Set a Fire

Fires are a constant threat here in the forest- especially in the middle of a drought. 
Currently a large fire has expanded to about 2,800 acres, while several hundred other small fires were touched off by lightning. 

But contradictory to Smokey the Bear, I would argue that fire isn't always a bad thing. 
Fires have several very important functions in the life of the Sequoia Forest:
1) it prepares a seedbed
2) it cycles nutrients
3) it removes any excess vegetative growth
4) it removes the threat of insects and disease to the trees

But most importantly, without fire the Giant Sequoia seed would remain trapped. Green cones can live for up to twenty years with viable seeds inside. Fire dries out the cones, enabling them to crack open and sprinkle their seeds on the forest ground. 

Fire plays much the same role in our spiritual lives.

"Fire has a refining element. It is the essence of the Holy Spirit's work. When He comes in power, He also comes to burn up the sin in our lives. He comes with conviction, searching our motives, uprooting our unforgiveness, and shattering our pride."

The Parable of the Sower found in Matthew 13 is the perfect example of this. Our seed of faith faces many obstacles: 
1) hard soil
2) poor root system
3) choking weeds
4) being snatched away
All of which fire helps combat. Although it sometimes appears as a threat, we need the refining work of the Holy Spirit to protect us from other dangers and purify our lives, so that the Word of God may find a viable home in our heart and the seed of faith may take root.

"when anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart... he who has no root, endures for awhile and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the world immediately he falls away... As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful... As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold." - Matthew 13:18-23

"so set a fire down in my soul

that I can't contain and I can't control

I want more of You God,

I want more of You God."- Set a Fire