Tag: God’s provision.

EPISODE 29–CLOSING OPEN DOORS

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/E0-zmftqKFg

Hello My Friends

The title of today’s episode is “Closing Open Doors”

ASK YOURSELF, Do you have open doors?

The enemy will walk through doors that are left open. There are certain areas that we need to be mindful of in order to shut the doors on the enemy. We can have beliefs that are in opposition to the word of God. We reject the ideas or morals that are of God. When we reject the ideas of the word, we leave the door open to unbelief. Unbelief will give the enemy a foothold to cause us to sin. We cannot adopt the ideas and beliefs of the world. The world is always in opposition to God’s way.

How do we close this door? We need to study the word of God. We need to find out what God thinks. Then, pray for God to help our thoughts to align with God’s thoughts. Romans 12:2 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Only God can transform our thoughts and help them to align with what he finds acceptable. We renew our minds by prayer and studying God’s word. If we pray, he will help us to align to His thoughts.

The second door that is left open is often things that came into our lives through willful sin. God had forgiven us, and then we opened that door to temptation. By willful sin, we allow Satan a stronghold that is hard to get away from, and that door is hard to shut. But we have the power to close that door and ask God to forgive us and close the door to that temptation. When we open that door, we allow ourselves to be shackled into slavery again to that thing that held us captive before.

To be set free and close the door to satan, we must speak out of our mouths a confession of sin. We need to renounce the hold it has on our lives. Being set free comes through repentance. Staying free comes from the resistance of the enemy.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Unforgiveness is another door that leaves room for the enemy. Matt 6:14-15 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. When we hold onto unforgiveness, we are holding onto grief and pain. We are hurting ourselves because we are keeping God from forgiving us. If we can learn to forgive others, we are not saying they didn’t do us wrong. We are not saying they didn’t cause us pain and loss.

We are saying, Because Jesus forgives our trespasses against Him, I can forgive this thing that was done to me. Sometimes, this takes prayer to overcome. Letting go of offense will close the door to the enemy to grow hatred and strife in our lives. Forgiving others sets us free, not our offender.

There is a door that is left open that we have had little to do with it. Our ancestors can leave doors open to generational curses. Alcoholism is one example. Many times, a parent who is bound by alcohol will have children bound by the same spirit. There are many things that can be generational curses in our lives and make us susceptible to attacks from the enemy.

We can close the door of generational curses through prayer. We need to renounce the covenants our ancestors have made with these spirits. God will set us free if we ask him for that freedom. Tell the enemy you are closing the door to the generational curses of your bloodline. Remind Satan that you are grafted into the family of God and that you have a heavenly bloodline that is stronger than your earthly bloodline. It is important that we close every door to the enemy. Do not give him even the smallest of cracks to get a toe-hold. Because toe holds turn to strongholds. The generational curses you break will not be passed on to your children, who will have to fight.

I know this was a little heavier message than most, but I felt like we needed to take a serious look at the doors that were open in our lives. Pray on this subject, Search your life, and ask yourself if you have left a door open to the enemy. Ask God to show you any open doors. Ask Him to close the doors to the enemy.

THANKS FOR WATCHING

UNTIL NEXT TIME BE BOLD BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

EPISODE 16–THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY APPEAR

Episode 16 Check out the video version of this blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ek7gVcYpg

The title of today’s episode is, “THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY APPEAR” Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. The flood that destroyed the wicked elevated the ark. We often feel like the enemy has the upper hand when really God is just waiting on the right time to bring the flood. During that flood, he will elevate us above the destruction and destroy the enemy. Even though they were rained on just as hard as the rest of the world, they were safe inside the ark. God gave people plenty of time to do the right thing, but they just mocked and laughed at the preacher who was building a boat on dry land. God was patient, but once he sealed the door, it was too late.

God always has a plan. He always protects his people. Like during all the plagues of Egypt. God’s people didn’t suffer any of the plagues. They were safe in the place where they dwelled. Things escalated to the meeting at the Red Sea. That divine moment destroyed their enemy while delivering them safely to the other side. We can dwell in safety. He will never allow us to be overtaken by the enemy, as long as we dwell in the secret place with Him. We dwell under the shadow of His wings.

