The Lord My Banner

"Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner." Exodus 17:15
 
Banner is a distinct, yet thoroughly appropriate name of God.

A banner is a flag or a pole erected in a place of prominence as a proud symbol of identity, a rallying point for assembly, and a declaration of divine victory. Rather than simply a decorative cloth, a banner is a powerful declaration of whose authority and protection a group stands under.

To declare, the Lord is my Banner, you are boldly and publicly declaring your allegiance to Christ. He is your identity, your rally point, the authority under which you take your stand.

Would you boldly raise Christ, your Banner today? 

Yes, Lord Jesus, I loudly declare, that you are my Banner. I lift your name high in my life, my home, my workplace, and among the nations.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Incomparability Of Christ

“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" Exodus 15:11

The greater your appreciation for God's name, the greater your awareness of the incomparability of Christ. 

Moses cried out in awe-filled wonder, Who is like you, O Lord.

He proceeded to identify three distinct categories in which God's incomparability shines brightest: majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders.

There is no God like Jehovah. 

There is no name like Christ. Majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders.

Your God stands alone in his incomparability. He's in a league all his own, with a name that is infinitely superior.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are exalted above all Gods and your name is exalted above all names. Today I celebrate the supremacy of your name. I rejoice in your incomparability.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Man Of War

"The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name." Exodus 15:3

Man of War may sound like a peculiar name for God; that is until you find yourself in a battle.

We think of names of God like Prince of Peace, Comforter, and Helper. These are pleasant, kind, and gentle names. These names might sound more appropriate for God.

But not Man of War. It almost sounds violent. Aggressive. Adversarial. Not God-like at all.

Moses, however, had a God-assignment to lead God's people, the entire nation of Israel, out of Egypt and into the promised land. In order to obey these radical orders from God, he and his nation faced evil and demonic opposition that was out to destroy them. They were outnumbered and without any means to protect themselves.

Suddenly they discovered an aspect of God's name and character they had never known--when he needs to be, God is actually a Man of War.

When you step out to honor God in radical obedience, you too have an enemy who will war against you and contest your resolve. Always. 

At that moment you will be glad Man of War is God's name, and Man of War is on your side.

Man of War fights for you. 

Loving Father, I love your name. I love every aspect of your name. I love that you fight my battles, that you fight with me and you fight for me. I exalt your name, Man of War.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Better Praise
 
"The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

True praise and worship is locking on to God's name, and giving his name the praise it deserves.

The better you know God's name, the better you praise him. 

When Moses experienced the miraculous exodus of God from Egypt and the miraculous victory of God over the army of Egypt, he encountered the name of God on a whole new level. The three facets of God's name--Strength, Song, and Salvation--became the basis for a level of exuberant corporate praise that was infectious. It rallied the entire masses of two million Israelites to stand up and dance before the Lord.

Your praise will never exceed your appreciation for God's name. 

More than a miracle, what you need is a fresh encounter with the name, and miracles will follow.

Loving Father, I come in Jesus' name. Jesus is my Strength. My Song. My Salvation. Today I praise and exalt your name.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Salvation In His Name

"The LORD is...my salvation." Exodus 15:2

Jesus not only gives salvation, his name IS Salvation. His name Yeshua means Salvation. 

It is no wonder God's word says, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21.)

And again, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12.)

When you talk to Jesus, you are talking to Salvation. When you call on Jesus, you are calling on Salvation. 

Whether you prefer calling him Salvation, Savior, Yeshua, or Jesus, always remember that salvation is not just a gift he gives; Salvation is his name.

Make his name personal. Like Moses, call him My Salvation.

Loving Father, I love the name Jesus. I love to call on your name. I call you Yeshua. Savior. Salvation. My Salvation.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

My Song

"The LORD is...my song." Exodus 15:2

Song. My Song. What an unexpected name of God.

David was a troubadour. A songwriter. Frequently he would reach deep inside himself and name the source of his songs--both lyric and melody. 

When David said, The Lord is my Song, he was saying more than the Lord is the source of my inspiration, or the Lord is the theme of my music. He said, the Lord IS my Music. He IS actually my Song itself.

This name of God comes from a deep place within David. A place where life, joy, laughter, creativity, lyrics, melodies and harmonies flow freely. And it's all inspired from the headwaters of Jesus.

You may know Jesus as one you sing about, but do you know Jesus as the one from whom your creative juices flow?

Just as Jesus became David's Song, he now wants to become your Song as well.

