Supply and demand runs the engines of consumerism. The engine of our economy thrives on systems that get the products to the consumer at the right time. Advertisements share with us a “projected need” of what is valued. The business of life and the daily “consumption” can be ruthless. The world can chew you up and spit you out.
The routine can get familiar, we can lose the value of family, our calling and the blessings of life due to selfishness and the love of the moment. The natural man is a consumer…all about me, occupied with the outer man-the presentation, the poise, the look-but God is looking at our heart. Often we can sacrifice the most valuable things for immediate impact.
Moses spent many years out of the limelight. He was in the desert school of hard Knox’s. In Exodus 3 God got his attention with a burning bush. Some unique characteristics of the burning bush was that it burned without being consumed. The bush wasn’t anything great by human standards, but the focus was what was going on inside it – BURNING FIRE.
How is it not to be consumed? Here is a list of perspectives that help us “stay in our lane” and to “keep our heart” on fire:
- Our Identity is we are the Lord’s workmanship
- Our blessings are tools to bless others
- Living for ourselves leads to disappointments
- We are satisfied when we serve others
- Generosity is reciprocal
The integrity of the promises of God motivates and gives energy for action. We minister on the basis of what we have received from God. In Acts 20:35 shows us that giving ignites the fire!
Burning
Isaiah 4:4 speaks of a Spirit of Burning. Something in us, that is not from us, that moves us. The Word of God is active in us inspiring and encouraging us. It is a supernatural engine with its own elements and properties. Jesus is not looking for us to “fake it till we make it “or to work up something to feel something.
Burning happens when we enjoy His presence and rest in His love and have our “center” gravitate around eternal promises. God will work and generate the action as we focus and receive from Him. His Holy spirit is the great engine to HIS WORK!
Read: The Value of Having a Tender Heart
Proverbs 26:20 shares…”Without wood the fire goes out.” What is the wood? Our faith, and trust in Him. Whatever the obstacle or discouraging agent we look to Jesus and allow him to work. We fellowship with His promises and we don’t get in the way by doubt or negative confession but we continue by faith. So many are looking for miracles on “our terms” but often the difficulty allows the Lord to show Himself faithful.
 What suffocates or grows the burning?
- Our focus gives oxygen to the promises or stifles them.
- Our confession reinforces our thinking, or we can sabotage and circumvent the process.
- Worshiping God while we wait gives patience with the changes.
- Delays often are working in what is needed in our hearts to enjoy the blessing.
It is not what you DO that makes you a “successful” Christian, but how we enjoy God IN life process. Receive and Burn with hope – God is working even though we don’t see it. He is a faithful God!
Jason is a graduate from Maryland Bible College and Seminary, and presently he leads the Pastoral Care Team of Greater Grace Church in Baltimore. Since age 16, Jason has been involved with mission work among the former Soviet-Bloc countries in Eastern Europe, as well as in Asia, and in the United States. While living in Ukraine, he helped church plant three new churches that continue to thrive today under trained nationals. He has also written five books and has his own podcast (www.InnerRevolution.us)
Thank you for sharing this. Was down this morning but this is an encouragement. May God bless you