Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we embark on a transformative journey through the scriptures to witness the life of Jesus, the true source of our existence. I'm Heather, your host for today's episode, and I'm excited to have you join us as we draw nearer to the fire of God's love. As we continue our exploration of the Book of Leviticus, we delve into the story of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, exploring themes of obedience and faithfulness. We'll also journey to the New Testament in Acts 16, where the Apostle Paul's encounters reveal the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we uncover the lessons these scriptures hold for us today, emphasizing the importance of living in the life-giving fire of God's presence rather than succumbing to the desire for control. Together, we'll open our hearts to experience the joy and peace found in the Holy Spirit, reflecting on how this divine gift transforms us from within. So grab your Bible, find a quiet space, and let's dive into today's reading, seeking to draw closer to Jesus and to one another in faith. Stay tuned for an inspiring time of scripture, reflection, and prayer. Remember, you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: In Leviticus today, we hear about Aaron's sons, Nadab, and Abihu, priests to the Lord. They conjure up some strange fire. They put some coals of fire on their incense burners and sprinkle the incense over them. In this way, they are making some strange fire. This is not the prescribed way. This was their way. They were trying to conjure up something new, perhaps. Perhaps they were trying to manipulate or control this fire to grant them fortune or power or honor. It was about control, and this strange fire ended up consuming them. We're told that they were judged because of it. They were consumed by fire. Fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and burned them up. They died before the Lord. In the Acts reading today, we read of a different kind of fire. We see the Holy Spirit descend in tongues of fire. This is a fire that is bestowed on us and received, not manipulated. It is given to us not through our own efforts or designs. Instead, it descends upon us. It's a gift. It seems like all of us in some way want to work with strange fire and gain control on our own. It's no different now than it was in the book of acts. The slave owners in Acts 16 have a girl that tells fortunes. This is strange fire. The political leaders in town who wanted to pacify the mob were playing with strange fire. The jailer who drew his sword to kill himself for fear of his own execution, this too is strange fire. Strange fire is all about wanting to control and manipulate to ensure our future and get what we want. Whether it's fortune, power, or honor, we all want to make strange fire to get these things. Our strategies may appear to work for a while, but in the end, like Nadab and Abihu, it doubles back and ends up consuming us in the end. There are two kinds of fire. One is strange and will ultimately consume us. It is fueled by the desire to control and manipulate, to get fortune and power and honor apart from God. The other kind is the fire of God's presence that's received as a gift. It is a purifying fire. What do we do for that? We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We say yes to him, to his life, to his fire. We give up control and our need to coerce. This life-giving fire dwells within us. It does not consume and kill us. Instead, it purifies us and births within us life. It creates within us something new and offers us true riches, true power, true honor, and all these things are a gift. It is the holy fire of God in us. Live and walk today in the reality of the fire that comes down from heaven. It is your life, the Holy Spirit, Christ in you. This gift has been bestowed on all of us. Live in this fire today, not trying to control and conjure up your own, but resting and receiving the fire of Christ's life and spirit, living, dwelling, and thriving in you. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my friends, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to ...
