The Wood Gatherer

As we conclude our Revive Our Hearts series, we reflect on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-32. This passage describes two disciples walking toward Emmaus, discussing the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus joins them, but they do not recognize Him. He listens to their conversation and later reveals Himself through the breaking of bread. At that moment, their eyes are opened, and they recall how their hearts burned within them as He spoke.

The Importance of Keeping the Fire Burning

In many parts of the world, people living in extreme winter conditions understand the necessity of gathering enough wood to keep their fire burning. Without enough wood, the fire goes out, leading to cold and, ultimately, death. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives.

Many believers once experienced a vibrant, passionate faith, but over time, challenges and hardships have caused their spiritual fire to fade. Where once there was excitement, joy, and fervor in worship and prayer, now there is only a flicker of what used to be. Some have even lost the fire entirely, leaving only ashes where a burning passion for God once existed.

Recognizing When the Fire Is Dying

The lack of spiritual fire is evident in many aspects of life. Marriages become devoid of love, worship loses its passion, prayer becomes lifeless, and joy fades. The excitement of serving God is replaced by complacency.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Put some fire in the sermon, or put the sermon in the fire." The fire of God is essential, and without it, faith becomes cold and lifeless. As 2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV) states, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." God provides the fire, but it is our responsibility to keep it burning.

Gathering Wood for the Fire

To maintain the fire, we must consistently add spiritual fuel. Here are some ways to gather wood for your spiritual fire:

• Reading the Bible – God's Word is a source of wisdom and nourishment.
• Prayer – A consistent prayer life keeps us connected to God.
• Praise and Worship – Worship reignites passion and devotion.
• Thanksgiving – Gratitude shifts our focus back to God’s goodness.
• Forgiveness – Letting go of bitterness clears the way for God’s fire to burn.
• Resisting Temptation – Choosing righteousness strengthens spiritual endurance.

Just as wood must be properly stored and elevated to prevent dampness, our spiritual lives must rise to new levels. A stagnant faith leads to a weakened fire.

Preparing for the Winter Seasons

In Matthew 25:8, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom ran out of oil. When the bridegroom arrived, they were unprepared. Similarly, when difficult seasons come, those who have not gathered enough spiritual “wood” find themselves lacking. The key is preparation—storing up faith, prayer, and devotion before hardships arise.

Holy Heartburn

Returning to Luke 24:32, the disciples on the road to Emmaus recalled, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" Their encounter with Jesus reignited their passion.

In contrast, many today experience a different kind of heat—anger, offense, and frustration. Without spiritual discipline, hearts become filled with negativity rather than the fire of God. While we protect our digital devices with passwords, many fail to guard their hearts. A “password” of praise and thanksgiving, coupled with the verification of Jesus as Savior, keeps our hearts aligned with God.

A Call to Gather Wood

Now is the time to gather spiritual wood and rekindle the fire of faith. Rather than waiting for the cold seasons of life to catch us unprepared, we must ensure we have enough fuel to sustain us. God calls us to rise, build, and store up spiritual strength so that our fire burns brightly through every season.

Let us embrace holy heartburn—the kind that no earthly remedy can fix. Let our hearts burn with passion for God, His Word, and His presence. As we reflect on this message, may we all commit to gathering spiritual wood, keeping our fire burning, and experiencing a renewed heart for God.