Scripture: Leviticus 6:12–13 (KJV)
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” — Leviticus 6:13
Introduction: Fire must be maintained
In the Old Testament, the altar was central to Israel’s worship. The priests were instructed to keep the fire burning. They could not assume yesterday’s fire would take care of today’s responsibility. It had to be tended continually.
Our walk with God also requires attention. A powerful service can stir your heart, but spiritual growth is not sustained by one meeting, one conference or one emotional moment. We need a life of prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience and fellowship with God.
1. Return to the place of meeting with God
Prayer is not simply a programme on the church calendar. It is a relationship with our Father. When prayer disappears from our daily life, other voices can begin to dominate our thoughts and decisions. We become quick to react and slow to seek God’s wisdom.
Return to a realistic, consistent time of prayer. Start with a manageable period if you have become inconsistent. Speak honestly to God, thank Him, confess your sins, intercede for others and listen as you read His word. Consistency matters more than making promises you cannot sustain.
2. Put fresh wood on the altar
The priests had work to do. In the same way, we must make choices that nourish our spiritual life. Set aside distractions during prayer. Choose a Bible-reading plan. Attend worship faithfully. Build relationships with believers who encourage obedience. Do not expect spiritual hunger to grow while you continually feed every other appetite and neglect your soul.
Fresh wood also means fresh obedience. If God has shown you an area that needs correction, respond. We cannot ask for greater fire while refusing to obey the light we already have.
3. Remove what contaminates your devotion
Holiness is not about pretending to be perfect. It is about belonging to God and turning away from what pulls us into sin. Bitterness, dishonesty, secret compromise and unrestrained habits can weaken our devotion. Bring these matters into the light through repentance, accountability and wise support.
Do not confuse a busy church schedule with intimacy with God. You can serve in many departments and still need to restore your private walk. Ministry activity must flow from a life that is being formed by the Lord.
4. Keep the fire burning beyond the service
The test of a spiritual encounter is what happens afterwards. Does your patience improve? Do you forgive more readily? Are you more faithful with your responsibilities? Does the word of God influence how you treat your family and handle money? Spiritual fire should produce spiritual fruit.
We need both the gathered church and personal devotion. Worship together, learn together and serve together. Then carry that same devotion into the home, workplace, school and community.
Practical response
- Choose a daily time and place for prayer this week.
- Read a portion of Scripture and write down one action to obey.
- Remove one distraction that regularly steals your devotion.
- Reconnect with church fellowship and serve faithfully.
Prayer
Lord, restore my hunger for Your presence. Forgive me for the times I have neglected prayer and Your word. Teach me to maintain a faithful altar in my daily life. Let my worship become obedience, and let my devotion produce love, holiness and service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to action: Do not wait until you feel on fire to seek God. Return to Him today, and keep tending the altar.
BCICHURCH | Nemoto Zvinonaka
bodyofchristinternationalchurch.org.zw