Keep the "Inner Fire" Burning

"The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it.  It shall not go out....Fire shall be kept burning continually on the altar; it is not to go out." (Leviticus 6:12a, 13--NASB) 

Twice He said, "kept burning" and "not go out."  Paul told Timothy, "Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you."  Whatever "gift" Paul was referring to, the greatest is the gift of continual "burning" fellowship in Jesus Christ on the "altar" of my heart. 

And how is the "fire" burning today on the altar of your heart?  We are not talking of fanaticism "fire" or emotional "fire."  That has been nothing but an affront to the Church.  Neither do I think does it just apply to a 24/7 prayer of the Church, though I strongly believe in the endeavor.  This is continual fellowship, an eternal communion in the Blessed Trinity in Jesus Christ, in the Church gatherings, the vehicle, the office, the "everywheres" of life.  It is what Brother Lawrence attempted to describe as, "The Practice of the Presence of God."  In this pursuit, will there be moments, days, perhaps seasons when I don't seem as "spiritual" as others?  Of course.  But don't you suspect that there is something far deeper here than just religious, feel-good, sketchy moments, seasons?

I confess, much greater men and women have attempted to describe this fire "burning continually on the altar."  But maybe this can help.  Sarah once told me that I was "always right here"----- she was pointing to her forehead.  Perhaps this beautiful expression helps to describe what God desires with us.  Jesus is "always right here." (You know where I'm pointing.)

Father, in Jesus' Name, Oh, Blessed Living Triune God, may You be "always right here!"  Amen.  


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"Love of the Truth" or "Strong Delusion"--- We Choose

 "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."  (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)  

 

Yesterday a group of fellow Pennsylvanians and I met with Senator Arlen Specter in the same room where Anita Hill slandered Justice Clarence Thomas.  It was the same room in which John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for President, and the room in which a Congressional hearing took place after the sinking of the British cruise liner, Lusitania, in 1915, killing 128 Americans------------------------ living history.  Our group which met with Senator Specter was a part of the over 5000 attendees at the Christians United For Israel gathering this past week in Washington, DC.  Senator Joe Lieberman gave the keynote address Tuesday evening-- Powerful.  During the conference, both speakers and panelists agreed that Iran is the number one problem not only facing Israel, but also the US.   

 

John Hagee, the founder of CUFI, has been under attack from many quarters for his ardent support of the Jews and Israel, as will any Follower of Jesus Christ who takes a similar stand.  When any leader speaks of spiritual things in front of national and international audiences, they run the risk of what Jesus described as casting your pearls before swine and dogs.  Swine and dogs see absolutely no value in nor desire any understanding of our "pearls"---- The Living Triune God, revealed in Jesus Christ, His Prophetic Word, and His Kingdom.  Our text speaks of "strong delusion" and "the lie."  Unregenerate man chooses "the lie," because it is "the lie" which affirms his rebellion against Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.  The text reads, "....Because they did not receive the love of the truth,...God will send them strong delusion."  Notice, it is God, not man, Who sends delusion to those who prefer lies!  Love the truth and you will receive the truth.  Love "the lie" and you will receive "the lie."  Our Father will see to it!

 

If you and I are going to be "Christians United For Israel," we will be the objects of lies and involved in war.  It is a fact of history.  There are those today who talk of peace and security only because they want peace so they can feel secure.  But I remind all that it has never been, "The Peace of Independence."  It has always been, "The War of Independence."  The United States of America was established in war.  Israel was established in war.  This is life on this planet.  It has been so since "the fall," and will continue until the fulfillment of the Word, "Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power"---------------- and war! 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I affirm my love for You, The Truth.  Amen.

 

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