Hello From Maple Grove

with

 

Shan Hartsough

"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."-Hebrews 12: 28-29

 
Consuming Fire

     Fire, what a powerful force of nature.  It can be devastatingly destructive and yet out of fire comes new life.  Fire is also used to purify as with precious metals and steel.  Our God is compared to a 'consuming fire' (see Hebrews 12: 29 above & Isaiah 30: 30 below).  He is awesome, with the ability to destroy and restore.  This world will not last.  In fact in the book of Isaiah there is a warning to those who deny God, "...and will make them see his arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail." (Isaiah 30: 30)  This final destruction is inevitable; it cannot be avoided.  But this God of destruction is also the God of restoration for those who turn their hearts to Him.  The prophet Jeremiah gives us an example.  "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.  Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise, and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.' (Jeremiah 33: 8-9).  Jeremiah is talking about the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem but I believe it holds true for all believers.  For those who turn to the kingdom of God will be restored and avoid the destruction.  While this world will some day be gone, the kingdom of God is eternal.  "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." (Hebrews 12: 28-29).   So let us praise the Lord for his forgiveness.  His willingness to restore us and for the peace that comes with it.
 
     The 'fire' of God is also something that is within us.  It came to us on the day of Pentecost.  "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2: 1-4)  The coming of the Holy Spirit is described as a 'fire' (verse 3).  What can this fire do for you?  Let me tell you firsthand that it will change your life.  The fire of God is powerful.  From it will come new life.  Out of it will come purification.  Once you receive it you will not be the same.  Despite myself (and I know that I am far from perfect) the fire burns inside me.  The prophet Jeremiah describes it this way.  "But if I say, 'I will not mention him or speak any more in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones, I am weary of holding it in, indeed I cannot." (Jeremiah 20: 9)  The fire of God cannot be contained.  You cannot hold it in.  It will cause you to praise, it will lead you to serve, and it will overflow from you to those around you.  What a wonderful gift from God to people like you and me.  Our God truly is a consuming fire!  His fire destroys!  His fire restores and gives new life!  His fire cannot be contained!  Do you have this 'fire' in your life?  If the answer is 'yes' then take some time to thank God.  If the answer is 'no' then I pray that you will humble yourself before God and ask for it.  For God is faithful and wants to give this gift to you.  Amen!
 
     I pray that all is well with you.  Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises.  Have a good week and remember to smile :), for the Lord loves you.
 
In Christ,
 
Shan D. Hartsough
 
"And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel.  The Lord will cause men to hear his majestic voice and will make them see his arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail."-Isaiah 30: 29-30