Living on Fire For Christ

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Living on Fire For Christ

Keeping the Fire Burning (Leviticus 6:13)

When Ashton suggested this topic, I (Chris) felt so convicted. I thought I was “on fire,” and yet the Holy Spirit immediately showed me where that flame had dimmed.Leviticus 6:13 says:

“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”

The book of Leviticus points to Christ—the altar, the sacrifices—all foreshadow Him. And just as the priests kept the physical fire burning, we are instructed to keep the fire of our hearts burning: our devotion, passion, and love for God.

How Do We Keep the Fire Burning?

One comparison Scripture uses often is marriage. God calls Himself Israel’s husband; we are the Bride of Christ. Marriage is the closest earthly picture of our relationship with Him.So think about marriage—how do you keep a fire alive?

• Quality time

• Communication

• Devotion

• Serving one another

• Pursuit

• Expressing love and appreciation

We nurture a marriage intentionally, not passively. In the same way, we nurture our relationship with God.

Love Is Not a Feeling—It’s a Commitment

I (Ashton) think about how the world defines love—pure emotion, a temporary feeling. But biblically, love is commitment, obedience, devotion, and faithfulness.Every single thing we do in our spiritual walk is an expression of our love for God.

When I was first born again, I was full of zeal. Part of that was emotion—I was excited, relieved, grateful, and honestly disgusted by my old life. Everything was new. But feelings are inconsistent. If we only follow God when we feel like it, then of course our “fire” will flicker.

God is constant. And because He is constant, our devotion shouldn’t depend on our fluctuating feelings.

We must come back to the basics:

• Scripture

• Prayer

• Obedience

• Worship

• Community

• Removing what quenches the Spirit

As 2 Timothy 1:6 says:

“Fan into flame the gift of God.”

We can ask Him to reignite the flame anytime.

The Word of God Ignites Our Hearts

Luke 24:32 says:

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

God’s Word literally sets hearts on fire. Being in Scripture is one of the clearest ways to rekindle passion for God. It's Him speaking directly to us.

Someone once said, “The Bible is where God speaks to you, and prayer is where you love Him back.”I’ve never forgotten that.

Prayer—Our Love Language to God

Prayer is how we communicate with our Father. Psalm 116:2 (NLT) says:

“Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.”

What a picture—the Creator bending down to listen to the prayers of His children.

And Psalm 27:8 says,

“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”

God beckons us: “Come talk to Me.”

Prayer doesn’t have to be:

• fancy

• long

• perfectly worded

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. It’s conversation. It’s relationship.

We both shared moments where praying for someone made everything else around us fade—like stepping right into the throne room. Obedience to those Holy Spirit nudges often reignites our fire instantly.

Obedience—Proof of Love

Another major way to stay on fire is obedience.

Jesus said in John 14:21:

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.”

Obedience is not legalism; it’s love.It’s saying, “God, I trust You. I believe You. I follow You even when I don’t feel it.”

Sometimes when our fire feels dim, it’s because we’re living in disobedience or holding onto a sin we don’t want to surrender. sin creates distance.

And when we obey—even when it’s hard—God fans that flame again.

Serving—Love in Action

Serving God is like putting shoe leather on our love. It’s love expressed through movement.

James 2:18 says:

“I will show you my faith by my works.”

Romans 12:11 says:

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Serving others, using our gifts, stepping out in faith—these things spark passion. Just like in marriage, when you serve someone you love, affection grows.

Faithfulness—Staying Where God Placed You

Being faithful to what God has called us to do keeps the fire alive.

Matthew 25:21 says:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Sometimes the fire dims when we resist what God is asking of us. Chris shared how the Lord called her to open the bookstore. It didn’t make sense at first. But obedience and faithfulness to that calling actually deepened her love for God and her fire for Him.

Faithfulness says:“God, I trust You more than I trust my understanding.”

Returning to Devotion

Devotion is choosing God intentionally. It's laying aside our preferences, emotions, and convenience to say:

“I love You, Lord. I choose You today.”

We can drift so easily—our hearts are prone to wander. But devotion pulls us back. It reminds us that our lives are not about us; they’re about Him.

Closing Thoughts

Living on fire for God isn’t about hype or constant emotional highs.It’s about:

• consistency

• discipline

• relationship

• obedience

• worship

• remembrance

• love

The flame grows as we spend time with Him, talk with Him, obey Him, serve Him, and remember what He’s done.

He is faithful.He is constant.He is worthy of our devotion.

And when we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us.

🎧 Listen to Episode 24: "Living on Fire For Christ" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DyrKjsfYhNz0BqdCO0OOI?si=5u7M2S3CTea71XGXdFb8Ig (Need to update)

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