"Centuries ago, the historian Plutarch warned of the danger of living on a purely informational level. He wisely said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

The Christ-followers on the road to Emmaus would have agreed (Luke 24). As they grieved the death of Jesus, the risen Christ Himself joined them but hid His identity. He began instructing them on the ancient prophecies of those events found throughout the Old Testament. Later that day, Christ revealed Himself to them and then departed.

After Jesus’ departure, they marveled at what they had heard. The things He taught were not sterile facts but a fire that kindled their hearts with devotion for Him. May we likewise trust the Shepherd of our souls to kindle our hearts as we grow in His Word." —Bill Crowder

Two things strike me from this. I am reminded of my Emmaus Walk, and I am reminded of the fire that burns within me for God's Word. My Emmaus Walk, however, did no burning - except for the embarrassment I felt in the environment when everyone was goofy and expecting me to be, too... It was an odd mix of basic theology school and Church camp. While I've never been to church camp, I have been to camp and that would be what I would picture if I had to. I didn't feel that this particular version of the Emmaus Walk gave much credence to the dignity and holiness of God and it leaned heavily upon being freed by Christ's love. Of course I had high expectations going in that I would be a changed woman. My aunt revelled in her experience and urged me to go. I knew people in high school that went on the teen Walk called Chrysalis and I remember thinking that they must now belong to some secret club that I wasn't privy to because of my "pagan" status. When I look back at that, I am thankful for Michael's experience, and I am thankful for being 8 months pregnant so that my son was prayed over a couple special times. And I imagine other places have different atmospheres, so I'm not dogging the program in general!

My other thought about how passionate I am for the Bible is so encouraging to dwell on! That passion has no equal in my life - not even my husband or children. I am so thankful for it, but if I had to choose between a passion for the Word and a passion for the Lord Himself, I would choose the latter. God is more than His Word.

Father, I thank You that You aren't a god who tells us to do as You say, not as You do. Your deeds are the perfect outflow from a perfect character. You have no sin in You and darkness has no place in You. Where You lead is completeness, and I can lay my life in Your hands because that's the only safe place for it to be. Help me be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing. And as living sacrifices are wont to crawl off the altar, help me persist in crawling back on. I surrender my will to You. I leave my "rights" and unholy desires at Your feet and let You sift them for chaff. Use Your magnifying glass and tweezers to remove every splinter from my eyes and Your heavy lifting tools to remove the logs. I don't know how You manage to love me and be patient with me through all my "stuff", but You DO! And isn't it GLORIOUS to be loved by such a One?!? You lift my chin, wipe my tears, and kiss my cheek. Oh, the sweet breath of my Savior... I wish I could just collapse my weary body in your arms and hang limp as You rock me in your warm embrace. Forever and ever, amen.