Lord Jesus, I open my arms, I open my heart to you now. I receive you as my Song--the one from whom flows my life, my joy, my inspiration, the music of my soul.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

My Strength

"The LORD is my strength." Exodus 15:2

You are never stronger than when you welcome God's strength into your weakness.
Strength is a name of God that you only come to know by experience. In other words, you only know God as Strength when you know him as My Strength. 

Moses had known God as Lord, Redeemer, and even Deliverer, but it was not until Moses' back was against the wall with Pharaoh's army breathing down his neck on the edge of the Red Sea, did Moses come to know God as My Strength. At that moment he encountered firsthand God My Strength.

In leading his people through the exodus from Egypt, Moses was at times overwhelmed by the frailty and insecurities of his own weakness and inadequacies. In that moment Moses discovered the strength and adequacy of God.

What inner weakness do you face today?

Bring your weakness to Christ, and he will give you his strength.

Loving Father, I am weakness, full of weakness. And today I put my faith in you. I take you as my Strength. I relinquish my weakness and I receive you as my Strength in Jesus name.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

My Name Forever

"This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations." Exodus 3:15

God is forever and so is his name.

Fugitives change their names in order to run away from the law. Celebrities change their names in order to be more memorable or intriguing. 

God, on the other hand, has no need to hide from his past, nor sound more intriguing. 
God is God, and his name is forever. He is the same and he is remembered throughout all generations.

God's name will never change because his nature will never change, yet he may change your name because he changes your nature.

Loving Father, I love your name--I love that your name is forever. Increase my appreciation for your name. Make me a testament to your forever name in this generation.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Jealous God

"I the LORD your God am a jealous God." Exodus 20:5

Jealousy is a sin for everyone, that is everyone but God. In fact, it would actually be a sin for God NOT to be jealous over you. 

Jealousy is the motivation to be the most important person in someone's life. Think about it--being the most important person in someone's life is exactly what God is supposed to be. Everyone who's ever been created, was created to function best when God is most important in their life.

God should always be motivated to want to be the most important person in everyone's life.  God by his very nature, therefore, must always be jealous for all people.
Have you discovered the jealousy God--the jealousy of God for you?

God's jealousy is an aspect of his love and his intense affection for you. 

God's jealousy is actually one of your best friends. Jealous God pursues you, longs for you, kicks down any walls to get to you. There is no limit to what God will do for you because he is jealous God.

When you encounter jealous God, his righteous jealousy will free you from your sinful jealousy because he will fill that empty place inside your soul. That place inside God that rightfully deserves to be first will displace the unrighteousness place inside you that doesn't deserve to be first.

Embrace jealous God.

Lord Jesus, you righteously love me with an intense affection. You yearn for me with a white-hot jealousy. Today I receive your jealous love for me. Fill me. Heal me. Displace that twisted jealousy in me with your righteous jealousy for me.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord, My Stronghold
 
"I love you, O LORD...my stronghold."  Psalm 18:2

There are 10 facets of God's name listed in just two verses, Psalm 18:1-2--LORD, Strength, Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, God, Refuge, Shield, Horn of My Salvation, and Stronghold. 

Today we come to the last on the list, Stronghold.

When you think of a stronghold you may think of dungeons, dragons and demons, as if all strongholds are evil. But they're not.

A stronghold is actually a neutral place, neither good nor evil. It's an area where a specific belief, group, or activity is concentrated, and a protected refuge for a tradition, or even an endangered species. 

In reality, we all have our strongholds and we all need them. Life couldn't exist without a protected space to thrive, without a stronghold.

When you take Christ as your Stronghold, it is a game changer. Ultimately not your ethnicity, not your political affiliation, and not even your family is big enough to always protect you from the forces that fight against you. Christ is uniquely big enough to handle anything.

Christ is your righteous Stronghold. 

Take him as your own.

Lord Jesus, I love you, my God, my Savior, my Stronghold. You alone are the one in whom I thrive.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Horn Of My Salvation
 
"I love you, O LORD...the horn of my salvation."  Psalm 18:2

Let's admit it- Horn of Salvation is a peculiar aspect of God's name. Yet it's a name you can't live without.

In many cultures, an animal's horn is both an offensive weapon of prowess, virility and power, as well as its defensive protection against foreboding enemies.

To call Christ the Horn of Salvation is to affirm his unique ability to give you abundant life and salvation, as well as protect you against your enemies of sin, eternal death and the devil.

