Strange Fire No More

We are in a season right now where the Lord is “cleaning house” so to speak. A season where the “strange fire” of Nadab and Abihu is being dealt with (Leviticus 10). A season where the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas(1 Samuel 3 & 4), are experiencing correction.

Stones and tables and all other hiding places are being overturned. Jesus cleansed the temple twice: the first time was at Passover (as recorded in John 2) and the second time occurred just after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem in the last week of His life. In the rhythm of time, both of these occasions just took place this last week.

A new wave of power, blessing, and authority from God is about to be released amongst His body. But a new level of purity is necessary for it to come forth.

Who may ascend to this hill? But they who have clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24:3). No, not one is sin-less, but He who was the worthy Lamb. Yet what is expected – what is required of us – is that we deal ruthlessly and swiftly with whatever threatens to make us stumble and/or take us into bondage. Lest we treat His sacrifice with contempt.

The Lord wants His children to rule and reign in life as we were intended to: a nation of kings, priests & prophets – unto Him. Yet to lead as priests requires holiness. And, holiness is being restored. Tried, as though it were through fire. Free of all dross. Pure. Until it glows like gold. The golden banner on the forehead of the priests, “Holiness to the Lord”.

And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the clean and the unclean. Ezekiel 44:23 NKJV

Restore. Restore. Restore!

My son, do not despise the chastening [discipline] of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5b-6 NKJV

HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come! Revelation 4:8b NKJV

Brothers, sisters, use great caution with where you allow yourself to stand right now in the courtrooms of heaven. Do NOT take on the tongue, attitude or disposition of the accuser of the brethren.

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. And with a sincere heart, pray with all earnest, “Search me, Oh God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23 NKJV And “Let he/she who thinks they stand take heed, lest they fall.” (1 Corinthians 9:12)

I’m not sure if I can convey this next part well enough. But I shall try: with this purity coming to the body of Christ, it is going to get much easier to begin recognizing others according to the Spirit. Things have been somewhat gray up until now. But for where we are going, we must be able to move more swiftly, discern more clearly, and know and recognize more immediately. Holiness will be a mark to look for.

May He be glorified in and through us all.

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, O Lord, You shall preserve them from this generation forever.” Psalm 11:6-7

Linda G Riddle