Day 8 – Keep The Fire Burning!

WEEK TWO FOCUS… CREATING SPACE FOR HIS voice

Week #2 is now underway and we have begun making space for God’s voice in our lives.  But how do we do this? We begin by keeping the Fire of God burning in our lives! The Word of God repeats over and again, the importance of maintaining a spiritual fire. The Word of God warns the believer, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.”

1 Thess 5:19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; NIV

We all want to be on fire for God. How do we do it? By following the strategies for keeping the fire burning.

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A “FIRE-PLACE”

2 Tim 1:6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. AMP

Paul exhorts the young pastor Timothy “to stir up the gift of God that is in you.” We all know that a fireplace equals a safe place to have a fire. It’s a place where you can put logs together and they share each others heat.

Believers need a place where their passion can burn brightly, where their passion is encouraged, and where the passion of one person, can enflame the passion of another.

The church is Gods gift of a fireplace to passionate Christians.

2. FOCUS YOUR FIRE

Rom 10:2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. NLT

Paul here is talking about the Jews who had yet to receive Christ. They had a passion for God, but it was misdirected.

Believers need a place where their passion can burn brightly, where their passion is encouraged, and where the passion of one person, can enflame the passion of another.

One thing that I have noticed about passionate Christians is they like to have their hands in a lot of pies. The problem is when passion is spread thin it does not make a great difference anywhere. We need to focus our fire in a way that it makes a greatest impact and influence.

3. FIRE CONSUMES: You will have to wrestle with weariness…

Whether we like it or not, the fire God has placed in us and as God uses us to make a difference in this world, we are consumed.

David makes it clear in, Ps 119:139 My zeal has consumed me, Because my enemies have forgotten Your words. NKJV

Passion like fire consumes, so we as Christians need to fight the weariness that results from God given passion.

The word of God gives a clue as to the cure in,

Isa 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord, Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. NKJV

4. FIRE NEEDS TO BE STOKED FROM TIME TO TIME.

The Habit of Re-evaluation: This is the simple practice of stopping at the end of our work and recognizing the value of your accomplishments. At the end of each day, the completion of each assignment, take a moment to look at what you have accomplished before attending to the next task.

Thank God for giving you the creativity and strength to accomplish your work in His name.

5. FIRE CHANGES ITS SURROUNDINGS

Determine that passion makes a difference. A Christian without passion is like a river without water. Passion energizes the Christian life. Passion gives us additional focus in life. Without the passion of God in our lives we will lead dull and draining existence.

Passion is one of the ways that God empowers our lives.

Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; NKJV

“Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” NLT

6. CONNECT WITH PASSIONATE PEOPLE

Fire needs to be fed in order to keep growing. If it is true that people affect how we live and walk, then it is true that if we spend time with people who are passionate about the Lord, it will cause our hearts to grow brighter.

Paul reminded his young apprentice Timothy about the power of people to affect his own flame.

2 Tim.1:5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. NKJV

7. PRAY FOR PASSION

God’s fire is a gift: 2 Tim 1:6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. NLT

How would Timothy do this? Prayer!

Col 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; NKJV

Earnestly, fervently, and vigilantly; these words speak of passion. Anything worthwhile, any good thought, any inspiration for songs, poems, music, any concern for people comes from this. PRAYER

Have you lost your passion for God? Have you stopped burning brightly for him?
Prayer and Fasting are the keys to restoring passion in your life.

- Sam Hinn