God told Jehoshaphat to go to battle. He had three different armies that were against him. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. To the natural mind, what Jehosophat did may seem silly, but God knew what needed to be done. He led him into the battle to see that God would take care of his people.

These are just a few examples of how God used different people to destroy the enemy. Each one took faith and walked in God’s promise that he would deliver. Can you imagine loading all those animals on a boat and getting inside, not knowing what was going to happen. It took faith to get inside with a bunch of wild animals. Under normal circumstances, they would have ended up ripped to shreds by claws and fangs. But God made the animals to even be peaceable.

Imagine how scary it was being trapped by a body of water and the enemy closing in fast. God used that moment to show the Israelites that he was their God, their provider and protector. He turned that moment of fear into joy as they saw God destroy the enemy.

Imagine you are a worshipper in Jehosophat’s army, he says, “God said you will go before the army.” To the natural mind that is a scary place to be, you would be the first one to see the enemy. You would be the first one attacked. As you march along praising God, you are also the first one to see that the enemies have destroyed each other.

The Jewish people in the book of Esther were going to be destroyed. Haman the evil advisor to the king we determined to kill them all and had a special hatred for Moredcai. (Esther’s cousin) But after calling a fast Esther boldly went before the king. At that moment, God started turning the situation around. Before that moment, the evil Haman had built a gallows to hang Mordecai. But because they prayed and trusted God, the Jewish people were saved from being slaughtered, and the evil Haman ended up hanging on his own gallows. Him and his sons. God even destroyed his bloodline.

These examples lead me to believe that as long as we trust Him, even when it seems to the natural mind that it is a crazy or bad idea, we will experience amazing things. We are about to experience what may appear scary to the natural mind. We live in uncertain times. But we know through reading the bible that there is nothing we face that we have to face alone. This is where we have to fully put our trust in him. He will keep us safe and will show us amazing things. He will allow what the enemy meant to destroy us to be our salvation. If we can only trust in Him. Take time to think about your life and your situation. Remember, things are not always as they appear. God may be allowing something that looks scary to launch you into your destiny. Hold tight to him. He will deliver you from the enemy as long as you look to Jesus.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 11–CRAZY FAITH

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “Crazy Faith”

People thought Noah was crazy for building a boat. He preached and warned the people for years. He warned them of something that was supposed to take place that the world had never seen before: rain. He knew someone they did not know. Noah knew a God who was his friend and his deliverer. Noah took his crazy faith and put it into action. Noah never let people get in his way of doing what God told him to do and his faith saved his family from destruction.

Daniel prayed to the one true God, against the king’s command. He was bold about it. He did not get in the corner of his bedroom and quietly whispered. He opened his windows and prayed loudly to his God three times a day. He showed he had boldness. Many would consider that crazy faith. When it came to being thrown into a lion’s den, he trusted God to deliver him. God honors the bold and the brave. He uses them in ways that bring deliverance to others.

It sounded impossible that a man of God could bless a meal barrel and a pot of oil for a widow, and it would not run dry until the famine was over. But the widow took all she had and fed the man of God. To many people, that would sound crazy; why would she give him her last meal? But her crazy faith saved her and her son. God blessed her sacrifice and sustained her through the famine.

We are in a day and age when the world needs to see devoted people. They need to see the miracles and signs that our God is awesome. We need to be bold enough to step out and even look a little crazy if necessary, walking in that crazy faith.

A friend of mine recently asked if my grandfather had ever cast out devils. Deliverance ministry is on the rise in our country, as God shows his strength and power. I told her he had but I did not experience it. Then I remembered when I was a twenty-two-year-old, newly married woman. My husband went to visit some friends. He came home and told me to call my family to pray that he was going back to cast a demon out of our friend. In shock I said, “Can you do that?” I didn’t feel equipped myself, he said, “The bible says I can” and out the door he went. He returned an hour or so later and shared that our friend was fine.

He was so full of faith, he had what the world would call crazy faith. In order for us to fight the enemy in the times we are living, we need to ask God for a dose of crazy faith.

