Passion Refired, Not Retired

Sunday’s Monday

Pat (my wife) and I would like to thank you for your faithful following in 2018. I especially enjoy your encouragement, your prayers along with your comments. We enjoyed God working through us and our family over the holidays this past Christmas. As we grow in Him to leave everything, every place and everyone, better than we found it! May the love of God flood your heart, fill your soul and bring peace to your weary mind.

Passion is described in dictionary.com as a noun with 7 different definitions, of which 5 of them describe passion as a feeling of love or an emotion of lust while 2 of them hint toward passion being a desire. This was not quite what I expected and certainly not helpful toward describing my experience. So, I did a little reading on this subject as well as listen to several different speakers on the topic and came up with my own definition. Passion according to Paul Loftin’s definition; 1- Passion is not preference, feeling or emotion, it is an enthusiastic inter-determination and resolve to bring fruition to one’s deepest legitimacy. 2- A devoted practice purposed toward obtaining a specific nature or way of life. This answered a lot of questions for me as to why there are people who are bursting at the seams with enthusiasm once they receive the Holy Spirit and several months later, they are confused, doubting and dulled to the Spirit. They acted on a feeling, a spur of the moment emotional decision ignited by a sermon, hymn or even coercion from others, in-which results in the shooting star effect. It starts out as a huge roaring ball of fire producing a light so bright, it couldn’t be hidden from the world. But then, as time passes and the resistance grows, the roar is silenced as the bright light is dimmed. All replaced with confusion, doubt and fear as the world’s resistance wrecks our fairy tale religion. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV), 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. This is where Jesus has shown me that my passion to follow Him can change the world through exampling the enormous need to strengthen each other. I need to witness the Passion of an enthusiastic determination that swell up from deep within us another of whom has embarked on a journey or path toward completing and gaining something through the giving of one’s very best of everything. The bible tells me in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV), 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. I have found this to be true on so many different levels of life. I have had a mentor for some 21 years now, which has led me to countless others to help strengthen my walk with Jesus. I have learned to surround myself with true passionate followers of whom operate on a higher level than I. These men have been there, done that and are stronger for it, plus they have a real desire to share their experiences with me. Through his love for Jesus, my mentor has shown me how to love and care about people no matter what their faith. Through my brothers in Christ, I have learned the pleasure of sharing life together and found a well of wisdom. I believe Proverbs 27:17 (NIV), As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Again, I repeat my definition of Passion, Passion is not preference, feeling or emotion, it is an enthusiastic inter-determination and resolve to bring fruition to one’s deepest legitimacy. 2- A devoted practice purposed toward obtaining a specific nature or way of life. As we enter into the year of 2019 may we all find the true spirit of Ephesians 4:29 (NIV), Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. May this become our resolve for each day which and in turn become an unrecognized, natural daily practice, bringing glory and pleasure to God. May we all truly find each other as we reignite our love and passion for following Jesus in 2019. This is our year of spiritual accountability!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

COMMENTS WELCOME…pal249@hotmail.com…01/06/2019