Keep the Flame Burning
Fire provides warmth in the cold, light in the darkness, protection from danger, and a signal to those searching for someone who is lost. In the same way the church cannot survive spiritually on programs, talent, tradition or knowledge alone. We need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The church was born in the flame and we cannot be satisfied to live in the smoke.
Moses encountered the flame of God when he thought the significant part of his life was over. He had spent forty years in Midian, keeping his father-in-law’s sheep on the far side of the desert. Then an ordinary day became a holy encounter. “The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush” (Exodus 3:2). The bush burned, but it was not consumed.
Moses had once tried to fulfil God’s purpose in his own strength. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew he looked “this way and that way,” killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand (Exodus 2:11–12). He looked around but he did not look up. Acting without God’s timing and method left him with failure to bury and consequences from which to run.
Midian appeared to be a place of obscurity but God used it as a place of preparation. Silence and solitude stripped away Moses’ confidence in himself so that he could learn confidence in God. Sometimes we need to turn down the noise before we can hear the voice of the Lord. What feels like delay may be the place where God is preparing us for our greatest season of usefulness.
When Moses noticed the burning bush he said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight” (Exodus 3:3). Nothing changed until he turned aside. God had been present but Moses had to stop, pay attention and listen. When the Lord called his name, Moses answered, “Here I am” (Exodus 3:4).
God is still speaking to ordinary people on ordinary days. The question is whether we are listening. Our schedules can be full while our spirits are empty. We can know church language, attend services and understand doctrine, yet neglect an active relationship with God. The Lord is not merely someone to learn about. He can be known and experienced.
God told Moses, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). Moses’ calling began in reverence. Before he could stand before Pharaoh he had to kneel before God. Before he carried a message into Egypt he had to receive a word in God’s presence. When we have spent time on holy ground, we can stand faithfully in difficult places.
Moses felt inadequate and asked, “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11). God answered his insecurity with His presence: “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Then God revealed His name, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). The assignment did not depend upon Moses being enough. It depended upon the great I AM going with him. God would be present before Moses arrived and He would be everything Moses needed.
Perhaps you feel burned out, overlooked or disqualified by past mistakes. Remember that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). God uses imperfect vessels so that the glory clearly belongs to Him. Your scars do not surprise Him and your season in the desert has not placed you beyond His reach.
The flame of God did not end with Moses. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptise His people “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). On the Day of Pentecost, a sound from heaven filled the house, tongues like fire rested upon the believers and “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1–4). The church was born through a genuine encounter with God’s Spirit.
Peter declared the response to the gospel: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). This promise is not reserved for a select few. Jesus said that the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13).
In Ephesus Paul met sincere disciples who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. He taught them more fully, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul laid hands on them, “the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:1–6). Sincerity did not make them resistant to further truth. Their hunger made them ready to receive everything God had promised.
If you have never received the Holy Spirit, the promise is for you. Repent, believe, ask and open your heart to God. If you have received the Spirit, do not live only on the memory of yesterday’s encounter. Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” within him (2 Timothy 1:6). There is a fresh touch for every weary believer and renewed fire for every fading flame.
The purpose of the fire is not merely to make us feel something in a service. Jesus promised, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome sin, courage to speak about Jesus, compassion for broken people, and spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ. The flame within us must become light for someone who is lost.
We live in a dark world but “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This is not the time to hide or survive on the ashes of former revival. We still need the fire.
As this month of devotions concludes, do not let your commitment to the mission conclude with it. Turn aside again. Listen for God’s voice. Return to holy ground. Let Him renew your calling and fill you afresh. Then carry His flame into your home, workplace, school, neighbourhood and every place He sends you.
A Spirit-filled church should become a rescuing church. Fire signals that help is available. Let your worship, holiness, compassion, testimony and courageous witness point people towards Jesus. We need the fire to survive but God gives us the fire so that others can be saved. Keep the flame burning.
TODAY’S RESPONSE
Set aside unhurried time today to turn aside and seek God. If you have not received the Holy Spirit, ask Him in faith and speak with a pastor or mature believer who can pray with you. If you have received the Spirit, ask God to fill you afresh. Then contact one person who needs hope and offer to pray with them or invite them to learn more about Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, draw me back to holy ground. Forgive me for relying on my own strength or yesterday’s experience. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Give me power to overcome sin, courage to witness and compassion for the lost. Let Your presence burn brightly through me so that others may find salvation in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.