let the fire fall
"How long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord is God, follow Him; if Baal, follow him." —1 Kings 18:21
The Lord died on the cross for love of us. He is Love (1 Jn 4:16), and He wants us to love Him with all our hearts (Dt 6:5). Jesus calls us to committed covenant-love. Any halfheartedness or lukewarmness nauseates Him (Rv 3:16). He calls us to total love.
The Lord sends fire (see 1 Kgs 18:38) to burn away the sinfulness, selfishness, idolatry, and spiritual adultery which contradicts the pure love for Him to which He has called us. This fire burns in our hearts through the proclamation of God's Word (Lk 24:32). It comes in the fiery tongues from the Holy Spirit at new Pentecosts (see Acts 2:3). God's fire of love burns especially in sufferings and persecutions (see 1 Pt 1:6-7). Jesus continues to cry out: "I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!" (Lk 12:49) "Our God is a consuming fire" (Heb 12:29).
Let the fire fall. Stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7). Live for the Lord alone in pure and total love. Let the Lord pour out His love into your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). Let the fire fall.
Prayer: Father, consume me in the fire of Your love.
Promise: "Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands shall be great in the kingdom of God." —Mt 5:19
Praise: Closely following Jesus, Alison forgave the man who murdered her daughter.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Don't Stifle the Spirit, order, listen to, or download our CD 56-3 or DVD 56-CH. 3 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio AV 56-3 or video V 56.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 20, 2016
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