“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”
Leviticus 6:13
In Leviticus, God commanded the priests to keep the fire on the altar burning continually, ensuring it never went out. This fire symbolised God’s presence and holiness, and it was the priest’s responsibility to maintain it by adding firewood and arranging offerings daily. An altar is a place of interaction between humanity and God. As a believer in Christ, the altar is your heart. God ignites His fire in our hearts when we first come to Him, and we have to keep it burning. Staying on fire requires purposeful and consistent effort. Just as fire will die out without fresh wood, our passion for God will go out without regular spiritual disciplines. Let’s look at the practical ways to help us maintain our fire for God.
- Stay rooted in God’s word: The Lord declares, “Is not my word like fire?” (Jer 23:29). His Word is like fuel for our spiritual fire. Regularly reading, meditating on, and applying Scripture keeps your heart aligned with God’s will and your spirit ignited.
- Guard your heart: Be vigilant about what you allow into your life, ensuring it aligns with God’s word. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Distractions, sinful behaviours, and negative influences can quickly extinguish the fire.
- Pray consistently: Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). If you want to stay on fire for God, you must continue to pray. When we make prayer a constant and essential part of our lives, we are empowered to live boldly and passionately for God.
- Be quick to repent: Sin can dampen your spiritual fire, but repentance restores your connection with God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ).
- Worship and praise: Worship stirs our passion for Him, allowing us to experience His presence in powerful ways. Hebrews 13:15 says “let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
- Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers, guides and convicts us, leading us to deeper encounters with God. Galatians 5:6 encourages to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” . Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you and renew your passion.
- Remain faithful in trials: Trust God through the difficult seasons, knowing that He is refining you and strengthening your faith. James 1:2-3 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
- Have a godly community: Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. Be around people who are zealous for God. Fire spreads quickly and wildly, igniting everything it touches. Similarly, a passionate love for God is contagious, inspiring and stirring others to seek Him with the same zeal.
- Watch for Spiritual Fatigue: Spiritual burnout can dim our passion for God. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Take time to rest in God’s presence and He will provide rest, refreshment, and encouragement for your soul.
- Be Intentional with Your Time: The busyness of life can easily extinguish your spiritual fire. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Set time aside for prayer, worship, and God’s word daily.
Keeping the fire of God burning in your life is not about perfection but consistency. It is a lifelong journey of trust, obedience and devotion. As you seek Him wholeheartedly and walk in His ways, the fire will keeping burning in your heart.
Further study: Acts 2:1-47: Romans 12:11
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