How can we ensure our spiritual "fire" remains burning daily? Keeping the Altar Burning: Leviticus 6:12-13 “ The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add firewood, arrange the burnt offering on the fire, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.” (Leviticus 6:12-13) Why This Ancient Fire Still Speaks •That altar fire symbolized continual fellowship with God; if it went out, worship stopped. •Under the new covenant, our hearts are the altar (Hebrews 13:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19). •God provides the spark (Luke 24:32; Acts 2:3-4); we supply the daily fuel. Daily Fuel: Practical Ways to Stoke the Flame 1.Scripture Intake •Feed on the Word morning and night (Psalm 1:2). •Memorize and meditate; fresh logs mean fresh heat. 2.Persistent Prayer •“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) •Short breath-prayers through the day keep embers glowing between longer times of intercession. 3.Whole-hearted Worship •Sing or speak praise aloud (Psalm 34:1). •Gratitude is oxygen for the fire. 4.Obedient Action •“Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) •Every act of service is another log on the altar. 5.Fellowship With Believers •Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17); glowing coals stay hot together. •Meet regularly—online or in person—for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6.Continual Surrender •Offer yourself as a living sacrifice daily (Romans 12:1). •Nothing quenches the Spirit faster than unconfessed sin (Ephesians 4:30). Guarding the Flame from Extinguishers •Busyness without devotion—activity can scatter the embers. •Entertainment overload—too much screen time muffles the Spirit’s voice. •Cynical speech—complaining is like water on the coals (Philippians 2:14-16). •Compromise—small concessions to sin sap heat (Galatians 5:9). Fanning the Spark Afresh “Fan into flame the gift of God.” (2 Timothy 1:6) When zeal cools: •Confess lukewarmness honestly. •Revisit foundational truths—Christ’s cross, empty tomb, promised return. •Re-engage one core discipline—often the others quickly reignite. Enjoying the Warmth •Clarity in hearing God’s voice (John 10:27). •Joy that circumstances can’t extinguish (1 Peter 1:8). •Influence that sets others ablaze (Matthew 5:14-16). Closing Encouragement The altar fire never depended on a single blaze but on the simple, steady habit of adding wood every morning. Do the same: lay fresh Scripture, prayer, worship, obedience, fellowship, and surrender on your heart daily. The flame will stay bright, and its light will guide many. |
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