PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jun
19

Holy Fire!

Tim Savage

Scripture

10But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all. 2 Kings 1

Observation

Wow! If I only had that power! Say or do something to me that I don’t like and you’re toast! Literally!

The reason this verse leapt out at me this morning is that I’ve been in a season of weariness, which has sometimes led to rash decisions. If not for Christ, I would have flamed a lot of people and changed my destiny and my destination. It’s a great fantasy though!

I am reminded that I must not make decisions or respond critically to people when I’m tired, no matter how justified I might feel. Recently, I’ve quickly (too quickly) read emails and messages that have either offended or infuriated me and I spend the better part of a day upset, then, after some rest, I re-read the same message only to find that I didn’t fully understand it. In fact, as I was driving in to work today I consciously avoided calling someone who I took offense with, instead, I wanted to do the “holy” thing and listen to today’s scripture reading. When the app on my phone failed I got even more upset because I had no choice but to make that phone call. Well, long story short, God knew that I needed to talk with that person because, in my weariness, I had read more in to that situation than was there and the phone call cleared the air immediately. I wanted to rain down holy fire and consume that person, but thankfully God had other plans.

Application

Lord, thank You for saving me from myself. I must continue to apply the live-changing and soul-saving lessons You provide through my daily walk with You. I need to rest more, so that I do not walk so close to the edge of life. It’s a lot more fun to walk further from the edge. But, I must also never make permanent decision, based on temporary situations, like weariness, pain or offense.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your mercy and grace on my life, for which I do not deserve. Grant me wisdom and discernment as I strive to lead Your people well.

In Jesus name,

Amen


Devotions for June 19

2 Kings 1,2,3
Psalms 82
1 Timothy 1

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