we can pass that fire on to those whose lives are groping in the dark or burning dull!

- Mercy Selwyn (Communication Department)