There’s an old story that talks about a Preacher’s visit to a man’s home. The man was once an active member of the church where the Preacher served. He participated in worship, he attended, listened and contributed in Bible studies. His life revolved around Christ – not just as seen by his involvement in his church but in all ways. He enjoyed reading the Bible and praying. Talking about Christ was a joy.
Something happened; no one knows what for sure. These days he seldom talked about about Christ anymore. Prayer was more of a task and a burden than a joy. His participation in things at the church were less and less frequent.Â
As the preacher was visiting with the man, a fire was crackling in the fireplace. Its warm glow illuminating and comforting to both.  While they were sitting next to the fire the preacher took one of the fireplace tools and plucked out an ember from the fire. He laid it on the hearth.
When he first placed it on the hearth it was red hot, glowing brightly. The preacher just sat there and intently watched the ember as it slowly cooled. Eventually the ember became nothing more than a charred piece of burnt wood sitting on the hearth; reduced to ash. There was no heat for comfort, no glow for light.
The preacher asked the man why the ember had gone out. The man replied that it was because it had been removed from the fire. The preacher responded, “you are correct. Once the ember is removed from the fire it cannot sustain its heat or light. It must remain a part of the fire. It must stay close to the fire.” The man was beginning to get a knowing look on his face. The preacher continued by saying, “so it is with each one of us when we are removed from the fire, that is, the communion with the Holy Spirit.”Â
The man had a somber look on his face. He knew what had happened with his life. The good news is that with the fire of God, it merely takes placing ourselves back into the fire to become glowing and burning again.