Keep the Fire Burning

Have you ever experienced a time in your Christian walk when you felt like you just didn’t have the same vigor, excitement, or passion from when you first believed? Have you ever wondered, “Lord, what happened?” If you’re a new Christian, I’m sure you’re probably flying off the ceiling fan with excitement, and I think that is totally awesome! I absolutely love it! However, to those of you reading who have been in this for a while, have you ever been there before? Well, no matter where you are today, join me for a few minutes while we talk about how to ignite your passion again and keep the fire burning until Christ returns.

Listen. When you begin to lose your passion, you have to think back on what happened or caused you to get to this place? No doubt, we all experience moments when things are just not as exciting as they used to be. Yet, when we discover this problem (and yes, it is a problem), that’s when we have to dig deep within our hearts and see why we’re feeling this way. You have to begin to ask questions like, “What’s going on with me? How did I get here? How do I get that fire and zeal back, Lord?”

It’s important to know the answers to these questions, so that you can get back to that place when you were steadily on fire for Him…and you know what being on fire for the Lord looks like in your life. Whenever I’ve felt the fire beginning to grow a little dim in my life, I’ve been reminded of Jesus’ words in Revelation 3:15-16 which says, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (NLT) Wow! That’s some pretty tough words, but I totally understand. It jolts me whenever the Holy Spirit quickens me with it, because it reminds me that Jesus loves me and wants me to stay on fire for Him. I mean, think about it. Not many people like things that are lukewarm, right?

Point of fact: I can remember a recent time when I went to get a pedicure, because I really needed to get my toes done. Yet at the same time, I was a little tired and really needed a break from the everyday routine. So I got in the chair and laid back and was so ready to take my mind off of the day. Well, when the woman began running the water, it was lukewarm. Yuck! Not only did she run lukewarm water, but she didn’t put in the disinfectant cube. So as I sat there watching the water get higher and higher, I was beginning to get a little agitated with the situation. But then suddenly, I was quickened by the Spirit to maintain godly character, but at the same time to ask her about the disinfectant and to change the water temperature.

To make a long story short, she did it with the help of her counterparts. And when the water began to get hotter and hotter, I was like, “Ah, yes! Thank You, Lord!” The other part to this story is that the woman sitting next to me said that her water wasn’t even lukewarm, but that it was cold. After I told them about my water, she asked them to run hot water for her as well. And her expression was similar to mine, “Ah… that feels so much better.” You know, at that moment, that’s when I began to think about how the Lord wants us to be. He wants our lifestyles to be hot for Him. He doesn’t want us to be cold or lukewarm. Yuck!

Keep in mind, Jesus stated that when we’re lukewarm, He will spit us out of His mouth! Ouch! But the reason why He's saying this is because He doesn't want us to live a double-life or a life in habitual sin. Once we notice that something is thrown off in our walk with the Lord, that's when we have to check ourselves and get it right with the help of the Holy Spirit. Let' s go deeper. The Scripture goes on to say in Revelation 3:18-19 and 22, “I advise you to buy gold from me-gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so that you will not be ashamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference…anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Jesus is saying in this passage that He wants us to be rich in Him, while not being consumed and dependent on the riches here on earth (see verse 17). He wants us to be strong in Him through the tests and fiery trials of life, so that He can purify us as gold and make us ready for His use and for His glory. He also wants us to make sure that our garments (lifestyles) are clean and unspotted, so that we won’t be ashamed when we stand before Him one day like Adam and Eve were when they were banished from the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23). And finally, He wants us to open our eyes to see the things that displease Him and look to Him for help. These are all His corrections to those He loves. Are you getting this, sis?

Remember when I asked the woman at the spa if she was going to put in the disinfectant cube in my water? Well, the word disinfectant means to destroy harmful bacteria or viruses, etc. In a way, that’s just what Jesus is doing for us today? He’s letting us know that any indifferences that we have going on inside of us needs to be destroyed. He’s showing us through the Scriptures that He loves us and wants us to make sure that we are hot and on fire for Him in spite of our circumstances or how we feel.

Time is running out. So if you're feeling a little lukewarm today or you know someone who is, then I would encourage you or that person to ask the Lord to renew your passion and light your fire again. We have to be like the five wise bridesmaids illustrated in Matthew 25 and keep the oil in our lamps, so that we will be ready when our bridegroom comes for us (read Matthew 25:1-13). Wherever you are at this point in your life, I want you to keep pressing, keep praising, keep praying, keep reading your Word, keep helping others, keep being faithful, keep loving on Jesus, and stay refreshed in the Lord no matter what comes your way. Whatever you do…keep the fire burning!

Jude 1:24, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy…”

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*For this blog post, I’m asking the women reading this to take a moment to answer one of these two questions:

1.) Have you ever lost your fire? If so, what happened and how did you get it back?

2.) If you feel like you’ve lost or are losing your fire, what got you to this place?

The answers to these questions can help others be set free…including you.

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! And don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]