I Cor 1:26-27 (26) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

(27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Sometimes, God asks us to do things that the world may think are crazy. But I would rather look crazy to the world than miss what God wants me to do or say. Pleasing Him is all that matters.

Many things to the natural mind look crazy or seem impossible. The Bible is full of people who were brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and use their faith. God honors the bold and the brave. What is He wanting you to do that some may think is crazy?

1Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Sometimes, I wake up with a song on my heart. God often uses them to set the tone for my day. Other times I wake with a to do list running through my mind. But I want to focus on Jesus this morning. There is nothing he cannot do. Some people hear that phrase and think we are all crazy. Because they prayed with all their heart for something to happen and when it didn’t (when God said no) they lost faith.

One of the most important things we can hold on to is faith that all things work out for our good. Even when it seems like all hope is lost. Even when our hearts are breaking, holding steadfast to our faith is very important.

Where would all the inspirational stories in the bible be if those people lost faith? What if Moses had stood at the Red Sea and curled up in a ball crying, “We’re gonna die!!!” But he held on to his faith and God provided a way of escape. He had been through enough with the Lord to know he could trust him.

Many of the saint that have gone before us had a dose of crazy faith. It is going to take that over the top, “God says I can, type of faith to win the next generations. So be encouraged, hold on to your faith, God is with us.

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Thanks for spending a little time with me. Check out my blog at http://www.godfocus.net. Email me at angela@godfocus.net. Until next time, Be bold, Be brave and keep your God Focus.

EPISODE 10–FISHING GOD’S WAY

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “Fishing God’s Way ”

Matthew 4:18-20 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

I can remember going fishing with my dad and grandpa as a young girl. It was always fun to cast the bait out and immediately catch a fish. But it got boring just waiting for a fish to bite. Fishing requires patience and skill. It requires experience to know where the fish like to hang out, like near downed trees and under rock ledges. It was always frustrating when one stole your bait. We used all sorts of things for bait, from minnows to a Velveeta cheese and garlic mixture my dad made. Sometimes, we used artificial bait with shiny spinners and spoons. It all depended on what kind of fish we wanted to catch.

Satan uses all sorts of shiny things to catch us and get us to sin. He knows just what will tempt us. He custom makes traps for each of us to cause us to sin. As Christians, we are not above falling into a trap if we do not listen to the voice of God. Especially if you are new to your Christian walk. But if we listen, God will make a way for us to escape falling into the trap in the first place.

When dealing with the lost, we have to understand that they have been trapped by the enemy. We must never go to them with a superior attitude or one of condemnation. They need to see God’s compassion and love in us. We will never reach the lost without God’s love in our hearts. We will not reach them if we only pray for our lost family and friends.

In order to complete the great commission, we have to have a burden for the lost. It is up to each of us to try to bring souls into the kingdom. I went fishing almost every time my dad went until he told me I was old enough to bait my own hook and take off my own fish. Well, that was the end of my fishing days. I didn’t want to get slimy, and I had seen people get cut badly with fish that bit or finned them. I wanted to protect myself.

We sometimes want to leave the hard jobs to someone else. We don’t want to get our hands dirty. We want to protect ourselves from people lashing out at us. When people are hurting or scared, they sometimes say harsh things. It’s easier to just stop fishing for those souls.

Thinking of people as being fish, some are tough, some are clown fish, and some are hiding and need different bait. We each may have different bait in our tackle box because of what we have experienced. Someone that I can reach you may not be able to even get close to witnessing to and vice versa.

There are plenty of lost to go around. It’s time for us to gather the tools necessary into our tackle box and go fishing.

What do we put in our tackle box? The word of God. Compassion, non-judgmental attitude, God’s love, peace and strength. Before leaving the house, we need to pray that the master of the sea will lead us to the right fishing spot. Ask for His Spirit to give us the right words to say to help heal the brokenhearted.

