A good fire does not happen by accident. You cannot rush it, fake it, or force it. It takes the right materials, prepared over time, placed in the right order. Big unsplit logs will not burn. Green wood smolders. Soft wood fades fast. But seasoned wood, layered with care and patience, produces lasting warmth. Once momentum is established, the fire keeps going long after the flames die down.

That same principle applies to life. Health, growth, and spiritual vitality are built intentionally. When the right areas are given attention, momentum follows. This message centered around five areas of intentional health summed up with one memorable word: S.P.A.R.K.

S — Spiritual Health

Spiritual health is the foundation. If this area is neglected, everything else eventually feels hollow. Jesus addresses this directly in the Sermon on the Mount when He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” What we crave most shapes who we become.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Jesus also calls us to seek God’s Kingdom first, trusting that God knows our needs and will provide. His words are not inspirational suggestions. They are words of life meant to be practiced. A life rooted in Scripture, prayer, worship, gratitude, and spiritual disciplines builds on solid ground. When God’s Word is heard and lived, it produces depth, stability, and lasting spiritual warmth.

P — People

We were never meant to grow alone. Scripture reminds us that iron sharpens iron and that we are called to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The people closest to us influence our attitudes, habits, and direction more than we often realize.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Jesus modeled intentional relationships by surrounding Himself with a close circle. The question is not how many people you know, but who you are allowing to shape you. Healthy relationships require presence, honesty, and courage. Growth often begins with one small step toward consistency, community, and deeper connection.

A — Activity

Our bodies matter. Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples and that we are called to honor God with them. Caring for physical health is not about appearance but stewardship.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Small, consistent choices make a difference. Moving your body daily, eating nourishing foods, drinking water, and prioritizing sleep create energy, focus, and resilience. These habits do not need to be extreme to be effective. Like a steady fire, they work best when practiced faithfully over time.

R — Resources

Money reveals what we trust. Scripture teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain. When satisfaction is tied to possessions, it never lasts. Many people feel behind not because they lack income, but because spending rises with opportunity.

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Learning to live within your means, escape debt, invest wisely, and practice generosity brings freedom. Giving places money back in its proper role as a tool rather than a master. When resources are handled intentionally, they become a means to bless others and advance God’s Kingdom.

K — Knowledge

God has placed gifts and opportunities within each of us, and Scripture calls us to fan those gifts into flame. For students, this means engaging learning with curiosity and excellence. For professionals, it means refusing complacency and continuing to grow.

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)

6 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.

Books, mentors, podcasts, training, and experiences all serve as fuel when approached intentionally. A spark has already been given. Growth comes when we choose to keep learning and leaning forward.

Evaluating Your SPARK

A simple way to apply this is to evaluate each area honestly.

• Green means healthy and steady.
• Yellow means caution and adjustment needed.
• Red means urgent attention required.

Choose one area and one step to take in the next thirty days. Small, consistent steps create momentum. Over time, that momentum shapes who you become.

Lasting transformation rarely happens overnight. It is formed through patience, intention, and trust in a faithful God. Ignite your SPARK, tend it wisely, and watch how steady obedience produces lasting warmth and light in your life.

Message recap adapted from the December 28, 2025, message by Minister Jed Lougue

Message Notes & Slides