Rekindle the Fire
October 22, 2021
Last weekend I enjoyed a delightful reunion with a group of people I treasure. We stayed at an Airbnb with an outdoor pool – and a firepit. I LOVE a campfire, especially on a chilly October evening. So, of course, we kindled a fire every night and enjoyed its warmth. Someone dug a napkin out of the trashcan, sent the children to find small sticks, and with the help of a lighter, we began the slow process of going from a tiny flame to a fire capable of cooking our supper.
This morning in my devotional, I read 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 fat of the fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”
It was an important job to tend the altar – the responsibility of the priest. That’s because the flame represented God’s presence to the people of Israel.
How easy it is to add a log to a hot bed of coals. In just a few moments, the flame reignites. But how difficult it is to build a fire by adding a log to cold ashes. Nothing happens at all. A new bed of kindling must be built – a source of fire must be reintroduced. The job of the priest was much easier, and the fire much brighter, if he tended to his job faithfully.
God no longer requires us to make animal sacrifices as part of our worship because Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Therefore, there’s no longer a fire in our church that needs to be tended.
Or is there?
God teaches us in the New Testament that when we believe in Jesus – choose to live our lives in obedience to Him – we become priests who offer spiritual sacrifices to God. He builds a fire within us that offers light and warmth to the world around us which draws others to the love of God.
How do we build that fire?
God himself builds that fire when we offer Him our lives. He requires his children to bring our own kindling – a splintered, broken heart that recognizes our need for cleansing from sin. Jesus brings the spark of forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit brings the crackling flame to life. Before long, a warm fire invites long talks with our Creator, Redeemer, and friend.
But when we don’t spend time there, the fire goes out.
Maybe it’s time for us to have our own reunion – each of us personally with our God. Bring your kindling. He’s been waiting there.
And tomorrow remember how much easier it is to add a log to a hot bed of coals….
Verses to study on this topic: I John 1:9; Psalm 51; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:35; John 14:26; Hebrews 10:1-18; I Peter 2:4-5.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today, I have been going through some things in my life that was making my hard harden towards a friend because she hurt me, I knew it was wrong but I just put a wall up between me and her not realizing that I had put the wall up between me and God too, yesterday I had my eyes opened and today He sends me this, I have truly been humbled before God. Thank you for all you do you are an inspiration.
Andrew Murray: “In commerce, in study, in war, it is so often said there is no safety but in advance. To standstill is to go back. To cease effort is to lose ground. To slacken the pace, before the goal is reached, is to lose the race. The only sure mark of our being true Christians, of our really loving Christ, is the deep longing and the steady effort to know more of him. Let us press on.” ♥️
Or Is it, just as simple as the once sung simple song that we sang as children, that should be sung today, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine or do we hide it under our own bush so that we do not have confrontation with others?
Brenda, you are so right!! It’s easy to want to hide right now because it’s not very popular to talk about our faith in God. But God warned us that would happen a long time ago….
Amen Patty! Don’t stop sharing the truth – we’ve got to let the Holy Spirit blow on the fire and stir us up. 🙂
Susan, God knows your pain and cares enough to help you see the truth. I pray you feel the warmth of forgiving love today as you spend time with the Lord. He’s amazing.
I think this is so spot on! Our Pastor has been speaking about alters and getting back to the alters. Whether it is the alter at church or the alter in our home or the alters of our own hearts. We also need to be at the alters for our church family and friends to carry one another’s burdens. Keeping the fire burning speaks to me- I feel that I have lost my fire or let my flames get so low – this is exactly what I needed to hear for my heart to find it’s flame again. In life we get busy and make “things” a priority, and avoid spending time with the savior. Thank you Lora for sharing!
Lora, I loved this reminder to keep the fires burning! I’m happiest when my heart burns with love for the Lord! Too many times we quench the fire of the Holy Spirit within us…instead of letting the flame of his Spirit burn brightly…prompting us and directing us to love and to good works….we ignore the moving of the Spirit and the embers start to grow cold. praise God, He never gives up on us! Thank you for your encouragement today Lora!
Love your devotion. Thank you!
Your faithfulness to share the Lord’s touches on your heart continues to bless me still. Such an apt message especially in light of time spent in front of a glowing fireplace with our eldest son, David, on his 36th birthday, the 18th of October. Seeing the Lord’s answer to my momma heart as He surrounds our 1st child with Christ followers. My prayer that he will know God’s true love for him and not the tainted witness my sins portray. Understandably put off by my speaking of God’s goodness when actions were in fact hurtful. I am grateful for God’s forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to heal David’s heart. To bring him once again to know the precious fellowship of his Savior.
Blessed so much to have spent many hours together relaxing together, finding joy in being in front of the fire together. Meeting his friend who loves him and the Lord and lifts David up in prayer.
Lora, thank you for reminding me that my relationship with Jesus stays warmer, closer, more intimate when I spend quality time with Him. He’s always there, waiting for us.
Thank you everyone for your comments!
Mary Lou, I pray that all of us find that place of rest before the warm fire with our families in the near future! I love that you had time with your son!
Tammy, I think it’s a lifelong journey of stirring up the fire in our hearts. Lots of things threaten the flames. Sometimes people dump a whole bucket of water on it! But God always calls us away to that quiet place of warmth with him. If only I would always listen!!
Linda and Belinda, I agree. It only takes ignoring the prompting of the spirit. That alone douses our flames! Lord, give me ears to hear! I’m so grateful He never gives up on me. And I’m even grateful for when He bops me upside the head to get my attention!
Jody, I miss you! We need to get together!