Many people have been hurt by so-called Christians and are afraid to be vulnerable again. They blame God and QUOTE “church people”. I don’t ever want to be known as “Church People.” I want people to look at me and see a Christian. Not someone bound by an organized religious denomination. I recently shared a story on my blog of a woman at a restaurant that I talk to a lot. She told me that some of the “church people” got upset on Easter Sunday because they were closing at noon to spend the day with their families. I explained to her there was a difference between a Christian and a “church people.” Church people are all about the church; they are judgmental and rude. They feel like they know everything and that no one is as good as a Christian as they are. Christians are loving people who attend church. But they are kind. Be kind to your servers, generous with your tips, and above all, help them see the difference between “church people and Christians. It may even lead to catching a fish or two. We can reach the lost if we walk in love.

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

NEW ADVENTURES

I am excited about what God is doing in my life and those around me. That is why, from now on, I am combining my blog and my video ministry. Each blog post will be in the written form of the video for those of you who would rather read it. At the top will be the video of the day. God Focus This Morning is the title of my daily videos. The posts will be Monday thru Friday.

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “Made Up Mind”

We used to attend church with a man who was constantly reminding us that we have to have a made-up mind. He would say that the enemy will send all sorts of things to get us to give up. We cannot allow the enemy to get us to falter in our faith. We cannot take a step backwards. We have to hold the line.

Troubles may press in from every angle, but if we have a made up mind, nothing will phase us. Nothing we go through will cause us to waiver.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. We are in a battle for the soul of our nation. We cannot be moved by the enemy or what he tries to do. We need to have deep roots and be planted. Can you see a tree get up and walk away, because it didn’t like the angle of the wind? No, a tree digs deep. The stronger the winds blow the more need the tree has to dig deeper.

As warriors in God’s army, we must be determined to do our duty and honor the wishes of our King (Jesus). As warriors we need to have loyalty to the cause of Christ and be determined that we will not be bribed by the flashy things of the enemy to cause us to back up or sin.

We need to dig in and hold the line, saying, Satan, I will not back up, I will not back down. I am going through with Jesus guiding me. Many brave soldiers down through time won battles that seemed impossible because they were determined to not back down, but to hold their ground.

Lines are being drawn in the sand. We have to be determined to stand up for what is right. I will not be moved, I will not back up, I will not back down, I will stand for Jesus even if I have to stand alone. Gideon started with a huge army of men. But God needed that number paired down to the ones who believed him. With 300 men, God defeated the enemy.

Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

I believe we are going through a season in which God is separating the wheat and tares to an extent. Many who have been lukewarm and call themselves Christian will be separated. God wants a strong army of determined men and women who will have a made-up mind to stand for him. There is not a battle we cannot win as long as we believe that he will go before us and fight our battles. We have to be determined to stand for the truth.

We cannot waiver in our beliefs, even when things don’t look like they line up with our beliefs. Ephesians Chapter Six is all about putting in the whole armor of God. Warriors of God are equipped with God’s armor. All of this armor was designed for meeting an enemy head-on. There was no covering for a retreat. If you turn around to run, the enemy can easily get you from behind. So we have to stand strong.

Romans 12:2 says, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God….

We have to stand strong and allow our minds to be renewed with the word of God. If we keep our spiritual mind strong, we will be determined and always have a made-up mind.

Thanks for listening.

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

DRY LAND

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

We have all walked through spiritual deserts in which we feel like we are alone. We feel like God is not there. But he is walking silently by our side while we work out our issues. Being in the desert gave David a good perspective. It was during the time he was running from Saul that God used to grow him. It was in the solace that God taught him to be king.

Our bodies desire water; we cannot function without it. But just as our flesh needs water, our soul needs God’s living water. I want to take time to remind those who feel like they are in a spiritual desert that God is there and will not leave you. He has promised he will never leave us or forsake us. Just when we think we cannot go one more step, he sends a refresh to our soul. We feel like we can begin to take one more step. O Lord, how our souls thirst for your presence. Help us when we find ourselves in a desert place. Remind us that you are with us and doing a good work within us by preparing us for the next level in our Christian walk. Fill us up, Lord.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

CARE

1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

As a servant of the Lord, it is up to us to show him love. When we show him love and serve his needs, we could be seen as showing care. This verse says to cast all your care, not cares. What better way to show we care for him than to serve him.

