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Moses at Burning Bush

After 400 years of silence from God, At a Mountain, God, the Light of the World, Saw fit to call a man named Moses to be His representative to a people He would gather together to be a witness of Who He was. He displayed Himself to Moses as a Bush, ablaze with fire, yet not consumed/destroyed by it. A tree more fully alive than anything Moses had seen before or encountered. This wonder caught his attention, bringing him to his knees, recognizing the holiness of God and the power of God to keep alive what should be consumed by such a powerful blaze.

Moses, eventually became the deliverer of a people group comprised of slaves, held under the power and in the clenches of the earth’s supreme authority. They were ransomed with the blood of a blameless lamb, and were brought out of the darkness of slavery into a freedom they desperately longed for by incredible wonders and marvelous signs displaying the overwhelming power of God before ALL mankind. They passed through a parted sea and conquered overwhelming enemies.

Moses encounter with a Holy God, his confrontation and ultimate submission to God’s authority, equipped him to lead others to the same mountain so the people themselves could personally encounter the same GOD. God’s purpose and passion was to draw a people out of bondage to freedom, They were witnesses of God’s Love.

Once led free they followed the Spirit of God as seen in a Pillar of Holy Fire to each location of 40 years.

Children of Israel at a Fire filled Mountain

That Holy Presence, the Spirit of God in the form of a Pillar of Fire led them to that SAME mountain. God then displayed His WONDER and POWER to an entire people. There were THUNDERS, LIGHTNINGS, TREMBLINGS and TRUMPETS. 50 days after they left Egypt they HEARD the words of God with their OWN ears their OWN Languages. Every cell in their bodies were impacted with the reverberation. The Giving of the law, was done so that every individual would have a PERSONAL encounter - their own heart, mind and all senses recognized God’s presence and power.

They recognized their desperate need, their futile existence, their meager humanity, their powerless position and YET, they pulled away, asking for a mediator, a go between, a middle man, someone else to tell them what God wanted....a system to know God. They wanted a Religion not a Relationship. WHY? They DIDN’T recognize, God’s Love, God’s Mercy, God’s Gift, Redemption.

God even called some of the leaders up to the mountain, 75 men in all, went and SAW the feet of God, and dinned at HIS banquet table...Yet within days, they were hosting their own party, worshipping a graven image, causing Moses to cast down the tablets of stone engraved by God’s own hand. Man had quickly exchanged the things of God for things made by their own hands, Breaking the covenant they already committed to. God extended consequences for breaking the covenant (3000 were slain) & YET, GOD was merciful.

Disciples of Christ filled with Fire/Spirit of God

Some 1500 years later, after a people group had solidified as a nation, after religion was deeply engrained, after they had once again become captors to another world power, God in His tender Mercy Sent a deliverer. 400 years after the last known prophet, God sent His Son, pure, blameless, perfect Lamb of God to die and ransom a people with His blood.

After Rising from the dead, a gathering of a people who recognized they had been ransomed, and set free from the ravages of sin, to submit and serve Christ freely, gathered and gained momentum. Before Jesus ascended into heaven He showed them many infallible proofs of His resurrection, power and authority. On the 50th day after His resurrection, they received the Holy Spirit when He descended on them. With the sound of a mighty rushing wind, with fire upon each head, they began to speak with other tongues, and those in Jerusalem from all areas around the world heard the wonders of God in their own languages.

Peter began to proclaim the truth of what had taken place over the last few weeks, the good and glorious news of Jesus, His Lordship, and His Redemption. 3000 people that day were added to the kingdom of God as their hearts burned within them seeing this wonder of God and recognizing that men, of mere stature, were able to speak with such anointing and authority, they were drawn to come close and learn for themselves what this was...The Church, a holy nation, a royal priesthood was born.

In Pursuit of HOLY Fire From Sinai to Pentecost; God’s Purpose & Passion

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Holy Fire-Holy SpiritJohn the Baptist Knew Jesus was the Lamb of God, he knew that Jesus would baptize with fire, He knew He needed to decrease so that Jesus could increase...Fire always consumes, causing the ‘self’ to decrease that Christ can increase in our lives. To have a Holy Fire ablaze in us, we seek to be purified, purged, simplified so that, as gold refined in a fire, we are made into the Image of Christ, or that Christ would be made manifest in our lives, seen by others, that the wonder of God would be made known.

“But you are A CHOSEN People, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9

Hebrews 12:18-2918 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the

word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 For they could not endure what was commanded... 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Hear the Heavenly Voice

25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that

Mt. Sinai Mt Zion

Passover Lamb Killed - People Delivered

Jesus, Lamb of God, Killed - Price for Sin Paid

Proof of Gods Power - 10 plagues, Red Sea etc

Many infallible proofs, Jesus Ascended

People Ransomed/Harvested People Ransomed/Harvested

Law of God Given/ Tablets of stone engraved

Law written in Hearts, Instructor Given

Fire on Mountain, Fire burning in their hearts, heads

Purified people, mountain purified people, disciples

3000 people killed in the rebellion- golden calf

3000 people accepted Jesus as Messiah saved..

