Monday, March 2, 2009

Morning Moments

The first law of thermodynamics says that matter can neither be created nor destroyed. It is a law. A governing principles that works every time. Matter can only change form, but cannot be brought into existence from absolutely nothing.

Who made that law? When was it made? Why was it made? What purpose does it serve? This morning is cold in Alabama and so I made a fire in the fireplace. I begin with paper, added a fire starter, put a couple of pieces of wood on and lit the fire. I watched it for a long time. My two dogs snuggled and slept while I watched.

I saw the paper respond to the lighter, catch fire and begin changing form. Then I saw the kindling catch fire and begin changing form. The the logs caught fire and began changing form. I did not create the fire, nor the paper, nor the kindling, nor the logs, and not even the lighter, but I used what existed to stay warm.

I did not have to understand it all for the fire to happen, but I did play an important part in starting the fire. I did not change the form of anything. I only initiated the process which led to our being warm.

Okay Phillips, what's the point? I exist as a believer, not to create but to initiate what God has already created. I cannot change anybody. I can't even change me...BUT GOD CAN! We are just here to start the process by letting others know what God can do. I am not the lighter, God is. Change in me and others comes as a result of what God created.

Major Ian Thomas use to say regarding the burning bush Moses saw, "It is not the bush, but the fire in the bush, and any old bush will do." We often sing "Set my soul afire, Lord," and remain wet wood. Sam Cathey use to say, "If that don't light your fire, your wood's wet."

The point is that God alone can create (make from nothing) the kind of life (man, woman, boy, or girl) that will burn for Him. Whatever change in form is necessary in the process to achieve the purpose is alright with me. Just let me burn for Jesus.

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