We love him because he first loved us. We love him because he showed us how much he cares for us. He died for us. This is why we are supposed to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

This verse is often quoted to mean that we can bring our cares to him because he cares for us. This is a true sentiment and statement to say that we can bring our worries and cares to him because he cares for us.

I apologize for the lateness of this blog. I was having internet issues yesterday evening. Have a great weekend.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

YouTube Channel Announcement

Good Evening, my friends. I am excited to share news of my new adventure with you. For the longest time, I talked about doing a podcast. I may still do that sometime in the future. But for now, God has led me in the direction of a YouTube Channel.

My plan is to start posting short devotional videos, Mon to Fri. I should be able to start posting them in early November 2023. I feel God has given me a ministry to enlighten and encourage the body of Christ to fully focus on him. My blog is called God Focus. The YouTube devotionals will be called God Focus This Morning. I will be sharing longer videos containing bible studies, testimonies and encouraging words as God leads.

You can watch my first video by clicking on the picture above. Like, Share and Subscribe to my channel so you do not miss what the Lord is doing in and through my life. I will keep you updated. Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS.

God Knows What We Need

There is an old hymn that says, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” I am sure it was inspired by Jesus’ words in Matt 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

It tells us that God understands our needs and desires. He knows we need food, clothing and shelter. He is reminding us that we should not worry about our needs. God will provide what we need. He takes care of the fowls of the air. How much more important are we to God than the birds? He died for us, He didn’t die for the birds.

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. If someone had asked me before writing this article what Phil 4:19 said I would have said that he will supply our needs. But it says need, this prompted me to look up a definition. Need–occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief.

There is nothing going to happen to us that God does not allow into our lives. He not only knows what we need physically, food, clothing and shelter. He knows what to allow into our lives to supply our spiritual needs also. When we need growth in an area, He will allow a trial to make us stronger.

We can trust him. Nothing happens to us without purpose. When he says he will supply what we need, it goes beyond the basics. He is our provider, we can lean on him always.

He not only provides our needs but promises to give us the desires of our heart, if we delight in Him. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

A BIBLE STUDY

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME

A STUDY ABOUT CARRYING

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

LLOYD DEMSEY II

This study was written by the late Lloyd Dempsey II, edited by his wife, Angela Dempsey

It is being published in memory of Lloyd and his love for the people of God. He wanted to encourage and enlighten someone every day. May this study lift you up and encourage you to carry the flame of God to show the lost a way out of darkness.

There is a tribe of people living like cavemen in the Amazon Jungle. The most complex machine that they have is a long bow. They use this bow for hunting. These people have never developed a way to start their own fire. The only way to get fire is to collect it from a lightning strike. Since fire is so hard for them to obtain, they consider it a “Gift of God.”

As Christian in the modern U.S. we take for granted the ease of making fire. All we need is a match, a lighter or some other device. However, if we had to work at it, fire can be a hard thing to obtain. In this study we will examine the natural fire and relate it to the Holy Ghost Fire.

John said, Matt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Just as the little Amazon Indian sees natural fire as a gift from God, we as Christians receive Holy Fire from the true God. But what good is it? What do we do with this Gift of Fire?

To answer this question, we must look at how to use natural fire. Fire gives us light and allows us to see what is around us in the dark. Whether or not there is a stumbling block or a clear path ahead, a brother or an enemy. It also helps us see the work we are doing.

If you have ever awoken to a power outage and had to bumble around in the dark, you can really appreciate the light of even a small candle. It is amazing how a little fire can make a big difference.

How does this relate to Holy Fire?

2 Pet. 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Pet. 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Jesus commanded us to let our light shine.

Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matt 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus told us that a little fire in the form of a candle is very important. The light from a city at that time was a collection of little fires. When a little fire is held high, everyone benefits.

Often there are times when we sit on a pew, silent. We think our little song or testimony isn’t good enough to be shared. Jesus wants us to share it anyway. This is how God is glorified and the lost won to the kingdom.

If a man wondering in the wilderness sees the collective light from a city. He knows he can find shelter.

Natural fire keeps us warm. It is said that a person standing in the wilderness, on a cold night can survive only three hours without the comfort of a fire for warmth.

