“The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out” (Leviticus 6:13)
It is much easier to keep the flame burning than to try to rekindle it after it has gone out. So it is with our spiritual life. God calls us to remain in Him with constancy, feeding the fire with obedience, prayer, and faithfulness. When we tend the altar of our hearts with daily zeal, the presence of the Lord remains alive and active within us, without the need for constant new beginnings.
Forming a habit of devotion takes time and requires effort at first, but when this habit is established upon the magnificent commandments of God, it becomes part of who we are. We begin to follow the Lord’s path with lightness and freedom, for obedience no longer feels like a burden, but a joy. Instead of always returning to the beginning, we are called to move forward, to mature, to advance toward what the Father desires to accomplish in us.
The Father blesses and sends the obedient to the Son for forgiveness and salvation. May you choose today to keep the fire burning—with discipline, with love, and with perseverance. What began as effort will become delight, and the altar of your heart will continue to shine before God. -Adapted from A. B. Simpson. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows.
Pray with me: My Lord, teach me to keep the flame of Your presence alive within me. May I not be inconsistent, nor live in highs and lows, but remain steadfast, tending the altar that belongs to You.
Help me to cultivate holy habits with zeal and faithfulness. May obedience be a constant path in my daily life, until following Your ways becomes as natural as breathing.
Oh, beloved Father, I thank You for showing me the value of keeping the fire burning. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is the pure fuel that feeds my devotion. Your commandments are living flames that illuminate and warm my heart. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
