““Behold, I am going to kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree in you, as well as every dry tree; the blazing flame will not go out and the entire surface from south to north will be scorched by it. And all mankind will see that I, the Lord, have kindled it; it will not go out.”— Ezekiel 20:47b–48

The Dry Tree

Controlled burns are done with intentionality.

A controlled burn improves soil, removes debris, and allows for rejuvenation.

There is a difference between a controlled burn and a forest fire (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭40‬‬).

Burn Intentionally Not Recklessly

Reckless Driving: Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.

When we don’t take responsibility for our lives, we become reckless and disregard the safety of those around us — especially those closest to us.

The closer you are to fire, the hotter it is. Fire affects what’s closest to it the most.

Our closeness to God determines our consecration. Share on X

Burning with the fire and favor of God requires intentionality.

“Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.” – ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬-‭26‬‬

We must be proactive in our approach to serving God and His people.

There is a difference between the fire of God and our avoidance of His warnings.

The way we choose to respond to trials will dictate how fruitful the outcome will be.

The Green Tree

Sometimes there needs to be a stripping away of the things in our lives that we think are flourishing — and that we have become comfortable with — in order to bring room for true growth.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” – Matthew 7:11

We often associate the fire of God with suffering, but sometimes it’s simply because our lives are out of order — and redirection can be painful.

When encountering trials, do we intentionally lean in and face them — or neglect them?

‭‭”All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, but the Lord examines the motives. Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬

Just because it looks like a good thing doesn’t always mean it’s a God thing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭27‬-‭28‬‬

Examples of Green Trees:

• The Gym/Appearance.
• Career.
• Alcohol.
• Anything that you idolize out of order.
• Green trees are the strategy of the enemy.

Solution: Pursuing God

The closer we are to God, the better we hear His warnings.

Our closeness to God determines our consecration.

Walking with God requires intentionality.

The process might be painful, but it’s for your good.

God Is A Consuming Fire

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” – Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬-‭29‬‬

The closer we get to Him, the more we should be affected by His presence.

If God is an all-consuming fire, and as we intentionally draw near to Him, the more His fire will burn off the clutter from me.

Burning with the fire and favor of God requires intentionality. Share on X

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” – ‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬‬

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