Consumed

 

 

When I started writing my blog today it was like a normal day. However, when I finished it I was literally in tears, praying and shaking (in a good way). Today was not and will not be a normal day for someone who is consumed. When I sit and reminisce about my childhood I cannot recall a lot of fond memories. I am not one of those people who say “I wish I was 7, 12, 16, 21 or any other age again”. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining. I’ve learned what is done is done and hold on to Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I truly believe all things do work according to his purpose (will).  So, the things that upset when I recall an incident in my childhood that bothers me, I just remember Romans 8:28.

                                                                                                                                                              

However, the fond memories I do have revolved around church camp, Sunday school and youth services.  These are bittersweet memories. Because, those fond memories also house a lot of painful memories (that is a whole another story). I easily get distracted so I have to stay focused here. I was the young girl who at alter call stood in the back helping with the smaller children. I would feel the “tug” for years. Yes, I am not kidding years. But, I never wanted to be judged. I didn’t want people standing around me praying and staring at me. So for years I mentally, physical and spiritually fought it. Until one year at church camp in 1992. I didn’t care anymore. I distinctly remember that moment I gave it all up. I never wanted to fight it again. Then after that I would leave church camp or a youth service, I would be excited and so on fire for God. I couldn’t wait to pray, read and give offering. I was prophesied over. I was going to be in the ministry.  A pastor’s wife or missionary’s wife. This has yet to come however I’m sure if it’s God’s will it will be carried out. In God’s perfect timing.  I couldn’t read enough I just couldn’t get enough of God and his presence. As the years went on. A few incidents happened at church that I held on to. I didn’t give to God. I harbored them, a continued to play these thing over and over in my head. And let these juvenile things drive a wedge between myself and God. For several years I did what I wanted. I ended up divorced. I became promiscuous, then had my fifth child out of wedlock. I never tried drugs, I was never a prostitute or did anything illegal. But, it was enough that the guilt of my actions set in and I was too ashamed to return to God. I knew I had messed up and he didn’t want or need someone like me to be pray for others, or to teach after everything I had done. You know all the little things Satan plants in your head to keep you away from God. I eventually hit bottom and had nowhere to turn. I had two daughters living with friends in another state. It was hard. Finally, I knew only God could reach down and pick me up from the bottom. I was listening to Karen Wheaton and the song “He’ll do it again” played. Then Nicole C. Mullen’s “one touch” played. I knew then and there God was telling me. Only one touch and I will do it again. And guess what HE DID! All that desire to serve, love, share and joy returned. Of course not in an instant like the movies. But, over time. Healing began that day. Don’t get me wrong there are some days. I have to rebuke the old feelings that try to creep up. Then that is when James 4:7 came to play “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. Because those thoughts are not from God. Only tactics of Satan to put me back in that place.  That place I know I never want to be. There is a song by Hillsong United, Consuming Fire. The day I heard this song I had chills. It was one of those life changing songs. It took me back to the moments I was on fire for God and everything it entailed. I looked up the scripture in which it says God is a consuming fire.

It does not matter which translation you read Hebrews 12:29 every translations reads the same.

Parallel Verses

 

New International Version

for our "God is a consuming fire."

 

New Living Translation

For our God is a devouring fire.

 

English Standard Version

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

New American Standard Bible

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

King James Bible

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

Holman Christian Standard Bible

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

International Standard Version

For "our God is an all-consuming fire."

 

NET Bible

For our God is indeed a devouring fire.

 

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

GOD'S WORD® Translation

After all, our God is a destructive fire.

 

Jubilee Bible 2000

 for our God is a consuming fire.

 

King James 2000 Bible

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

American King James Version

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

American Standard Version

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

Douay-Rheims Bible

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

Darby Bible Translation

For also our God is a consuming fire.

 

English Revised Version

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

Webster's Bible Translation

For our God is a consuming fire.

 

Weymouth New Testament

For our God is also a consuming fire.

 

World English Bible

for our God is a consuming fire.

 

Young's Literal Translation

 for also our God is a consuming fire.                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

If you were raised in church or even at one point in your life had a relationship with Christ. You will always have an ember smoldering.  If you have ever seen a smoldering camp fire and added a paper to it. Maybe blew on it a little or just poured gas or lighter fluid on it. With paper is starts a small flame (reading the pages of his word) especially when you blow on it (the breath it takes to pray).  Now if you add lighter fluid or gas to it, it burst into flames (praise & worship regardless of circumstances). Consuming everything you place on it at that point.  The perfect recipe for a consuming fire. So I will ask you today. What are you willing to do to spark that smoldering fire for God? My challenge to you…. I don’t where you are in your Christian walk.  If you are a believer or a non-believer. Start praying even if it’s 30 seconds in the morning, noon or night. There are no rules on prayer only this it is sincere.  Start reading scripture. There are so many bible apps you can access from anywhere. Replace your music with uplifting with Praise songs, even if you are only replacing one song a day or one an hour. Let’s see what we can do and allow God to consume us. Let’s get to that place where leaping for joy and dancing unto the Lord is as easy as breathing.  I pray today this blog was as much a blessing to you as it was for me to share.

 

Remember Life if short, God is good and coffee is your friend,

 

Hollie Kate.