Act 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Natural fire is used to cook or prepare food. Again, through the Holy Ghost food is given to us.

Jer. 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Natural fire purifies for us precious things. The Holy fire purifies us to make us more precious to God.

I Peter 4:12-14 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

As we have seen, natural fire is a wonderful useful thing. Spiritual or Holy Fire is an absolute necessity, and I haven’t even scratched the surface. Next, let us look at the maintenance of fire, after all if we are “keepers of the flame,” then we have a responsibility to see that fire is there when it is needed.

In the Amazon Indian’s world there is only two ways to get fire. One way is to collect wildfire from a lightening strike. (This is why they believe it is a gift of God). The other way is to get the “Keepers of the Flame,” to share with you the fire he has collected and nurtured from a previous strike. (The same Gift)

As Christians there is only two ways to get spiritual fire (Holy Ghost Fire) The first ways is to get fire directly from God.

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The other way is for a Holy Ghost filled person to pass it on.

Acts 8:14-17 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

As “Keepers of the Flame” we are given the responsibility of passing on the fire, nurturing the fire, and keeping a constant watch. Just as the little Indian in the Amazon must carry a smoldering stick everywhere he goes, so we must carry our Holy Ghost Fire everywhere.

Mark 16:15-16 (15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The little Indian can be spotted anywhere, because of the smoke from his stick, everyone who sees him knows he has God’s Gift. They know that he is the one to go to when it is time to cook, get comforting warmth, or kindle the nights campfire; which keeps away the large jungle cats that constantly stalk the tribe in the darkness.

Mark 16:17-18 (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Some people believe that although we are commissioned to preach the gospel to the whole world. The signs of those who believe was only for those living at the time of Christ. Both Joel and Acts tells us this is for everybody.

Joel 2:28-30 This is quoted in Acts 2:17-19

Acts 2:16-19 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

So if we have fire, there is going to be smoke; for just as smoke is evidence of fire in a stick. These signs are evidence of the Holy Ghost in a person. (Mark 16:17-18) (I must point out here that in Mark 16:18 the serpents here are symbolic of the devil and are taken up to be cast out. The deadly drink is representative of false doctrine.

Truly God gives his servants protection from an accidental poisoning. However, picking up snakes and drinking strychnine are foolishly tempting God. Therefore, it is a sin in itself.)

As I write this I must ask myself, is the Holy Ghost in me as evident as the natural fire is in the life of the little Amazon Indian’s life?

Do the people in my life know they can come to me when they need fed or comforted?

Can they see that I have God’s Gift, that can shine a light on their path or drive out the wild beast that hunt them in the spiritual darkness?

Have I let my fire go down or worse yet, have I let it go out completely?

I Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

What can I do to keep the fire burning?

II Tim 1:6-7 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Our flame is a tool for God to work in our lives; to provide for us, as well as those who surround us. So we must keep our flame stirred up with prayer, praise and the receiving of his word. If we are diligent in these things, we can be assured that our flame will grow strong.

Sadly, despite all diligence the little Amazon Indian lives in a place where very few people preach the truth and probably is a pagan. Thank you Jesus, that you allowed me to be an American, where I can be a Christian and a “Keeper of your fire.”

If you are reading this today and have let your fire go down or go out completely. God wants to rekindle your flame right now. This study has not come to you by accident. Much prayer has gone into its’ creation.

I believe that God will move upon you right now to increase your spiritual fire. He will help you grow in wisdom, knowledge and truth.

Matt 18:12-14 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

If you have never had fire, then the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to become a flame and light for him. Repent and get your sins under the blood of Christ. Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and pray for God to fill you with the Holy Ghost and you will receive fire.

Questions:

How can I receive God’s holy fire? ____________________________________________________________________________________

As a believer, how do I carry the fire to those that need light and the warmth of God’s love? ____________________________________________________________________________________

What do we do with the gift of fire?
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How does holy fire compare to natural fire when it comes to purifying?

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As believers we are given a great commission to spread the love of God to the world and share the holy fire with them.

The little Indian in our comparison can be spotted because of his smoke. What are some thing people will notice about us as believers that make us stand out?

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