For David to identify Christ in exuberant worship as the Horn of My Salvation is the blending of the two worlds in which he felt most comfortable--warfare and worship. 

Christ My Horn celebrates the prowess, virility and power of his Lord, as well as the protection against all enemy forces. 

Christ My Salvation celebrates the guarantee of victory over those evil forces.

Combining the two--O LORD...the Horn of My Salvation--combines both the conflict and the conquest.

There is no name quite like it--the Horn of My Salvation.

Take Christ today as the Horn of Your Salvation.

Loving Father, I not only want to stand my ground and fight against enemy forces. I want to win. I want to conquer. I want to prevail. Today I take Christ as the horn of my salvation.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Shield
 
"The LORD is...my shield."  Psalm 18:2

A shield is carefully crafted to play a very strategic, defensive roll. To protect from danger, evil, and harm.

A windshield, particularly on a motorcycle, protects from severe wind and debris. A body-shield, in a dentist's chair, guards against dangerous exposure to x-rays. In hand-to-hand combat, a shield intercepts arrows, rocks and other threatening objects.

Shield is both a noun and a verb, both the protective object and the defensive action.

David was a champion. An overcomer. He knew Christ his Shield by experience. He went from victory to victory because he triumphantly took Christ as his Shield against his many adversaries.  

Christ wants to give you victory over the evil forces you battle. 

Take Christ as your Shield today. 

Lord Jesus Christ, I repent of trusting in my own will power to defeat the evil forces within me and around me. Today I take Christ as my Shield, to defeat my evil enemies and to fortify me against them in the future.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Refuge

"I love you, O LORD... in whom I take refuge."  Psalm 18:2

A refuge is not just a sheltered place of protection from predators, but a nurturing place where you can thrive.

What a perfect name of God. Refuge. 

Jesus is a safe place, a shelter where you find protection from danger, trouble, or distress. Jesus is also your nourishment, your food, and your constant source of love, comfort, and encouragement.

Endangered species need a refuge where they are protected from predators, and also where they can receive an abundance of food and nourishment. 

A refuge allows every living creature to thrive.

As God's child, God wants you to thrive.

Take Christ today as your Refuge. 

Step into Christ your Refuge and you will thrive.

Jesus, I take you now as my Refuge. In you I am protected. In you I thrive. In you I grow into maturity and I reach my full potential--I become the person you destined me to be.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Deliverer
 
"I love you, O LORD... my deliverer."  Psalm 18:2

You and I have two enemies: sin and Satan. Sin is the enemy within, and Satan is the enemy without. Jesus is the one who defeats both enemies.

Jesus' answer for the enemy of sin is forgiveness, and Jesus' answer for Satan is deliverance. 

Two vicious enemies. One answer--Jesus. But his answer is categorically different. For sin you need Christ the Forgiver. For Satan you need Christ the Deliverer. 

You may have received Christ your Forgiver, but have you received Christ your Deliverer?

There are many Christians who know the forgiveness of Christ for their sins, but have never experienced the deliverance of Christ from demonic strongholds.

Have you received the deliverance of Jesus from demonic strongholds? 

Take Christ today as your Deliverer. 

Yes, Lord Jesus, I confess that I need your deliverance from demonic strongholds. I take you now as my Deliverer. I bring to your light the darkness of hidden, evil secrets. Set me free now from all demonic bondage. I am an overcomer in Jesus' name.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Fortress
 
"I love you, O LORD...my fortress."  Psalm 18:1-2

When you take Christ as your Fortress, you are safe against sudden attacks from the enemy. 

A fortress is a large, heavily fortified area, such as castle or citadel, safe and secure against enemy attack. 

David was well familiar with enemy armies that were constantly warring against him, as well as the demonic evil forces that continually threatened him. The reality of Christ his Fortress is a vivid image with deep visceral significance to David.

While it's unlikely you face the threat of enemy armies that lurk at your door, you certainly face daily threats from the devil and his army of evil demonic forces. 

Take Christ today as your Fortress. Jesus is your large, heavily fortified place where you can rest free from enemy attack. 

When you do, you will gain an entirely new advantage against the enemy, and you will have a greater love and appreciation of Christ.

Lord Jesus, I take you today as my Fortress. My heavily fortified place where I am perfectly safe from the enemy.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Rock
 
"The LORD is my rock."  Psalm 18:2

You need a rock. A source of stability. Strength. Security. 

