Yet again on this morning God led me to the book of Joel. Since September of 2015, He has placed the book of Joel on my heart over and over again, specifically Chapter 2. This morning, I began to read the familiar verses beginning in Chapter 1. I am impressed to mention as a reminder for myself and others that the term ‘fire,’ can also represent things other than physical fire. A review of God’s word regarding fire and its applications is assuredly a timely and wise study.
“O Lord, to thee will I cry, for the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.” (Joel 1:19)
In Chapter 1, upon reading verse 19, the Holy Spirit then shared the following:
“Two fires are coming. Both are fires of transition where the old order of things will pass away and all that will matter will be reduced to flesh and spirit. There will be a visible alignment of those ‘in Christ.’ There will be a visible alignment of those who deny or reject Jesus. Many, many will be in the valley of decision. Denominational lines will fall away as the Holy Spirit draws the spotless Bride to a singleness of heart. Individually and corporately the Bride will watch and pray, longing for the return of Christ, her Groom. Watch and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.’
One fire will take away – overtaking, scorching, and claiming all within its path. The other will shower the souls of those who step into it with fountains of everlasting abundance.
One will be measured by evidence of ruin and what is soon to be no more. The other by the fullness of joy and endless treasure that cannot be damaged or stolen.
One gestures to the unquenchable future in the lake of fire. The other holds the promise of “no more death or mourning or crying or pain”!
One will reveal those living who walk as the dead. The other will reveal the undeterred countenance of man who exhibits the radiance of the Lord. The power of God shall flow from earthen vessels. All glory belongs to God.
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God is a consuming fire! Hebrews both foretells and proclaims. His voice shall shake the earth and the heavens. Only what may not be shaken shall remain. Choose the kingdom which cannot be moved! May reverence, godly fear and awe guide us all. Deep reverence, deep reverence should be evident from how we speak God’s name, to how we share Christ, to our songs, choices, thoughts, and priorities, to how we live the seemingly insignificant parts of life down to the smallest of details – reverence! May we be mindful of reverence in all things and set our hearts on holiness and righteousness. God is a consuming fire and the only place to stand is within His kingdom. God ransomed his Son. Christ’s perfect sacrifice removed the veil. Christ is the narrow gate that leads to life eternal in the presence of God. (Revelation 21:3) Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and Christ alone. He is the only refuge and the only hope.
May the life and love we know through Jesus Christ lead us to share the gospel that brings life, that others will be given a chance or reminded of God’s compelling plea to accept the invitation of Jesus. The abide within the secret place of the Most High awaits all who will come. (Psalm 91) With great diligence, let us also consider the state of our own hearts, thoughts, and care for how we steward our lives, mindful of the love that drew us to Christ. May we extend that same love that holds the blessings and promises of restoration, salvation and more. This is The Great Commission, Jesus came and spoke to the disciples, saying, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:16-20
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. Amen.
(Scripture review: 1 Corinthians 2:10, Romans 8:16, Romans 15:13, John 6:44, John 15:26, John 16:8, John 16:13, Romans 8:26, 2 Peter 1:21, Ephesians 4:30, 2 Timothy 3:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Revelation 21:3)