Do you remember how you felt when you first became a Christian? I could hardly sleep that night. I was so excited about committing my life to Jesus. I knew it was the most important decision I would ever make. The first days of my Christian life were like the spectacular bonfires we built at summer camp — flames shooting toward the sky. But gradually, the fire in my soul died down. Underneath the ashes of my façade were a few live coals, but from the outside, I appeared cold. The fire wasn’t out, but it was pretty low.

After going through a spiritual crisis, I finally began to experience God’s renewal in my life. Gradually, kindling and fresh logs were added, as I spent time in the Bible and the church. The sparks were fanned as I learned about Christ, and soon the flames returned. Like the prophet Jeremiah, God’s name became a burning fire in my bones; I just had to share His love with those around me.

Renewal is the greatest need in the church today, and only God can bring it. When we’re renewed, our love for God is rekindled. The Word becomes alive, and we gain a vision for evangelism, a burden for the lost. Can you imagine how the world would change if our churches were filled with the fire and the heat of God’s renewal? Let that be our goal: spreading the warmth and passion of God’s love to everyone around us.

This is Luis Palau.