LEVITICUS 6:12–13 “And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.”
KEYWORD: God may choose and call a man, but what becomes of that calling depends greatly on how that man responds to God’s grace.
Every fire that is lit has the tendency to burn out unless it is continually tended. So it is with the spiritual life of a believer. God has deposited gifts, grace, and purpose within you, but you have a responsibility to remain connected to the source of that fire. Do not allow your spiritual fire to grow cold. The Holy Spirit demands fellowship from us because He is both the source and sustainer of spiritual fervency. God may choose and call a man, but what becomes of that calling depends greatly on how that man responds to God’s grace. Without fellowship with the Holy Spirit, zeal can quickly fade and passion can diminish. Even being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a substitute for daily fellowship with Him. There must be a lifelong walk with the Spirit because He is the One who continually supplies strength, wisdom, and fire. When a believer begins in the Spirit but attempts to continue by the flesh, as Galatians 3:3 warns against, spiritual decline becomes inevitable. Never allow yourself to drift into such a condition. Maintain your fellowship with the Holy Spirit at all times.
One sure way to maintain your fire is by cultivating an atmosphere of worship and fellowship with God. As you minister unto the Lord from a heart of reverence and thanksgiving, your spirit is strengthened. The Scripture says, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). As you remain in worship and fellowship, the Spirit of God begins to impart wisdom and understanding. You gradually come to a place where your judgments are no longer governed by outward appearances but by spiritual discernment. Your confidence in God grows stronger and your dependence on men decreases. Men may inspire you, encourage you, and even guide you, but they must never become the source of your fire. If a man becomes the reason you serve God, that same man may become the reason you stop serving Him. Let your zeal, passion, and devotion flow continually from your relationship with God. He alone is the source that never runs dry. In this new month and throughout the remaining part of the year, cultivate a deeper fellowship with God and remain fervent in the place of prayer and service. Shalom!
PRAYER:
Dear precious Holy Spirit, thank You for Your breath upon my life. Fan into flame every spark of faith, purpose, and calling within me. Let my love for You grow deeper each day so that my life becomes a light that reflects Your glory to the world. Help me to maintain fervent fellowship with You and to keep my spiritual fire burning continually, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
MATTHEW 3:11–12 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
2 TIMOTHY 1:6 “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”