by leaps and bounds

In Revelation 3.19 we’re told to be zealous…

In Romans 12.11 we’re told, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord”…

In Isaiah 42.13 we hear how, “The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will still up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.”…

In 1 Kings 19.14 we read Elijah state, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty…”

In 2 Kings 10.16 we see Jehu declare, “…Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.”… Then he went on to arranging for the killing of the servants of Baal in order to destroy Baal worship in Israel. (10.28)

Puritan Samuel Ward once wrote, “Christian zeal is a spiritual heat wrought in the heart of a man by the Holy Ghost.” Let that sentiment sink in for a moment… I know for me when I read it, it resonated with me deeply being that since I gave my life to Jesus my desire to please Him, my drive to learn, grow and thrive in all things Him… and just feeling as if I NEED to devote more of myself to Jesus than some days I am able to give. For some of us we live and breath all things Jesus, and we truly try to glorify Him in all that we do. It is more than just a church on Sundays kind of thing, it’s a true way of life. Our hearts truly do burn for more of Him, to please Him, to honor Him.

There are times that I look at how much my faith has grown in such a short amount of time and I’m excited for the thought of where it’ll be in the future. I read quotes like that of Mr. Ward and I find myself believing that I still have such a long way to go to reach the magnitude in which he was speaking of. But then I stop and reflect on the things I’ve accomplished thus far and how far He’s brought me and I know that I am exactly where He intends for me to be at presently. But I also know that He has much bigger plans for me because He has no problems reminding me of such, lol.

In Isaiah 59.17 it says, “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as his cloak.” Even the Lord himself recognizes the power of having zeal for his own glory.

So imagine if all Christians could embrace fully the zeal within their hearts and let it thrive for the Lord. Imagine the power we could unleash from the pews if we showed up on Sundays and doused our sermons with a zealous attitude. Do you not think the Spirit would feel more welcomed by those who are full of passion and wonder, verses lacking such? We weren’t created to be mundane, and lackluster. How often do we see it within the Word that we are to praise our Lord, to sing and shout, to raise our voices in praise, to dance, to honor, glorify and celebrate our Lord? I don’t think dozing off in your chair during the service equates to showing your zeal for God.

Our God is a glorious God, one that is waiting to hear those shouts of praise, the lifted voices and the elevated glory unto Him. Glorify our Savior as He is worthy! As we praise Him and lift our hallelujah up to Him, He will be pleased!

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Billie is a 40-something stay-at-home momma of five beautiful children and Grammy to three grandchildren. When not wrangling the littles, she babysits for her two adult children. You will find her gardening, canning, baking, and making the most delicious meals for her family. Billie is a multitasker juggling a team of miniature tyrants, a cat, a snake, two dogs, two rats, and nine chickens. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and studying her bible. Her passion is sharing the gospel through her writing! So, whether she’s feeding your body with delicious meals or feeding your soul through her writing, join Billie as she takes you on a journey providing you with “Food for Thought.”