A Sweet Aroma

 

Whether it be
a bull or dove

or of the flocks
of sheep

it was what
was in their hearts

that made the offering
sweet.

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Lord, I want my life to be a sweet and soothing aroma to You, an offering by Holy Spirit fire.

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“It is a burnt offering, an offering by fire, a sweet and soothing aroma to the LORD.”
Leviticus 1:17. NKJV

Photo credit: pixabay.com

The Glory In Your Midst

 

I will be a wall
of fire around you

and the glory
in your midst

sing and rejoice
O daughter of Zion

for I’m coming as I
promised.

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I can sing and rejoice for You are with me.

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“I will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”

” ‘Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,’ says the LORD.”

Zechariah 2:5,10 NKJV

Photo credit:  pixabay.com

A Fire And A Flame

 

There shall be deliverance
and holiness

for those who trust
in Me

and I shall light
a fire in you

that burns
eternally.

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I shall know deliverance and holiness for You are with me.

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“But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.”

“The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame . . .”

Obadiah 17,18

The God Who Answers

 

What a joy it is
an honor and privilege

to worship and
adore You

all other gods leave us
struggling to perform

You say, Come watch
what I will do. 

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You establish Your passion over my performance.

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” ‘You have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.’ “

“So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, ‘How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow Him!’ But the people were completely silent.”

“Then Elijah said to them. ‘I am the only prophet of the LORD who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whatever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but not set fire to it. i will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your God, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!’ And all the people agreed.”

1 Kings 18:18-24

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Image from The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, page 145.

Seasoned

 

I will
season you

with Holy Spirit
fire

so you
continue to live

by My purpose
and power.

You establish my purpose.

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Mark 9:49,50 NKJV

Baptized

(Photo credit – Nataly Castaneda)

I have baptized you
in water

washing away
your sins

and immersed you in
My Spirit

placing Holy fire
within.

You establish Your Spirit within me.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11 NKJV

Fire

struggling to light

and stay lit

ignitor needed

 

The oven looked okay from the outside, but lacked fire within.

 

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me. . .”    Acts 1:8 NKJV

Fed

this fire

does not burn

unaided

 

If we don’t feed our fires, they go out.

 

“I will feed My flock . . .” says the Lord God.”  Ezekiel 34:15 NKJV

Seasoned

 

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”  Mark 9:49 NKJV

Jesus says ‘everyone’.

Thank You, Lord, for knowing how to bring out the best in us.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Every sacrifice flavored
with His salt

and every life touched
by His fire

no better way to showcase
our heart’s One

and only
true desire.

God bless you as He seasons you today!

Everyone Will Be Seasoned

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice seasoned with salt.” Mark 9:49

Jesus says everyone . . .not just some.

Jesus, please help us to see You in the fire of our hardships so we can be seasoned and not burnt. And here’s a simple poem . . .

A Fired-up Faith

I used to think knowing You
meant I’d be exempt from pain
but now I understand
that is not Your aim
so as I enter in each fire
You shield me from the flame
and despite the heat I feel
a deeper faith is gained.