People became a nation Believers became the body/church

warnings, fear people stand backAnnanias, Sapphira, people afraid to

join church

Heard in own languages, every ear heard

Heard in own languages the wonders of God

Written by Finger of God Written by Spirit of God

B I B L I C A L E X A M P L E S O F H O LY F I R E

God manifested Himself in various forms of fire on many different occasions. We find some of these manifestations in the making of the Covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:17), the burning bush (Ex. 3:2-4),pillar of fire (Ex. 13:21), on Sinai (Ex.19:18), in the flame on the altar (Judg. 13:20), and God answering by fire (1 Kings 18:24, 38).

Sacrifices and offerings were to be made by fire. (Ex. 12:8,9,10; Lev. 1) Fire often meant the acceptance of a sacrifice by God(Judges 6:21; 1 Kin. 18:38; 1 Chr. 21:26). Leviticus 9:24 tells us that the sacrificial fire "came forth from God." The fire on the altar was to be continually burning. (Lev. 6:12,13)

While God’s answer by fire was usually a positive act, there were times when His manifestation in fire, or the use of fire, was used as a correction or destruction of evil (Gen. 19:24, Sodom and Gomorra; Ex. 9:23; Num. 11:1; Num. 16:35; Psalm 104:4; Lev 20:14; Lev. 21:9; Josh .7:25).

Fire is also figuratively used of God's glory (Dan 7:9), of His holiness (Isa. 33:14), of His protection of His people (2 Kings 6:17; Zec. 2:5), of His jealousy for His sole worship (Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:29; Ps. 79:5), of His wrath (Deut. 9:3; Ps. 18:8; Ps. 89:46; Isa. 5:24), of His Word in power (Jer. 5:14; Jer. 23:29), of Divine truth (Ps. 39:3; Jer. 20:9; Lk. 12:49), of that which guides men (Isa. 50:10-11), of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3), of Christ in His glory (Rev 1:14), of the power of love to overcome evil (Rom. 12:20), of trial and suffering (Ps. 66:12; Isa 43:2; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 4:12),, of heaven and its purity and glory (Rev. 15:2; Rev 21:22-23), and of Divine testing for divinity (Rev. 20). I am sure I have not exhausted the list of the various ways fire is used in the Bible. If we studied light and heat (attributes of fire), I’m sure we could greatly expand the list.

Fire, is first and foremost, a symbol of divinity in the Semitic Middle East. It is a symbol of God Himself. God manifesting in physical fire could be a favorable judgment as when He came to consecrate Solomon’s Temple or a negative judgment as when He swallowed up Aaron’s sons for offering up "strange fire." We have a tendency to dwell on the negative side of things and so usually associate divine fire with wrath. if we come from a religious perspective rather than relational one. (Lev. 10:1)

The more we understand the love of God, we even see the judgement of God as something to lead us TO HIM, not from Him. It then we start to see the fire as a symbol of love, zeal, and sacredness, Keeping His people pure and safe as when it separated the camp of fleeing Israelites from pursuing Egyptians all night..a divider, a rear guard. One camp saw it as a comfort, the other a contention.

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are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 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. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Consecrated LivesRemember we have been bought, we are not our own. In Asian cultures, if you have had your life spared by someone, you are owned by them. Because had they not reached into your situation, you would have died...so you consider yourself dead to your own life and now live doing all things as unto them.... Sound familiar?

“Be Holy, Even as I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1 :16

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World... You are the Light of the World...” (John 9:5 & Matt 5:14)

The Greater Glory of the New Covenant - 2 Cor 3

7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate

the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

“I want the FIRE of GOD”

Many speak of wanting the Fire of God, and praying for the fire of God...as if there was some kind of Glory or power they would receive - before purifying...

Do we realize praying for the FIRE of God first and foremost means, “Expose every one of my sins, lay bare my every transgression, burn up every thing that is not of You. Unveil every self centered, self indulgent, self preserving attitude, every prideful, boastful word, every meaningless, frivolous, empty and wasteful aspect of my life. Every Agenda that exists in my heart that exalts itself above You and Your throne. My arrogant actions, presumptuous tones, malicious speech, unfaithful heart, every broken promise, every deceit, every betrayal, all manipulations, all lies. Show me my own nakedness, weakness and poverty of soul without you. Shake every foundation I have built apart from you, every relationship I have which does not honor you or submit to you, every preconceived and self deceived attitude of righteousness apart from you. Every timidity, fear, and worry, or unrighteous anger - every hint of tyrannical control I seek to exert over others. Expose all unforgiveness, bitterness, contentiousness of heart, my selfish indignant grudges. Expose my apathy, my lack of compassion, my harshness, my self-reliance”

NOW there’s the fire of God that can be used to change raw clay into porcelain!

