Hearts afire--Steps to rekindle God's love

by Maribeth Norman

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

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Our hearts should be on fire for God every minute of the day-- but are they? Sometimes the flame we use to feel might now just be a smoldering ash. We begin to wonder if anything can be done to rekindle that fire.

It makes me think of couples who have been together for a long time and complain that the flame has gone out of their love. They state they still love the other person, but the flame in their heart is just not burning as intensely as it use to blaze. You might feel that way sometimes about your love for God. It just doesn’t feel that intense as it was when you came to know Him.

Do you want to make some changes to rekindle the flame? If so, then you must believe it can be done and trust in God to make it happen. You have to want to rekindle the flame and take some steps to get the fire burning again. Listed are some things which helped me and may help you.

1. Read the Word of God. Even if it is just reading a scripture a day, read it and begin to understand the love God still has for you. If you can, choose scriptures which describe God’s love for you.

2. Study God’s Word. Attend a bible study, in person or online. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of God’s love for you. Find a study partner or group. It is a joyous experience to talk with others about God and His love.

3. Have a date night/day with God. Schedule a date with God at least once or more a month. Set some time aside (more than five minutes) just for you and God. Then commit to that time. That means no interruptions. That time is for you to talk, pray and be yourself

Don’t let the flame in your heart linger to a slow burn. Make some changes to stoke the embers of your heart.

4. Subscribe to Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin, etc.. Yes, you heard me correctly. Follow several God loving people on these accounts. You will be surprised how many people, on these accounts, tweet/write scriptures, talk about the goodness of God or just about His love on a daily basis. It keeps you inspired and focused on God.

5. Show your love to others. Help someone with a kind act or word without expecting anything in return. God’s love will fill your heart as you help His people. His love will ooze out of your heart to others like a flame burning candle dripping wax. God wants to give you more of His love; so much love that a single heart won’t be able to contain it. So find a way to share it with others.

6. Ask the Holy Spirit to help rekindle the fire. Pray for Him to come into your heart and stoke any embers to restart the dying flame. Ask and it shall be given to you.

7. Keep your thoughts on God. When you love someone you think about them all the time. Let your thoughts linger not on things of the world, but on God. Tell Him daily that you love Him.

God wants you. He’s not going to give up on you. He is pursuing you like a long time lover. He wants your heart to burn with desire for Him. God’s love is a burning passion. However, you must have the desire to rekindle the flame and keep it burning with love. The work is on you.

Try some or all of the things on the list to stoke the fire. You will find those embers igniting to a red glowing flame of passion-- like a heart afire with God’s love.

Do you have other ways, not listed, to rekindle the fire? If so please share them with your comments.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Proverbs 8:17

Source [ http://maribethnorman.authorweblog.com/articles/2012/02/51465/hearts-afire-steps-to-rekindle-gods-love ]