It is a defining moment when you encounter Christ as your Rock. Your life will never be the same.

David lived in a land of rocks, mountains and caves. Some rocks protected him, and some even saved his life. 

When he encountered Christ the Rock, he gained an entirely new dimension of courage and confidence. All fear was gone. From that moment, he boldly claimed Christ as my Rock. 

Fear comes from what can be taken from you.  When you take Christ as your Rock, you too will be free from fear, knowing that Christ cannot be taken from you.

Christ invites you to take him today as my Rock.

Jesus, you alone are my Rock. You are my source of stability, strength and security. Deliver me now from all my fears.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The Lord My Strength
 
"I love you, O LORD, my strength." Psalm 18:1

The only way to discover that God's name is Strength is by experience. 

The only way to discover any of the facets of God's names is by experience. 

When David declared I love you, O LORD, my strength, he was speaking from experience. Though David was certainly the portrait of strength in many ways, he often felt his frailties and limitations. He frequently brought his weaknesses to God in humility and faith, encountered God as Strength, and then left his encounter strengthened and fortified. 

"David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

If you want to encounter God as your strength, and strengthen yourself in the Lord, there is only one thing required. Right now bring your weakness to God. Humble yourself. Quit hiding. Be honest about your weaknesses, insecurities, and fears.
Right now God wants to introduce himself to you as Strength.

O Lord God, I bring to you my weakness. No more hiding. I open the door to my weakness to you. Meet me in my weakness. Your name is Strength. Strengthen me now in my inner being. Manifest yourself to me today in Jesus' name.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (7 of 7)

"Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14
 
The Son approaches the Father, and all heaven erupts with jubilant elation.

This is the moment all history has been awaiting in eager anticipation.

The Son is presented before the Ancient of Days in the court of heaven, and now finally at long last the Son is awarded the keys to every nation, ethnos, language and people group of all ages. 

The Son has now received the full reward for his sufferings and sacrifice. He has received the redeemed people from each period of history and from among all peoples.
His is the everlasting kingdom that shall never be destroyed.

When you think of the Ancient of Days, think of his Son, and think of his kingdom.

Ancient of Days, to you belongs the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, and to your Son forever and ever and ever. Yours is an everlasting kingdom which shall not be destroyed.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (6 of 7)

"Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him." Daniel 7:13
 
What an exhilarating moment!

Watch closely in wide-eyed wonder.

One like a son of man approaches the Ancient of Days. I would not have approached. You would not have approached. And yet it is perfectly appropriate for this one like a son of man to approach. After all, he is the Son of the Ancient of Days. For eternity he has been appropriately approaching the Father.

Here they are, Father and Son, in perfect harmony. In love relationship.
All heaven listens attentively as the Son is publicly presented before the Father.
Attention please! Hear ye! Hear ye!  Would you all give your undivided attention as the Son now approaches the Father, the Ancient of Days, and as the Father receives the Son.

And suddenly and spontaneously all heaven erupts in jubilant praise to the Ancient of Days and to his Son, one like a son of man.

When you draw near to the Ancient of Days today, be sure to draw near to his Son.
Ancient of Days, I love you and I love your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.


YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (5 of 7)

"The Ancient of Days took his seat... a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened ." Daniel 7:9-10
   
The Ancient of Days sits on the throne of heaven and rules the universe, and yet he doesn't operate alone. He has millions and millions, and hundreds of millions of servants who continually serve with him.

The throne room of the Ancient of Days is also the judge's chambers where the books will be opened and the entire human race will be held accountable. 

Everyone who has ever lived, from every tribe and nation, and every timeframe and decade, will stand before the Ancient of Days and be held accountable for every act, every decision, and every idle word.

There will be no argument or appeal, because he was there. The Ancient of Days didn't miss a moment and he is incapable of forgetting the details.

Who better to hold us accountable than the Ancient of Days--the righteous one, who sees with perfect clarity and who judges with impeccable mercy and justice. 
You can't hide from the Ancient of Days, so there is no sense trying. 

Come to Christ today. He is the Son of the Ancient of Days, and he loves you.

Ancient of Days, I am grateful that you love me enough to hold me accountable. And I praise you that you Son, the Lord Jesus Christ has died, and with his blood has washed me clean. 

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (4 of 7)

"The Ancient of Days took his seat...his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him." Daniel 7:9-10
 
The Ancient of Days isn't old and decrepit. Not at all. 

The Ancient of Days is vigorous and active--constantly mobile.

