By Mark Maher
“The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously, it must not go out.” (Leviticus 6:12–13)
What kind of fire are you looking for in life? The one that sets ablaze and quickly dies out or the one that stays consistent and burns for a long time. Which one are you seeking?
Passion tends to diminish, it’s why you have to purposely feed the fire. Sustaining the fire for Christ requires attention, diligence, frequency and abounding love. Faith grows slowly over time, seldom early, in His timing, steady, consistent, steadfast, solidified, and able to endure.
“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; but aglow and burning with the Spirit.” (Romans 12:11) The fire is to be built up to sustain the storms, the wind and the barren seasons. Little twigs (small acts of obedience), 100% attention, remaining, abiding, and choosing to never take our eyes off the fire. We are to stay spiritually on fire, full of enthusiasm.
The “Fire came out from the presence of the Lord.” (Leviticus 9:24) He is the fire. My job is to keep Christ alive and active in my life. He’s the source. It’s His Will, not mine. I’m to follow His plan, not my plan. The fire is to slowly sustain the test of time. We are to “fan into flame the gift of God.” (2 Timothy 1:6)
His fire is shaping me, burning off all the things that are not needed. “He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” (Hebrews 12:29 MSG) It’s the purification process, burning away what doesn’t matter until what is left is the essential (love).
This fire is the light that shines despite the darkness. This fire burns inside of you. It gives the radiant love, grace, and abundant hope that shines brightly. The light will begin to weather any season of darkness. “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” (John 8:12 MSG)
