How can we "repair" our spiritual altars in daily life today? Returning to the Ruins “Then Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’ And all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down.” (1 Kings 18:30) Elijah’s simple act—gathering the fallen stones and setting them in order—models what it looks like when hearts turn back to God’s sure, unchanging Word. His altar was literal; ours is the inner place where worship, surrender, and daily fellowship with the Lord happen. Why Altars Matter Today • They remind us that God alone deserves first place (Exodus 20:3). • They are where sin is dealt with and fellowship restored (1 John 1:9). • They become launching points for obedient service (Romans 12:1). Identifying the Cracks • Neglected Scripture intake • Crowded schedules that squeeze out prayer • Unconfessed sin that dampens joy • Isolation from godly community • Ritual without heartfelt worship (Isaiah 29:13) Gathering the Stones: Five Daily Practices 1. Realign with the Word – Set a non-negotiable time each day to open Scripture. – Read until a truth grips you; meditate on it throughout the day (Psalm 1:2). 2. Confess and Clear the Debris – Ask the Spirit to spotlight any sin; agree with Him immediately (Psalm 51:17). – Receive cleansing and move forward in confidence (1 John 1:7). 3. Offer Yourself Afresh – Present your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). – Choose a specific act of obedience that expresses your surrender today. 4. Cultivate Continual Praise – Let gratitude interrupt routines: driving, working, resting (Hebrews 13:15). – Sing aloud or speak praise to shift your focus from self to the Savior. 5. Stand with Other Stones – Plug into a Bible-teaching church and small group (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Share victories and struggles; repaired altars flourish in community (1 Peter 2:5). Living Results of a Repaired Altar • Renewed passion for God’s presence • Discernment to resist cultural idols • Boldness in witness, trusting God to send “fire” as He did for Elijah (1 Kings 18:38) • Overflow of joy and peace that attracts others to the Lord (Romans 15:13) Rebuild daily, stone by stone, confident that every promise in Scripture stands unbreakably true. |
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