“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying of hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6)
By Bart Tesoriero
When I attended the 2022 annual WorkLight conference, President Wes Farrow invited “veterans” to step forward to be paired with new attendees. I felt led to connect with Kalani Ayau, a new member from Hawaii.
The next day, on our Emmaus Walk, I asked Kalani if we could pray together. I laid my hands upon his head and heart and asked the Holy Spirit to continue the good work he had been doing in Kalani.
In the ensuing weeks, Kalani and I continued to talk on the phone. Kalani shared that when I had prayed with him, he felt a burning within his heart. He sensed that God was asking him to step away from a half-hearted approach to his Christian life and to live as a man whose heart had been set on fire by Jesus.
Kalani accepted God’s invitation. In a short time, he worked with his brothers and sisters to start the first Hawaii WorkLight Chapter. Last year he and his fellow members sponsored the chapter’s first-ever Challenge Weekend and are planning to host a second weekend this August.
God’s plan for the salvation of the world has not changed. He lights us on fire so we can ignite others. The Kingdom of Heaven spreads through this person-to-person approach. God desires that his Kingdom grow until, finally, Jesus’ prayer will be answered: … “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10).
Pray
Come Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts that we might help fire up others with your love.
Reflect
Have I allowed the Holy Spirit’s spark in me to become muted or restrained? Am I willing to ask and allow God to fan his spark into flame within my heart?
Discuss
How is God calling me to step forth in my workplace or community and help another brother or sister come alive in him?
Bart Tesoriero attended his first Arizona Challenge Weekend in April 1989. Since then, he has enjoyed ministering at numerous weekends with guitar and song. Bart and his beloved Brenda moved to Texas two years ago to be with their eight grandchildren.