Trusted ... with the flame, in the flame

'The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it.  The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.' Leviticus 6:12-13

The verse points to a time in the history of the Israelite people when the priest were charged with interceding on behalf of the people, ensuring that the flame on the altar was never extinguished.

Well we now have direct access to the LORD because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We may enter the throne room boldly and pursue our individual relationship with God. We have been made kings and priest (Rev. 1:4-6).

Yet the charge remains the same for us not to allow the flame of our passion and commitment to burn out. We have been entrusted with that responsibility. Trusted with the flame …

This ties directly into a conversation I had on Friday regarding our willingness to serve God by serving others. You see, we were talking about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (the three Hebrew men who were tossed into the fire because of their refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol). In that discussion, I was sharing what God spoke to me regarding that text several years ago. Of note was the fact that it states what the king and the onlookers saw. “Look!” he [Nebuchadnezzar] answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Dan. 3:25)

I went on to share what God had asked me all those years ago and what He continues to ask me:

‘Will you stay in the fire long enough for someone else to see Jesus?’

Trusted in the flames …

I shared with my two acquaintances the fact that some of the fiery trials one faces are not because they have done something wrong but because they have done something right. I noted how the king and the onlookers would not have seen Jesus if the LORD had kept these faithful men from the fire , neither if He had immediately pulled them out. No, He allowed His servants to walk in the midst of the fire – giving the onlookers the opportunity to see that they were not being consumed, to see Who was walking with them, to catch a glimpse of Jesus.        

Those who have demonstrated an ability to be trusted with the flame can likewise be trusted in the flames.

Are you fanning the fire of your passion for Christ?

Are you willing to stay in the fire long enough for someone else to see Jesus Christ?

Can you be trusted … with the flame, in the flames?

love covers ...

‘Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.’ I Peter4:8NASB

Love covers, it does not expose. I thought about this yesterday as I was tempted to share something. And I was gently nudged by the Holy Spirit, bringing to my remembrance that love covers, it does not expose.

God gave us the first example of this in the Garden of Eden after the sinful fall of Adam and Eve. The Word tells us how they attempted to cover their own nakedness. But, then it goes on to detail their encounter with God:

‘Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3:8-10TNIV

In verse twenty-two of that same chapter it notes, ‘The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.’

The LORD God Almighty, who is love (I Jn. 4:8), covered them.

Observe in verses between those shared above that there were still consequences of actions. However, love still looked to cover and not leave them continually exposed.

Further, this principle of ‘love covering’ is reinforced by Jesus’ loving sacrifice which covers us and our sinfulness.

So why address this in light of what I was about to share but didn’t?

You have to be very careful what you share and with whom. I have always been very guarded over my children and what I share and am the same with my friends and was the same when I was married. Reason being? Long after you have forgiven and forgotten the grievance or offense, those who you shared it with may still be holding onto it … and may take opportunities to remind you or your loved ones of it at some point in the future.

The enemy works in very much the same way. He stands as an accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) and points out every shortcoming, every bad attitude and every sinful action. Yet he has been hurled down because, as it relates to the believer, the blood of Jesus has redeemed us (I Peter 1:18-19). The LORD sees the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the blood of Jesus Christ and the love of Jesus Christ. The love of Christ covers.

And we are reminded to love each other in the manner that Christ loves us, fervently and covering… not exposing.

What a wonderful thing to keep in mind any time we are tempted to share some information. While we are encouraged to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), we must also understand:

‘All truth is good … not all truth is good to say.’

– African Proverb

Let Love Cover …  

all things possible

OK … so it has been quite some time since I have written here.

I started school a month ago. And full time employment with full time school (coupled with a 4.5 hour commute everyday) is proving more challenging than I anticipated.

I have a message that I am working on … prayerfully I can get it up this weekend.

In the interim just remember ... WITH GOD ALL THINGS TRULY ARE POSSIBLE!

I’ve posted this song before but it demands a repost.

 Planet Shakers – Nothing is Impossible

I was up listening to and singing this song at 2:30 this morning …

Went to sleep and the alarm went off at 4:20

Perhaps that is why I was falling asleep on the bus today … hmmm

 

Have a Blessed Evening!