May 17

When Elijah challenged the followers of the false god Baal on that mountain top, the test involved fire. Each side built an altar of wood and called upon their god to set that wood afire. Baal failed because he is not real, but an idol. The Lord God Jehovah succeeded because he is the one true God. Only God can set wood on fire miraculously.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can set the hearts of men on fire to witness for Christ without fear. Revelation describes those who enter into heaven after being martyred for Christ as those who did not love their lives even unto death. They were willing to die for Christ -- and did.

Such devotion, such fire in one's soul, for Christ cannot come from human zeal. The things of the spirit must spring forth from the Spirit who gave life to the soul. The test of giving fire to a dry and dead soul is the test of who is God.

The words of Elijah ring as true today as when spoken thousands of years ago:

"The god who answers by fire -- he is God" (1 Kings 18:24).

Scripture for today: 1 Kings 18:1-39
Thought for today: The Holy Spirit is the fire of God.
Prayer for today: Make me on fire for Jesus, Holy Spirit.

MAY 17