Keep the Fire Burning, a Life for God

Today, it often feels like nothing is ever truly enough. And when you choose to believe, it can seem like you’re always striving, always searching. But funny enough, this pursuit often leads to a sense of emptiness.

See how it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, hustle, the unending cycle of wanting more and comparisons. It’s like we’re looking for warmth in the cold when we have it close to us all along. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.“ There’s a void within us that only God can fill, a yearning that the world cannot satisfy.

Imagine a fire

Imagine a fire, constantly fed with logs, day in and day out. Morning, noon, evening, and night, it burns. Anyone in need, whether for warmth or to cook, knows they can rely on that fire. Anyone lost in the middle of the wilderness sees the light and knows where to go for shelter and safety. They know they can show up at any time and find it ablaze.

This is because the person responsible for that fire is dedicated, and faithful to the task. This dedication is like in Luke 9:62, where Jesus reminds us, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  A person who understands who called him and for what he was called and offers a steadfast commitment to Him.

Now think of a believer

Now, consider the life of a believer who has surrendered their heart to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord with their whole heart. They’ve chosen a life of prayer and worship that goes beyond just singing and dancing, but a complete dedication to God. Imagine a young person walking faithfully in the direction the Holy Spirit guides, obeying His commands.

This life, fueled by faith and obedience, is like that fire. It is a source of warmth, a place where the Lord can always find a heart ablaze, ready to serve, to bless, and to bring freedom to others. He knows when a word needs to be sent, a rebuke made and a warning given, who can be reached for that. This is the kind of consistent burning we are called to live, reflecting the words of Romans 12:11-12 which urge us, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Remember Daniel. I know there is a lot about Daniel to learn from. The lions’ den, the life in the palace, and schooling with witches. But, I need you to think about when the “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” moment. Daniel 5, The king had hosted the party, people ate and were merry yet, everything about it was wrong. God wanted to pass judgement. The finger appeared and the words were written. But there was none to explain the meaning but Daniel. The man whom the spirit of the gods, light, wisdom, and understanding dwelleth.

Being in service, and being connected to and with God was what made Daniel relevant. The fire, the presence of God.

God’s Presence & an Ever-Burning Altar

The essence of this call resonates deeply within the scriptures, particularly in Leviticus 6:12-13: “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 fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” This passage speaks of how God established the fire on the altar and charged Moses to ensure it never ceased.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:6-8

This speaks to the constant, active presence of God in our lives, echoing the promise of Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The question for each of us is: How do we keep that presence, that holy fire, burning brightly within us?

Why Keep the Fire Burning? It’s Not About Us, It’s About Him

Keeping the fire burning is not for our own sake but for God’s. As believers, we are not called to live self-centred lives. Rather, we are vessels through which the Holy Spirit moves, manifests, and reaches others. We are here to be Christ-like, a light to both believers and non-believers. As Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

The flame within us is meant to shine, drawing others to the warmth and transformative power of God’s love. It’s easy, however, to let that fire fade. Just like the seeds in Jesus’ parable that fell on the path, rocky ground, or among thorns, our lives can become choked by the cares of this world.

We get distracted by worldly pursuits, chasing the “additions” while neglecting the very Kingdom of God we are called to seek, in line with the reminder in 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 

The Lord promised that if we seek His Kingdom first, all those additions will follow. It’s like focusing on the icing and the sprinkles, but forgetting the cake. Matthew 6:33 reinforces this: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Practical Steps to Fan the Flames (The Logs)

So, how do we maintain that fire, keeping it burning brightly? Here are some practical ways to fuel your spiritual life:

1. Consistent Prayer

 Prayer is more than just asking and begging; it is communication with God. It’s a space where we connect with our Creator, a dialogue that allows for expression about ourselves, God Himself, or even the needs of others. Begin by surrendering everything to God, believing that He is present, listening, and actively working in your life. This is where your faith finds its voice. This is where we take part in action in knowing what is said and happening and can be from the courts of Heaven. In the presence of God Himself.

The Bible is full of examples where prayer was the key to success and faith, like Daniel, a man of prayer, whose life was a testament to the power of communication with God (Daniel 6:10).

Remember prayer is not a ministry, it is a requirement for believers. To live under the guidance of the Lord requires constant communication, prayer is that channel. Jesus said, “And when you pray, ...” He didn’t say if you pray. Start praying. Go praying. Keep praying.

