Pastor Rob Bray | 10-12-25

A thriving spiritual life isn’t something that just happens; much like tending a campfire, it’s the result of intentional choices and daily devotion. At the core of spiritual growth is the question: what does it take to keep the fire burning inside, especially when the initial spark from God’s presence seems to fade with time? Rather than waiting for some external event or another spiritual high, the answer often lies in everyday effort—stoking the embers of faith through practical devotion and discipline.

Tending the Spiritual Fire

Think about the fire pit after a night with friends: even the most sophisticated setups need tending. Without feeding the flames, the fire goes out. It’s the same with spiritual passion. Many people feel their zeal for God waning and blame circumstances or even God Himself. However, what if the real responsibility rests with each individual to nurture and protect their spiritual fire? As the apostle Paul urges, fan into flame the gift God has placed within—don’t expect it to burn on its own.

Devotion and Discipline: The Roots

The journey begins with devotion—being committed to Jesus—and discipline, which means doing the hard work even when it isn’t easy. Just as grace is a free gift, the stewardship of that gift involves effort. A life ablaze with spiritual purpose comes from consistently choosing devotion and making space for spiritual discipline every day.

Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline, serves as a foundation for understanding this dynamic. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning favor from God; rather, they’re about opening space for Him to transform us, even in a distracted world. The disciplines become a pathway to deeper intimacy and expanded passion, rather than a burdensome checklist.

The Fire of Intimacy: Prayer

Prayer stands as the fundamental spiritual discipline—a fire of intimacy with God. It’s more than just a list of requests; it’s relationship, humility, and connection. Jesus modeled structured times of private prayer as well as spontaneous moments of intimacy. Prayer transforms hearts and reorients minds, offering continual shelter from life’s storms. It’s not about strict routines, but about nurturing a rhythm—whether in the morning, at noon, or before bed, prayer keeps the embers alive.

Practical applications make prayer accessible:

• Create a daily rhythm—morning, midday, and night.
• Keep a prayer journal to track answered prayers and ongoing conversations with God.
• Walk and pray, incorporating movement and reflection.
• Turn anxieties into prayers in the moment, embracing ‘interruptive prayer’.

Prayer isn’t just another spiritual chore; it’s the oxygen for a vibrant relationship with God, providing true relief and peace.

The Fire of Inspiration: Scripture

Scripture acts as the kindling for spiritual flames. It’s not just a book, but a sacred library—fifty-six books bound together, each designed to fuel inspiration and transformation. The word of God is energy for the soul, a fire “shut up in the bones” ready to ignite spiritual growth. History testifies to believers who sacrificed so others could carry the word with them, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.

To keep this fire burning:

• Read slowly and reflectively, not just to finish a plan.
• Ask what each passage reveals about God, about oneself, and what should be obeyed.
• Memorize Scripture to keep truth alive in the heart, using apps or Bible quizzes to deepen engagement.

Scripture study moves beyond reading; it includes meditation and memorization. Letting truths soak deep transforms mindsets, much like embers reigniting into flames when fueled.

The Fire of Impact: Service

Service is the log that fuels a lasting fire. Spiritual life isn’t meant to be contained—it’s meant to spread, impacting others in the process. Active service disciplines the heart, helps defeat pride, and grounds faith in tangible love. Sometimes feelings of spiritual apathy stem from isolation; serving in community places believers among others who stoke each other’s flames.

Put this into practice by:

• Finding one hidden way to regularly serve in the family, church, or community.
• Choosing connection over isolation, even when it’s challenging.
• Serving without seeking recognition, letting love become visible and practical.

Service connects faith to action, allowing spiritual fire to overflow and touch others.

The Abundance of Spiritual Disciplines

Beyond prayer, scripture, and service, there are many spiritual disciplines available to fan the flame of faith. Foster’s framework highlights inward, outward, and corporate disciplines—from simplicity and solitude to worship, confession, evangelism, and hospitality. There are tools for every season of life and every kind of spiritual need.

If the fire feels weak, perhaps it’s time to try something new. Among the many disciplines—journaling, meditation, fasting, stewardship, celebration—there’s always an avenue for spiritual renewal.

Choose One, Fan the Flame

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all that’s available, pick one discipline to focus on this week. Maybe it’s starting a prayer journal, memorizing a new passage, or serving another person quietly. These daily choices, carried out with intention, build a life ablaze with purpose and passion.

A life on fire for Jesus is never an accident; it’s built day by day through devotion and discipline. Explore the full sermon for deeper teaching and practical tips to grow in spirit-empowered living.