Jul 14 – A Life Set on Fire

“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. … The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.” (Proverbs 26:20, 22)

For a fire to continue burning, wood must continually be added to it. In the same way, if the fire of God’s love is to keep burning in your heart, you must continually speak to others about Christ.

The Lord said: “Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” (Jeremiah 5:14)

When Elijah desired fire to come down from heaven, he gathered all the people to Mount Carmel. Calling them, he said, “Come near to me,” and all the people drew near to him (1 Kings 18:30). Then Elijah arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces, laid it on the altar, and prayed. The Scripture records: “Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.” (1 Kings 18:38)

Even today, the Lord desires to send His fire. He longs to pour out heavenly fire in your heart and among His people, proving once again that He alone is God. He desires to baptize His children with the fire of the Holy Spirit. More than that, He longs for that fire to keep burning. “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)

Peter once stood in the house of Cornelius and preached the Gospel. Many Gentiles had gathered there like wood prepared for the fire. As Peter proclaimed the living and life-giving Word of God, the fire of the Spirit ignited among the people. “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)

This is a season of the fire-anointing. It is a time when the Lord is pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. The measure of His fire and anointing continues to increase throughout the nations.

Yet two things are necessary: First, the fire must fall. Second, once it has fallen, it must continue burning. Concerning the altar, God commanded: “A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13) The priest was required to place fresh wood upon it every morning. Likewise, we must daily feed the spiritual fire through prayer, worship, meditation on God’s Word, and faithful witness.

Children of God, come daily before the Lord who is Himself a consuming fire. Stand before Him with expectation. He is the One who causes you to shine, fills you with the fire of the Holy Spirit, and has promised to make His servants flames of fire.

As you wait before Him, the fire that rests upon Him will surely come upon you.

Verse for further meditation: “I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; and my sorrow was stirred up. My heart was hot within me; while I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue.” (Psalm 39:2–3)