Maybe it’s because it was 18 degrees outside this morning when the crisp cool air hit my face, my dog who was in his hoodie ready as we went for our daily walk. Maybe it’s because the theme of the fire of God has been so prevelant in the charismatic church. Maybe it’s because I love the sound of fire crackling in a fireplace or at a fire pit. Maybe it is because fire both purifies and consumes. Or maybe it is because I love the imagery of the fire of God that fell on Pentecost. Whatever the maybe is for me or the maybe is for you, the truth is today, Psalm 97 says “Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.” And I just love this truth!

We know from biblical history that when Israel inquired of God about who should go first in battle, the answer was Judah. Judah was the tribe that would lead the way in battle, not with swords, but with praise. They would lead the army into battle with songs of praise, declaring who Yahweh was, is and will be for them. Praise is a weapon that exalts the character qualities of our God; praise declares who He is to us, who He has been for us and who He will be to us. Praise makes it known we are not self-sufficient but God dependent.

Now putting Psalm 97’s fire that goes before, goes first and consumes all His enemies with Judah as praise going first, the Holy Spirit said, “Praise is the fire that consumes the adversaries of God.” I immediately saw Gideon with his army of 300 carrying torches and shofars into battle; I saw Moses at the burning bush before going to Pharoh; I saw Elijah on Mount Carmel with one altar soaked in water calling down fire. Fire goes before the Lord and consumes His adversaries. Praise is the fire of God that defeats the enemy before we even set foot on the battlefield.

I pray you can see the fire of God coming out of your mouth as you praise the Lord. I pray you can hear the crackling of fire as you sing of the goodness of God. I pray you open wide your mouth, lift high your hands and fling wide your heart as you shout praise to the Lord. For there is fire in your praise and the adversaries of God are being consumed with every word of praise you speak, sing, shout, declare or whisper. Praise is the fire of God that consumes the enemy on every side.