Trembling in the presence of God at the prospect of being fully consumed by fire is a terrifying thing. No wonder people removed themselves from the Mountain of God, No wonder people today draw back away and stand at a distance from the Presence of God...I’m talking Christians, I’m talking ME! But we stand in Great company, Moses was terrified too!

It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! Our God is a Consuming fire. I’ll be honest I struggle with this prospect of death. BUT I KNOW

there is NO RESURRECTION POWER without it!

I MUST DECREASE If I want HIM TO INCREASE. This Fire of the Holy Spirit will ultimately lead me into all truth, teach me of the things that are HIS, share the heart of God with Me so that I come to know HIM and the Power of His resurrection in MY LIFE. As I stand consumed, yet not destroyed....a small burning bush, others will be drawn to Christ by the wonder of what HE is able to accomplish in my life as I submit to HIS AUTHORITY.

Purging Fire

• You tested us; refined us as silver, brought us into the net; laid affliction on our backs, caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire.…But You brought us out to rich fulfillment (Ps. 66:10-12).

• He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness (Mal. 3:2, 3).

• He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Mt. 3:11; Lu. 3:16).

• Each man’s work will become manifest…it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire (1Co. 3:13-15).

• Your faith…is tested by fire… (1Pe. 1:7) God refines, purifies, and purges us to richly fulfill us, that we may offer a righteous offering! Our works can only be evaluated through the testing of what is called “fire.” Even our faith must be so tested. Fire is a good thing. It is for our fulfillment regardless of its pain.

• Its as we allow God to Purify us, that we are able to shine with a light that will draw men to HIM. A light that will cause others to recognize their need and His ability to meet it.

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Do we hear the call of God to enter in deeper in the mountain of God - A call to rise up, a call to move forward, INTO the fire, up the side of a hill somewhat treacherous, that requires trust and faith in Him, paths perhaps steep and narrow?

Are we willing to go where few may tread? If they pull back or descend because they are not wanting such accountability, scrutiny, vulnerability and exposure to God are we still willing to press in alone?

• Do we desire the passion of God in our lives to burn for Him, regardless of the cost - such as friends, desires, wants, worldliness.

• Are we willing to pursue, follow the pillar of fire as it moves through and directs our life's course?

• Changes in ‘status’, changes in stride?• Will we obey a Holy God when called to come close to the Mountain of His

presence? • What would be the outcome of a people so willing to submit to His Purifying

flames? • Could it be that the reputation of the early church as turning the world upside

down, was because they were willing to submit to the climb, the discipline, the purifying fire. Could it be that in this day we could impact the world around us and do the same - can we without the fire?

Without a God encounter, without the impact which alters our life, nothing changes.

We are called to be the Light of the World, Trees of Righteousness. Burn like the Bush Moses was drawn to.

We have been called to come near a HOLY Mountain, the Body of Christ, ablaze with the Love and passion for Christ, His Authority, His Kingdom and His Lordship over all.

A People set free from the ravages of sin, ransomed with blood greater than that of bulls and sheep. A people seeking a kingdom and city, whose builder maker is God. A heart like Abraham and Moses understanding that we are pilgrims, sojourners...

Let’s move forward with eager intent to lay hold of that for which Christ has already laid hold of us for! Let’s BURN......and draw the world to Christ!

Cindy Montalto © 2012

I CO M E T O T H E MO U N TA I N O F T H E LORD

© 2 0 0 2 J O A N N A F R U H A U F

I come to the Mountain of the Lord, I see your law as it goes forth.

Please write these truths on the tablets of my heart, as I commit to you a new start.

And as I seek You in the cloud, where Your fury and grace abound, repenting of my sin,

I fall to my knees and surrender all to Your Majesty. As I cry....

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord and I sing Praises, and honor, and blessing forever more.....forever more.

I come to the Mountain of the Lord, I see your blood as it poured forth

The death of Christ on my behalf, purchased atonement and peace at last

You rose again, from the tomb set free, conquering death the final enemy

and through Your power I am redeemed, though once held captive, I’m not set free....

To cry... Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord and I sing Praises, and honor, and blessing forever more.....forever more.

From Mount Sinai, to Mount Calvary Your Mercy, Amazes me, This sinner reconciled to royalty, as Your Spirit.... Beckons me...to cry...

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord and I sing Praises, and honor, and blessing forever more.....forever more, forever more.

FREE Download of song at www.Reverbnation.com/JoannaFruhaufMusic