Post by Tabitha3319 on Sept 3, 2021 10:55:06 GMT -5
I want to have a biblical list on how to stay on fire for God.
First, why do we want to be on fire for God? What does that even mean?
Jesus warns in the Laodicean church in Revelation that those who are lukewarm will be spewed out of the mouth of God.
The terms hot, cold, and lukewarm here refers to the amount of zeal the congregation has.
Our God is a consuming fire. We want to be like Moses' burning bush that was alive and in flames but not consumed. We want to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God as our reasonable service. We want to be a sweet savour to the Lord.
(Revelation 3:15-17 and 19, Hebrews 12:29, Exodus 3:2, Romans 12:1, Genesis 8:21)
It is so important to have oil in our lamps like the five wise virgins. Jesus, the bridegroom came to invite virgins to the wedding, but the five foolish were left behind because they had no oil in their lamps and went to buy some when Jesus came.
(Matthew 25: 1-13)
So how do we remain on fire and keep our lamps burning? Let's look at a few ways.
1. God's Word
Jesus said we should live on God's Word. It is spiritual fuel and sustenance. It is alive and sharper than any twoedged sword and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. We should meditate on it day and night for the sake of our own success.
Practically, this can look like having Youtube read you books of the Bible on audio. It can look like reading the Bible first thing in the morning and memorizing during free time in the evening. There is even a bible memory app that is helpful.
Either way, what is important is to make the Word of God a priority because that is we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. It's how we get to know God and it's our weapon against the enemy. Jesus defeated Satan's temptation using the Word of God.
(Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, Romans 12:2, Matthew 4)
2. Get rid of sin in your life
Jeremiah 18:8 says
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
I can't say it better than James 4:8
James 4:8
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
I want to be as honest as possible because this is a controversial point. I didn't recieve blessings from God until I realized that obedience was a requirement for me to be a true disciple of Jesus. If you don't think it is, I encourage you to refer to point one and simply read the Bible without prior theological commitments. With fresh eyes, just read through it and you will see that obedience is not as optional as popular teachers are saying.
The grace of God is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). That is turning from sin.
The more you prioritize seeking God, the less you will want to do or think anything that will get between you and God.
3. Godly Friends and Influences
Bad company corrupts good morals. Ungodly people will ruin your salt and light faster than you will make them Godly by your friendship.
God calls us to be separate from those who practice evil. We want to stay on fire for God. But friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God.
(1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 6:17, James 4:4)
I had to cut out certain music as it was too lustful. I cut out any artists who are anti-God in their lifestyles and words.
I cut out steamy romance fiction. That was a snare for me.
If you question whether its serving you in your walk with Christ, it usually has to go.
On the flip side, someone who is Godly can really stir up your desire to be Godly in all qreas of your life. When you see how blessed they are in their callings, it can really light that fire of motivation for you to stay with the things of God.
4. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize
When you first wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you do?
Is it looking at your smartphone, like I used to do?
What if you made the first thing you did, a God thing? Even if that meant getting up a bit earlier?
Everyone has different schedules but there is tremendous blessing in seeking God first.
The battle is on the moment we wake up and it's up to us to be dilligent in seeking the Lord.
The idea is to be continually adding fuel to the fire, so to speak, so that were ready to witness and serve the Lord effectively.
5. Help someone else
We were saved to witness and do good works.(Ephesians 2:10)
Give to others who ask without expecting anything in return. Be active in your local church. Volunteer. Give generously of your time, heart, and resources. Tell someone about Jesus. Tell them He loves them and that He died for them.
Think actively about how you can help others, especially those that live with you and are close to you.
When we seek the Lord daily, God will bless us so compound the blessing by giving to others.