Lev. 6:8-13; 2 Cor. 4:16

The priests had many tasks. Among them stood one supreme duty. The fire on the altar, the eternal flame on which sacrifices were offered to God, was not to go out.

There is a spiritual sense in which this challenge to keep the fire burning on the altar of our heart remains true and binding on all who believe. The fire that glows warmly on the spiritual hearth of the Christian must not go out.

One Fire Extinguisher Is Exhaustion (Mk 6:30-31).

    Many Christians run their lives on empty and struggle with exhaustion.

    Fire needs fuel.

A Second Fire Extinguisher Is Neglect (Heb 2:1).

    Neglect to clean out the ashes of sin and the fire will go out.

    That which becomes routine, we take for granted and neglect.

    Neglect is a slow, gradual process which gradually extinguishes the flame of devotion.

A Third Extinguisher Is Compromise (I Pet 5:8; 2 Cor 11:14).

    There is a wide difference between healthy flexibility and unhealthy compromise in integrity and values.

    Do not underestimate the devil as the enemy of your life in Christ.

    Do not underestimate the power of God.

    Compromise can quench the flame, dimming both the vision and the desire for God.

Eight Rules to Keep the Fire of Faith Burning

    Keep your whole self fully yielded to God. Put God first in your time, talents, and treasure.

    Study the Bible and pray as regularly as you feed your body.

    Get involved in a small group for spiritual accountability.

    Live by faith; don’t place too much importance on feelings.

    Overcome temptation. It is a test of character not sin in itself.

    Joyfully tell others what God is doing for you.

    Avoid those who criticize and gossip about others. Bad company corrupts good character.

    Get busy working for Jesus. Be involved in a ministry.