Notice all the references to fire-- his throne was fiery flames... burning fire... stream of fire. The fire obviously indicates he is continuously manifesting his radiant presence.
Also notice that his throne has wheels--not a wheel chair, but a throne in constant motion, able to move anywhere at any time in an instant. 

The Ancient of Days is not dormant or stationary, not sedated or sedimentary. No, the Ancient of Days is in perpetual motion and continuously communicating his presence to his people.

This is the Ancient of Days who invites you to know him. His throne is radiating his manifest presence to you and your people, and his rule extends to you today. 

Bow before the Ancient of Days. Receive from the Ancient of Days.  Come under the dynamic authority of the Ancient of Days.

Ancient of Days, I now receive from the fire of your manifest presence. I come under the authority of your throne on wheels. You are my Lord and my God.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (3 of 7)

“The Ancient of Days... the hair of his head like pure wool." Daniel 7:9
 
Why does God have white hair--does it mean he's old?

We like new things better than old things--new basketball shoes, new phone, new restaurant, new car. Old things wear out and need to be replaced.

But God is different. When you encounter God, you discover someone who can't wear out or become obsolete. Old doesn't apply to God. God is always new and when he touches something he makes it new. 

Why then does he have white hair? Easy.

God is pictured as having white hair because he is the Ancient of Days. He is wise. Experienced. Mature. To say he's been around awhile is true, yet grossly understated. He's been here since day one, and for a lot longer than that. 

Does God literally have white hair? No. But he does have wisdom by the truck load.
If you want to find the best restaurant in town, you ask someone who's been there for years. If you want to find the best place to catch fish, you ask someone who has been fishing there for years. If you want wisdom and understanding in life, you ask the Ancient of Days.

Ask him now.

Ancient of Days, I call on your name. You have been here longer than me. Give me wisdom. Give me discernment. I seek your face that I may walk in your ways.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (2 of 7)

“The Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow." Daniel 7:9

The world is crying out for a ruler who is righteous and just. And that is exactly what it gets with the Ancient of Days. 

The first description of the Ancient of Days is his clothing--his clothing was white as snow. White is the color of purity, holiness, righteousness, and justice.

The Ancient of Days is the ruler we long for. The ruler we pray for. The ruler we welcome into our homes and daily life.

The Ancient of Days is the ruler who will come and remove all racism, discrimination, oppression and injustice.

Today as you pray "hallowed be your name", be sure to declare Ancient of Days.

Ancient of Days, your name is holy. Your name is full of honor and justice and purity and power. Glorify your name in my family and in my community today, in Jesus' name.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

Ancient of Days (1 of 7)

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat." Daniel 7:9

Some people have a bias against old things.

When you think of Ancient of Days, you may think of walkers, wheelchairs, or assisted living. It may bring to mind fossils, relics, or pottery shards. Even Roman ruins,  mummies, brachiopods, or the Sphynx.
 
But don't be deceived! This Ancient of Days is far from being stuck in a crypt. This Ancient of Days is very much alive. In fact, he is seated on a throne, which is dynamic and effective. His throne is superior to any other throne in history. This Ancient of Days actually rules over history.

The name of God, Ancient of Days is used only three times in the Bible, and all three are in Daniel 7.

This Ancient of Days is strong, not frail, full of wisdom, not senility, and entirely relevant, not obsolete.
 
Each of these seven days we will discover the truth about the Ancient of Days.

Ancient of Days, I worship you. You are seated on the throne of the universe, full of power and wisdom and strength. I invite you today to take your seat as my king.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.

The God of Jacob

"Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob." Psalm 24:6

When God chooses to manifest his presence to you, don't underestimate the significance of your encounter. At that moment he puts his name on you and marks you forever. 

He did that for Jacob.

The facet of God's name, the God of Jacob, is in reference to the defining moment when Jacob took firm hold of God and emphatically declared, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." See Genesis 32:26. 

At that moment when God manifested his presence to Jacob, Jacob was marked forever. He became a relentless seeker of God's face. From that moment, God's name forever marked his life. God came to know Jacob on a deeper level, and became known as the God of Jacob.

When God manifests his presence to you, you too will become a relentless seeker of God's face. And his name will forever mark your life.

God is now calling you to the God of Jacob. He is calling you to join the generation of those who seek him, who seek his face.

God of Jacob, I declare your name, O God of Jacob. I have seen your face and I join the generation of those who seek your face forever.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.