June 25 - Fan the Flame

 Read today’s texts first: Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God’s Master Plan has taken 1000s of years to unfold but His timing is always perfect! 

I’m excited as we move into the writings of the prophets. These ordinary men heard and spoke extraordinary messages for God. The book of Joel became a key theme for the founder of Foursquare, Aimee Semple McPherson. She correctly recognized the grand scope of Joel’s prophecy, from Judah’s oppression, likely during or right after the reign of Joash, all the way to the entrance of the Messiah and His Holy Spirit.

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (1:6) was proof of the accuracy of Joel’s words: the Holy Spirit had arrived on the scene. This is what Joel promised at least 600 years before it happened: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit (2:28,29).

Sister Aimee was part of another outpouring of God’s Spirit, in the beginnings of the modern Pentecostal movement. She wrote a book called “This is That” in reference to Peter’s comments during the first outpouring of God’s Spirit described in Acts 2. Peter said: This is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel (2:16).

Like Peter, Paul, and Aimee (sorry, you were probably hoping I would say “Mary”), we need to read through the writings of the prophets with an appreciation for God’s incredible master plan. It has taken thousands of years to unfold but His timing is perfect. It gives us a sense of eternity which will help us understand and endure the trials of our present day.

“Lord, I marvel at how You sovereignly oversee history, accommodating man’s choices, both good and bad. Your will is coming to pass, You will come again as promised, there is life beyond our time on earth, and Your Holy Spirit is available to me right now to help me live out my part of Your master plan!”