On fire

The March 12 post quoted Hebrews 12. In Deuteronomy 4:24 we find the same words echoed.

"For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

It may seem odd to think of God as being jealous. We often think of jealousy as a negative quality. But understanding God's exclusive claim on our heart, it is far from a negative thing. God has established a relationship with us that is marked by the same kind of commitment as a husband for his wife. Just as a husband would have righteous jealousy over his wife flirting with another man, God has a righteous jealousy toward us.

God, keep my heart undivided, fully given to you!

A word of encouragement

I was chatting today with a friend. God showed me a word of encouragement for them. I hope it encourages you too!

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

REV 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.