Choose This Day Who You Will Serve

The Spirit calls this morning and my conscious thoughts are still in yesterday's scripture:

I Kings 18:16-39. It is interesting how God's Word is so full of wisdom and Truth that the more I mull it over the more I see relevant to my life.


Today I was thinking about what it means to call fire down from Heaven like Elijah did in that contest with the prophets of Baal and I begin to doubt. I don't doubt the Lord's power, I doubt myself. I confess to the Holy One my fear that I am not worthy or righteous enough to be eligible for the answer by Power; fear that I am not worthy or righteous enough to call for and to have the answer of "fire" from heaven sent to consume the sacrifice and end the contest against darkness. Doubt is debilitating because it is so "self" focused. Our enemy loves to provoke doubt. This is his ancient strategy. The doubts swirl but then Holiness speaks to me:


"You are not the One who calls for fire....I Am"


"You are not the One righteous enough to gain the answer....I AM"


"The answer will come because........I AM"


My worry is for naught, the doubt melts away and the enemy retreats. It is not because of who I am that Heavenly fire will descend. It is because of who He, the Holy Spirit within me is, that causes Heaven to respond.


If I am just a consecrated vessel then it is not about how I stack the wood for the altar...not my "works" or even any self generated prayer. Fire comes down at the Spirit's request. And His requests are never denied.


As the end times play out and we wait for the return of our King, I believe more and more "contests" are going to be called for by God. He loves us too much to allow continued compromises that result in destroyed and defeated lives. I believe the lines of demarcation are being drawn and the challenges set up. I must not fear the "contests" but instead welcome them. They are called by the Holy One and will occur as we confront compromise.


"Choose this day who you will serve"


The challenge and contest in Elijah's day was the same as today. The "gods" may be different but the spirit of idolatry is the same. The "contest" was set up to capture the attention of the people and turn their hearts back to God.


Idolatry is not necessarily believing in another "Deity". Idolatry is a matter of who or what gets the attention of our mind and the love of our heart. Is Jesus the centerpiece of our hearts and minds? Is He the object of our love and devotion? If not be prepared for the "contest". If so, count on the "fire".


Choose this day who you will serve.....


The Spirit is calling. Can you hear Him?