Consuming Fire

 

"The Lord is a Consuming Fire ("Esh Oklah" in Hebrew, Deut 4:23-24) who will ultimately destroy whatever is opposed to His holiness. He is also a Jealous God, who loves us completely and who, therefore, demands our wholehearted response. If we love Him, we can be confident of His mercy, and our own zeal will make us jealous for God's honor and glory." (Excerpt from my morning devotional, "Praying the Name of God" by Ann Spangler). In our current culture we raise & wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). In reverence and awe.

Recognizing Him

 

30 SECOND BIBLE STUDY: Luke 24 (following the resurrection) - Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they were (divinely) kept from recognizing Jesus (For a time / for a purpose). Once in the home of the disciples, "As they sat down to eat, He (Jesus) took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them." (v30) Continuing, "Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him..." (v31). It was NOT the custom that the guest would serve the bread, but Jesus did. (COULD IT BE) as He pulled up the sleeves of His cloak, they saw the nail prints on His wrists! THERE! Do you see it! (Divinely seeing) recognizing Jesus! May we too be aware and see what He puts in front of us, recognizing Him. (Point to Ponder). Happy mid-week or for some of us, Happy 2,435 day of 2020.

The Trees of Our Life

 

What a beautiful analogy of God's provision. Even as the words came to those in exile, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11, NLT). The same principle was true for Zacchaeus - God gave him a foot up. His plans for YOU are set, implemented and in process. May we look for, appreciate and be thankful for the 'trees' in our life. (Image credit: Unknown, but fabulous).