2. Worshipful Living

Paul also encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Worship is not confined to singing and dancing. It’s a life dedicated to honouring and glorifying God in every aspect of our being. Think of Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who chose worship over self-preservation (Daniel 3). Seek God’s presence in every moment, asking, “Will this please Him? Will this glorify Him?” Add to that by setting apart dedicated time for pure, heartfelt worship, letting your praise overflow in whatever form it may take.

As Romans 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Worship in thoughts. Worship in doing. And worship in being. Paul said in Philippians 4:8. ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

3. Be Anchored in the WORD of God

The Bible is our guide, our instruction manual. It reveals God’s heart, His promises, and His commands. Dive into the Scriptures daily, allowing the Word to shape and guide your thoughts, your actions, and your understanding of God. Too often, we pray not knowing that God has already spoken to us in His word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

The WORD which is alive and active works for anyone who believes. It judges, reminds, builds, teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains us to keep our focus on only one person, JESUS.

• “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

• “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23, NIV)

• “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

4. Always Remember to Fellowship with Believers

We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Gather with fellow believers, in church or personal gatherings. Together, we encourage, pray for, strengthen, and believe in each other. When two or more are gathered in His name, He is present, multiplying our faith and our power to do good (Matthew 18:20). 

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” And with the end days being, the love of many growing cold, the gatherings and fellowships become even more critical for the gospel and manifestation of God than we think. We need each other. Christ needs the body as a whole.

John 17: 21-23 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me

5. Live in Obedience

Your relationship with God requires your active participation. He wants to direct your steps. The Holy Spirit is constantly leading us in obedience, even in the smallest things. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and obey His leading. Learn to listen for His guidance and follow it wholeheartedly (John 14:15). The words of 1 Samuel 15:22 emphasize this point: “But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

6. Embrace and Understand Repentance and Forgiveness

Remember, life in Christ is about growth and a journey of continuous refinement. Practice humility and turn to God in repentance and forgive others, knowing His Grace is the foundation of everything we do, a gift that empowers us to walk with Him and with others with compassion (Ephesians 4:32). 1 John 1:9 reassures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

• 1 Peter 1:14 “As children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance” 
• Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men” 
• Luke 11:28 “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 
• John 14:21 “If you love Me, you will obey what I command” 
• James 1:22 “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him”
• John 3:22 “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him” 

Consistency: The Key to an Everlasting Fire

If you are to remember one thing about this post it will be consistency. For that is power, the work itself and the character of those under the lordship of Christ. To keep the fire burning, we must be watchful of our thoughts, words, actions, and feelings. Our thoughts lead to feelings, which drive our actions. Therefore, keeping a check on our thought life is crucial. We must constantly seek God’s face—when we wake, when we go to work, when we sleep. If He becomes the focal point, there will be grace and power to sustenance the being. It won’t feel like a duty or job but our being.

He is with us in every moment, and He desires to be a part of every aspect of our lives. Keeping that fire burning is not a single event but a daily commitment, a constant choice to live a life dedicated to God. Paul put it in simple words that require powerful commitment in action in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” 

We don’t know exactly when Jesus will return or when our own time on Earth will come to an end, therefore, a life of faith and dedication is always needed, as Matthew 24:42 tells us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Especially now that all the signs and prophesies are becoming. We do not want to be a log out of the fire, yes, the flame then.

Remember

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. The Lord is already within you; learn to listen to Him, obey Him, and commune with Him. It’s about pleasing Him, growing in Him, and manifesting Him through our lives. Our relationship with God is precious. Remember the Galatians and how they started in the Spirit (Galatians 3:3), let us finish in Spirit as well. Let our walk with Christ be our everything, letting His fire burn bright.

When that day comes, may the Lord find us standing firm, ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit. May we be found faithfully living out our calling, preparing ourselves through holiness, hunger for God, and intimacy in prayer. Additionally, Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:11-12

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Rom 12:11-12

When the Lord seeks someone in His presence for a mission to His children, may we be there to say “Yes, I’m here, Father”; “Lord your servant is here, speak”; “God, I am yours, send me”; “I’m ready to be used by you.”

Let us live each day fanning the flames within, ready to shine for Him, ready to serve and love and be a light to the world, reflecting the truth in 2 Timothy 1:6: “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” Grace is, salvation is, love is and so is His Presence. Above everything, our identity in Christ is for the glory of the Father. Living as a burning fire will bring many to glorify God and believe in Christ.

As you begin this new year, may it become our will to live and seek to follow God’s Will, keep on adding logs to our fire and burn continuously ready for service in the body of Christ. Intentionally. In everything, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Rom 12:11-12