Study the bible. Psalm 119:105,”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God’s word speaks directly to His people. The bible is alive and living. It has survived generation after generation of persecution. When I feel my fire for God is dimming, I am reminded of the people that died for His word. I am reminded that these are God’s love letters to His children. I have to make it a priority to study my bible. I can’t just read one scripture, but I have to sincerely study. I know time is a crunch for most of us, but if I am pressed for time, it is usually because I have filled my load too full. Our light should not need to be ignited if we are keeping His word in our hearts and mind. Being confused or bored while reading doesn’t mean you don’t have a fire for God. We must ask God to show us what He wants us to learn from His word daily. It is different for everyone and every circumstance. I can read the same scripture or chapter one day and then the next and find different nuggets of truth God has for me. If you are new to studying the bible or if you just need some support there are plenty of commentaries or app’s that will help you. I am currently using the Bible app. Check it out!

Journal my experiences with God. I also like bible journaling. I have always loved journaling, so this is something that I do on a regular basis. I pen down my thoughts about the scriptures I have read that day and my prayer and praises to God. Before I was married, I had my dates with God where I would take a blanket, bible, journal, and pen down to a meadow and have a picnic with God. I would dine on the bible with God. I may not be able to have as many dates with God now, but I still try to go somewhere quiet and visit with God. It is hard to find somewhere quiet with 4 guys in my house, so I have become creative with these places.

Find somewhere to serve. Sometimes we just need to be the hands and feet of God to fan the flame. God has called us to serve others and to show His love toward others. So, pray about where God can use you. There are several ministry opportunities within the church and outside the church. You could be a greeter at church, serve food at a shelter, mow lawns, or visit the widows and widowers. Seeing others’ needs will put your eyes back on God.

Fill empty thoughts throughout your day with conversations with God. I have battled with anxiety and distraction for some time now, and one of the main issues I had was my thoughts. I would spend a lot of my time worrying about things that were out of my control. I started talking to God about everything during the times my mind started to wonder about those anxieties. I do this continuously throughout the day. Any time a negative thought enters my head or a random fear or scenario plays in my head, I talk to God. I talk to Him because not only is He my Father, Savior and Redeemer, but He is my friend. Sometimes I do this out loud, and my students look at me like I am crazy. If they ask, this craziness gives me the opportunity to talk to them about who I am talking to.

Pray every night and morning. This was simple advice from my PawPaw. I remember him doing this every night when I was growing up. I asked him why one day and he simply replied, “I want to start off the day on a good foot and end on one too.” A few years later he and I had another conversation about prayer because I was mad at myself for always falling asleep while praying at night. He laughed and said that it meant I was in perfect peace with God. He said that praying myself to sleep made God happy. I know it made me happy. It keeps me longing to be in God’s presence even more.

In essence, in a world full of distraction and temptations we are tempted to hide our flame of God or to let it grow dim. We need to remember if we are faithful and persevere we are promised a crown of life. James 1: 2-4 and 12 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let the patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The question is “Do you love God?”